COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 107 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Supplementary Equipment
AD/SUPP/8 Towing Release System 1/86
Applicability: All towing release systems used in aircraft not covered by a system of maintenance approved pursuant to Air Navigation Regulation 43 - (3).
Requirement: 1. (a) Ensure that the cockpit control has full and free movement.
(b) Check that the release mechanism is clean.
(c) Check for visible signs of damage or wear of the release mechanism.
(d) Perform a functional check.
2. (a) Clean and lubricate the hook mechanism.
(b) Check the beak and other parts for wear.
(c) Check the condition of operating levers, cables and pulleys.
(d) Test the ability of the system to return to a safe over-centre position of the mechanism. The return force as measured at the activating lever of the hook shall not be less than 20N (Newton) (2 Kg force).
3. Remove the release assembly and overhaul in accordance with the manufacturer's data and instructions.
Test that the pilot effort is less than 200N (20 Kg force) with a 4.5kN (450 Kg force) load applied to the release anywhere in a 30 degree cone.
Compliance: For para 1. Daily whilst engaged in towing operations.
Note: This AD is to be recorded in Part 1 of the Maintenance Release.
The inspection may be accomplished by the pilot in command, in which case he shall enter and certify for this AD in Col 2 Part 3 of the Maintenance Release on each occasion.
For para 2. Prior to issue of the next Maintenance Release after 28 February 1986 and thereafter at each issue of a Maintenance Release.
For para 3. Prior to issue of the next Maintenance Release after 30 June 1986 and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 1000 hours time in service or 1 year, whichever occurs first.
Note: Towing release mechanisms may be overhauled by a GFA approved Inspector in accordance with the requirements contained in the relevant Airworthiness Directives issued by the GFA. The overhaul status of the towing release assembly must be adequately documented.
Background: The requirement for towing release system maintenance has not been adequately addressed in the past.
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 107 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, establish a comprehensive framework for ensuring the safety of civil aviation in Australia. This legislation was enacted to address the need for stringent safety regulations in the rapidly evolving field of civil aviation, aiming to protect both the public and the industry from potential hazards. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) administers these regulations, with a policy objective to ensure the highest standards of safety in air travel. One particular aspect of these regulations is the Airworthiness Directives (ADs), which mandate specific actions to maintain the airworthiness of aircraft. The ADs are designed to address identified safety issues and ensure that all aircraft and their components are maintained in a safe condition. The problem of inadequately maintained towing release systems in aircraft not covered by an approved maintenance system was identified, prompting the introduction of these specific ADs to rectify this issue.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 107, governs the airworthiness directives concerning supplementary equipment, such as towing release systems, in aircraft not covered by a system of maintenance approved under Air Navigation Regulation 43 - (3). This regulation mandates specific checks and maintenance procedures to ensure the operational safety of towing release systems, a critical component for aircraft involved in towing operations. The regulation applies to all towing release systems utilised in the specified aircraft, and the maintenance requirements are detailed to ensure the systems remain functional and safe for operation. Compliance involves regular inspections, functional checks, and periodic overhauls of the release systems, which must be documented and certified in the aircraft’s Maintenance Release. This comprehensive approach aims to mitigate past issues of inadequate maintenance and ensure the highest safety standards are met in civil aviation.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly in Part 39 - 107, mandate specific procedures and requirements for maintaining the airworthiness of towing release systems used in aircraft not covered by a maintenance system approved under Air Navigation Regulation 43(3). Section AD/SUPP/8 outlines these requirements in detail. First, it necessitates ensuring the cockpit control has full and free movement, checking the release mechanism for cleanliness, visible signs of damage or wear, and performing a functional check (section 1). Additionally, it mandates cleaning and lubricating the hook mechanism, inspecting the beak and other parts for wear, evaluating operating levers, cables, and pulleys, and testing the system's ability to return to a safe over-centre position with a minimum return force of 20N (section 2). Finally, it requires the removal and overhaul of the release assembly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, followed by testing the pilot effort under specific conditions (section 3).
These provisions impose several obligations on the parties involved. For instance, operators must ensure that the cockpit control functions properly and the release mechanism is free of contaminants and damage. They must also perform detailed inspections and functional tests on the towing release system. Furthermore, operators are required to clean, lubricate, and inspect various components of the system, ensuring that all parts are in good condition and operational. The regulations also mandate a comprehensive overhaul of the release assembly at specified intervals and require meticulous documentation of the overhaul process. Compliance with these requirements is crucial to maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the towing release systems.
Failure to adhere to these provisions can lead to significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance with these airworthiness directives. However, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Safety Authority regulations can generally result in enforcement actions, including fines, suspension or revocation of aircraft operating certificates, and potential criminal charges for more severe breaches. The exact penalties depend on the nature and severity of the non-compliance, and enforcement actions are typically taken to ensure the highest safety standards in aviation operations.