Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the legislative instrument F2006B07190, address a specific safety concern related to Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes. Enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, this regulation aims to ensure the airworthiness of these aircraft through the implementation of safety directives. Specifically, the regulation targets the wing centre section of the SA226T model with serial numbers ranging from T201 to T217, requiring a modification to improve venting. The objective is to ensure compliance within 100 hours of time in service or three months from 31 July 1972, whichever comes first, to mitigate potential safety risks associated with the specified aircraft model. This directive is part of a broader effort by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to maintain high standards of aviation safety across the industry.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all entities and persons involved in the operation of Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes, particularly those with serial numbers within the specified range (T201 to T217 for the SA226T model). This legislation is designed to ensure that these aircraft meet the necessary safety standards through mandated modifications. The geographic reach of this regulation is national, as it pertains to the safety directives enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) throughout Australia. Compliance with these directives is mandatory and must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service or within three months from 31 July 1972, whichever comes first. The regulation extends its application through subordinate instruments, which may further detail the compliance requirements and enforcement measures. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in this specific directive, meaning that all affected aircraft must adhere to the specified modifications to maintain their airworthiness.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, establish a schedule of airworthiness directives that govern the maintenance and modifications required for certain aircraft types. For instance, the Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 Series Aeroplanes are subject to Airworthiness Directive AD/SWSA226/5, which mandates a specific modification to the wing centre section to improve venting (section 105). This directive applies to Model SA226T with serial numbers ranging from T201 to T217 and references Swearingen SB 57-30-3021.7/72 as the document outlining the required compliance steps. The compliance period necessitates that the specified modification must be completed within 100 hours of time in service or within three months of the directive's issuance, whichever comes first, after 31 July 1972. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and require compliance from the aircraft operators or owners. They must ensure that the specified modification to the wing centre section is performed by qualified personnel, adhering to the guidelines provided in the referenced document. Failure to comply with the stipulated timeframe can result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, potentially leading to grounding of the aircraft until the required modifications are made. Additionally, operators must keep records of compliance and any inspections or maintenance actions taken in accordance with the directive. Failure to adhere to the provisions of Airworthiness Directive AD/SWSA226/5 can result in significant legal and operational consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce compliance through various means, including audits, inspections, and the issuance of penalties or directives. Non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions such as fines, suspension or revocation of aircraft certificates, and other administrative measures. In severe cases, criminal charges may be brought against individuals or companies that deliberately ignore the requirements, potentially leading to imprisonment or substantial fines. It is imperative for operators to take the directive seriously and ensure timely compliance to avoid these potential repercussions.