AD/TB10/24 - Fin Intermediate Rib Attachment

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as part of the broader legislative framework governing civil aviation in Australia, include specific directives aimed at ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. One such directive, AD/TB10/24, addresses the issue of fin intermediate rib attachments in Aerospatiale (Socata) TB9 and TB10 (Tobago) series aeroplanes. Enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, this directive was introduced to address the problem of rivets in the fin intermediate rib attachment being susceptible to working and loosening, which could compromise the structural integrity of the aircraft. The policy objective is to mandate compliance with Socata Mandatory Service Bulletin 10.083.55, ensuring that all affected aircraft are serviced to mitigate this risk. The directive references DGAC AD 94-248(A) and applies to model TB9, TB10, and TB200 aircraft with specific serial numbers. This legislative instrument, issued by the Commonwealth of Australia, underscores the importance of maintaining stringent safety standards in civil aviation. By addressing the specific issue of rivet integrity in certain aircraft models, the Civil Aviation Regulations aim to prevent potential safety hazards and ensure the reliability of air travel. Compliance with this directive is mandatory for the specified aircraft, reflecting the overarching goal of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to uphold high safety standards across the aviation industry.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates the application of Airworthiness Directives for certain aerospatiale (Socata) aircraft models. The directive AD/TB10/24 applies to the TB9, TB10 and TB200 series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 1 to 1609. The primary requirement outlined in this directive is that the fin intermediate rib attachment must be addressed in accordance with the Socata Mandatory Service Bulletin 10.083.55. This is necessitated by the discovery that the rivets in this area are prone to working and loosening. This directive is a response to DGAC AD 94-248(A) and must be adhered to unless the action has already been completed as specified in the Requirement Document. This regulation is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and applies across the Commonwealth of Australia, thereby ensuring a consistent standard of safety and maintenance for these specific aircraft models within the national airspace.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105 and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, contain provisions related to the maintenance and safety of Aerospatiale (Socata) TB9 and TB10 (Tobago) Series Aeroplanes. Section AD/TB10/24 pertains to the fin intermediate rib attachment. This section applies to model TB9, TB10, and TB200 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 1 to 1609. The requirement outlined in this section mandates that actions be taken in accordance with Socata Mandatory Service Bulletin 10.083.55. The directive references DGAC AD 94-248(A) for additional context and compliance details. The background information provided explains that the rivets attaching the fin intermediate ribs have shown a tendency to work and loosen over time. In terms of obligations and requirements, the Act imposes several responsibilities on the parties involved. Owners and operators of the specified aircraft must ensure that the fin intermediate rib attachment rivets are checked and, if necessary, replaced or repaired in line with the Socata Mandatory Service Bulletin 10.083.55. This ensures that the structural integrity of the fin is maintained, thereby enhancing the safety of the aircraft. The compliance requirement dictates that any necessary actions must be completed unless they have already been addressed as specified in the Requirement Document. This is crucial for ensuring that all aircraft meet the safety standards set by CASA. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/TB10/24 can result in significant consequences. The Act delineates offences related to non-compliance, which may include both civil and criminal penalties. In civil terms, aircraft that do not meet the specified airworthiness requirements may be grounded, leading to operational disruptions and financial losses for operators. Additionally, CASA has the authority to issue enforcement actions, which can include fines and other penalties. Criminally, individuals or entities found in breach of these regulations could face prosecution, with maximum penalties potentially including substantial fines and imprisonment. The severity of these consequences underscores the importance of adhering to the directives to maintain aviation safety standards.