AD/TB10/28 - Upper Attachment of Front Seat Belts

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly within Part 39, address various safety directives and requirements for civil aviation operations in Australia. One such directive, AD/TB10/28, pertains specifically to Aerospatiale (Socata) TB9 and TB10 (Tobago) series aeroplanes, focusing on the upper attachment of front seat belts. This directive was enacted to address safety concerns regarding the structural integrity of the seat belts in these aircraft models. The objective is to ensure that the upper attachment of the front seat belts maintains its integrity, thereby enhancing the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, with a specified timeframe for adherence to the required modifications or actions outlined in the directive. The enactment of this directive by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) reflects a commitment to maintaining high safety standards within the aviation industry. The directive's focus on ensuring the structural integrity of seat belt attachments is aimed at preventing potential failures that could compromise safety during flight. The compliance period mandates that the specified actions be completed within a certain timeframe, underscoring the urgency and importance of these safety measures.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, address the Aerospatiale (Socata) TB9 and TB10 (Tobago) series aeroplanes through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. This regulation applies to specific serial numbers of these aircraft, namely S/Nos. 1 to 1701, 1707 to 1750, 1758 to 1763, 1767, 1768, and 1769. The legislation mandates actions to ensure the integrity of the upper attachment of the front seat belts, following specific procedures outlined in Socata Service Bulletins 10-104-25 and 10-103-25 for TB9 aircraft, depending on whether the upper duct post is upholstered or not. The directive also references DGAC ADs 96-142(A) and 96-143(A). Compliance with these requirements must be achieved within 50 hours of time in service or within 30 days from 14 August 1996, whichever occurs first. This legislation applies on a national level under the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring safety standards are met across the aviation industry within Australia.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), specifically Part 39 - 105, includes an Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning the Aerospatiale (Socata) TB9 and TB10 (Tobago) Series Aeroplanes. This directive, AD/TB10/28, pertains to the upper attachment of front seat belts (paragraph 1). It applies to certain serial numbers of the TB9 aircraft, as well as TB10 and TB200 aircraft (paragraph 2). The directive mandates actions in accordance with Socata Service Bulletins (SB) 10-104-25 and 10-103-25, depending on whether the upper duct post is upholstered (paragraph 3). These actions are necessary to ensure the structural integrity of the seat belt attachments. Compliance with these directives is critical for maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft. The obligations imposed by AD/TB10/28 are straightforward yet essential. Operators of the specified TB9, TB10, and TB200 aircraft must ensure that the upper attachment of the front seat belts is addressed according to the relevant Socata Service Bulletin. For TB9 aircraft without upholstery on the upper duct post, the action must be in accordance with SB 10-104-25. Conversely, for those with upholstery on the upper duct post, the action must follow SB 10-103-25. These actions must be completed within 50 hours of the aircraft being in service, or within 30 days from 14 August 1996, whichever comes first (paragraphs 3 and 4). This timeframe is crucial for ensuring the safety and compliance of the aircraft in question. Breaches of the requirements outlined in AD/TB10/28 can lead to significant consequences. While specific civil or criminal penalties are not detailed in the legislative instrument, non-compliance with airworthiness directives generally carries substantial ramifications. Such consequences can include the grounding of the aircraft, which may result in significant operational disruptions and financial loss for the operator. Furthermore, severe non-compliance could potentially lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which may include fines or other regulatory sanctions. Ensuring adherence to these directives is therefore not only a legal obligation but also a critical safety measure. It is important to note that AD/TB10/28 references DGAC ADs 96-142(A) and 96-143(A), which are related to the same issue of seat belt attachment integrity (paragraph 3). These references underscore the international nature of the safety concern and the collaborative efforts among aviation authorities to address it. Operators must be aware of these related directives to fully understand the scope and importance of the required actions. Compliance with these directives is not just a matter of meeting regulatory requirements but is fundamental to ensuring the safety of passengers and crew on board these aircraft.