Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the Legislative Instrument F2006B07307, introduce specific airworthiness directives aimed at enhancing the safety of civil aviation. This legislation, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, was introduced to address issues of aircraft safety, particularly for Aerospatiale (Socata) TB9 and TB10 (Tobago) series aeroplanes. The policy objective is to ensure that these aircraft meet stringent safety standards through regular inspections and modifications. The regulation requires the inspection and modification of the elevator/elevator tab control attachment, as outlined in AD/TB10/5, to prevent the risk of play in the tab rod/lever attachment which could compromise flight safety. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority mandates that all models of TB9 and TB10 with serial numbers up to and including Socata TB SB No. 24 Modification No. 48.4/85 TX comply with the specified requirements. The regulation necessitates an inspection and modification before further flight after 22 February 1985 and mandates subsequent inspections at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. This directive is crucial to maintaining the operational safety of the aircraft and ensuring compliance with civil aviation safety standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, mandates specific airworthiness directives for the Aerospatiale (Socata) TB9 and TB10 (Tobago) series aeroplanes. These directives apply to all models TB9 and TB10 with serial numbers up to and including those specified in Socata TB Service Bulletin No. 24, Modification No. 48.4/85 TX. The primary requirement is the inspection and modification of the elevator/elevator tab control attachment to mitigate the risk of play in the tab rod/lever attachment, a condition that Socata has identified as a safety concern. This directive is applicable to any operation of these aircraft, necessitating compliance before further flight after 22 February 1985 and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. The regulations are enforceable across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring a uniform approach to maintaining the airworthiness of these aircraft throughout the country. The scope and application of this directive are limited to the specified models and serial numbers, with no stated exclusions or exemptions in the provided text.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39, Section 105, includes the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which governs the maintenance and operation of various aircraft types, including the Aerospatiale (Socata) TB9 and TB10 (Tobago) series aeroplanes. Section AD/TB10/5 of this schedule focuses on the elevator/elevator tab control attachment and mandates an inspection and modification for all models of TB9 and TB10 aeroplanes with serial numbers up to and including a certain range. The directive aligns with Socata TB SB No. 24 Modification No. 48.4/85 TX and requires compliance before further flight operations, specifically after 22 February 1985, and at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. The background to this directive highlights Socata's warning about the potential risk of play in the tab rod/lever attachment, which necessitates this inspection and modification to ensure the safety of the aircraft. The obligations imposed by this directive on the parties or entities it governs are clear and stringent. Owners and operators of the specified TB9 and TB10 aeroplanes must ensure that the elevator/elevator tab control attachment is inspected and modified in accordance with Socata TB SB No. 24 Modification No. 48.4/85 TX. This requirement is not limited to a one-time action but must be repeated at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of flight time. The directive mandates that these inspections and modifications take place before further flight operations, underscoring the importance of maintaining airworthiness standards. Failure to comply with these obligations could result in significant safety risks, as the directive is directly addressing a known issue that could affect the aircraft's control and stability. The consequences for non-compliance with the requirements set out in AD/TB10/5 are both civil and potentially criminal. While the specific penalties are not detailed within the text, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations can lead to severe outcomes. Civil penalties can include fines and other administrative sanctions, while criminal penalties can range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity and intent behind the non-compliance. Additionally, the non-compliance could result in the grounding of the affected aircraft, which would have immediate and significant operational impacts on the owner or operator. Ensuring adherence to these regulations is therefore crucial not only for compliance but also for the safety of all personnel involved in the operation of the aircraft.