AD/TB20/25 - Autopilot Master Switch

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted by the Australian Parliament to regulate civil aviation safety and other related matters, ensuring that aviation operations within Australia are conducted safely and efficiently. Among its various provisions, Part 39 - 105 specifically addresses the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes directives for maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft. One such directive, AD/TB20/25, pertains to the Aerospatiale (Socata) TB20 (Trinidad) Series Aeroplanes, specifically addressing the issue of the autopilot master switch to mitigate the risk of a short circuit. The policy objective behind this directive is to enhance the safety of flights by ensuring that the autopilot systems of the specified aircraft models are reliable and free from electrical faults that could compromise flight safety. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be completed before the next Maintenance Release following 28 February 1992. This requirement is intended to promptly address potential safety hazards, ensuring that all affected aircraft are modified in accordance with Aerospatiale SOCATA Service Bulletin No 60, as referenced by DGAC AD 91-145A. The directive underscores the commitment to maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation and the proactive measures taken by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to prevent accidents and ensure the safe operation of aircraft within Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which applies to the maintenance and operation of aircraft within Australian airspace. This particular directive, AD/TB20/25, concerns the Aerospatiale (Socata) TB20 (Trinidad) series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 275 to 1222, and those equipped with certain autopilot options, namely 668, G668, 669, G669, 670, or G670. The directive mandates compliance with Aerospatiale SOCATA Service Bulletin No 60, which addresses the risk of short circuits at the autopilot master switch, as referenced in DGAC AD 91-145A. Operators and owners of the specified aircraft must adhere to these requirements, ensuring the action is completed prior to the next Maintenance Release following 28 February 1992. This regulation is applicable to all relevant aircraft operating within Australian jurisdiction, and compliance is necessary to maintain airworthiness standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, establishes a schedule of airworthiness directives that govern the maintenance and operation of certain aircraft. Under this schedule, Aerospatiale (Socata) TB20 (Trinidad) series aeroplanes are subject to a particular directive concerning the autopilot master switch. Section AD/TB20/25 addresses this directive, which applies to all TB20 and TB21 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 275 to 1222 that are equipped with certain autopilot options, specifically 668, G668, 669, G668, 670, or G670. The directive mandates that affected aircraft must comply with the action specified in Aerospatiale SOCATA Service Bulletin No 60. This action is intended to mitigate the risk of a short circuit at the autopilot master switch. The note in the directive refers to the French civil aviation authority's directive (DGAC AD 91-145A) which aligns with this requirement. The compliance deadline for this directive is set to be before the next maintenance release following 28 February 1992. The obligations imposed by this airworthiness directive are clear: operators of the specified TB20 and TB21 series aircraft must ensure that the required modifications or inspections are performed on the autopilot master switch as outlined in the referenced service bulletin. This involves adhering to the detailed instructions provided to eliminate the potential for a short circuit, thereby enhancing the safety of the aircraft. Failing to comply with the requirements of this airworthiness directive can result in significant legal and safety consequences. While the specific penalties for non-compliance are not explicitly detailed in the directive itself, under the broader framework of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions. These actions may include fines and potential grounding of the aircraft. The severity of the penalties can vary depending on the extent of the non-compliance and its impact on aviation safety.