AD/TB20/33 - Upper Attachment of Front Seat Belts

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes a directive aimed at maintaining the safety of the Aerospatiale (Socata) TB20 (Trinidad) Series Aeroplanes. The regulation, identified as AD/TB20/33, targets the upper attachment of the front seat belts, requiring compliance with Socata Service Bulletin 10-103-25. This directive applies to a defined range of serial numbers, from 1 to 1701, 1707 to 1750, 1758 to 1763, 1767, and 1769, and mandates that actions be taken within 50 hours of time in service or 30 days from 14 August 1996, whichever comes first. The objective is to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the seat belts, as referenced in DGAC AD 96-14-3(A), thereby enhancing overall aviation safety. This regulation was enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, the relevant body responsible for ensuring the safety standards in Australian civil aviation. The enactment of this directive by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority addresses the identified problem of ensuring the upper attachment integrity of the front seat belts in the specified aircraft models, thereby mitigating potential safety risks associated with compromised seating and restraint systems. The policy objective is to maintain high standards of airworthiness and to safeguard the lives of passengers and crew by enforcing strict compliance with safety directives.

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 mandates that certain aircraft meet particular safety standards. In this context, the regulation applies to Aerospatiale (Socata) TB20 (Trinidad) Series Aeroplanes with specific serial numbers, namely S/Nos. 1 to 1701, 1707 to 1750, 1758 to 1763, 1767, and 1769. The directive requires compliance with Socata Service Bulletin 10-103-25, which addresses the integrity of the upper attachment of the front seat belts. Compliance is necessary within 50 hours of time in service or within 30 days after 14 August 1996, whichever comes first. This regulation applies across the Commonwealth of Australia and ensures that the specified aircraft meet stringent safety standards, with the aim of enhancing the safety and reliability of civil aviation operations within the jurisdiction.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, contain a Schedule of Airworthiness Directives that address various aircraft safety issues. One such directive, AD/TB20/33, pertains to the Aerospatiale (Socata) TB20 (Trinidad) Series Aeroplanes (sections 1 to 1701, 1707 to 1750, 1758 to 1763, 1767, and 1769). This directive mandates that action be taken in accordance with Socata Service Bulletin 10-103-25, referencing DGAC Airworthiness Directive 96-143(A) (section 1). The primary requirement is to ensure the integrity of the upper attachment of the front seat belts (section 1). Compliance with this directive is necessary within 50 hours of time in service, or within 30 days from 14 August 1996, whichever comes first (section 1). The Act imposes several obligations on the parties governed by it. Firstly, aircraft operators must ensure that the specified aircraft fall within the serial number range mentioned in the directive (section 1). Secondly, these operators are required to implement the actions outlined in Socata Service Bulletin 10-103-25 to address the upper attachment of the front seat belts (section 1). Additionally, operators must adhere to the compliance timeline, ensuring that the required actions are completed within the stipulated period (section 1). Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/TB20/33 may result in various consequences. Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 mandate penalties for non-compliance, although the specific penalties are not detailed in this directive. Generally, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to severe civil penalties, including fines and potential grounding of the aircraft. Furthermore, operators who fail to comply with these directives may face criminal charges, resulting in imprisonment, especially if the non-compliance leads to safety incidents or accidents. The exact penalties and consequences would depend on the severity of the breach and any subsequent investigations by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.