COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Aerospatiale (Socata) TBM 700 Series Aeroplanes
AD/TBM 700/3 Rudder Skin 1/94
Applicability: Model TBM 700 aircraft with serial numbers 1 through 19, 21, 22, 25 through 34, 38,
39, 46, 49, 50, 52, 53, 57, 59, 61 through 63, 67, 68, and 71 through 75.
Requirement: Action in accordance with Socata TBM 700 Service Bulletin 70-027-55.
Note: DGAC AD 93-178(B) refers.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 6 January 1994.
Background: The DGAC determined that unbonding between the rudder skin and the rear spar could occur unless certain actions are instigated.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, was enacted to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft in Australia. This legislative instrument, known as AD/TBM 700/3, addresses a particular safety issue identified with the Aerospatiale (Socata) TBM 700 Series aeroplanes, particularly regarding the rudder skin. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) introduced this directive to mitigate the risk of unbonding between the rudder skin and the rear spar, which could potentially compromise the aircraft's structural integrity and operational safety. The policy objective is to ensure that affected aircraft meet specific maintenance requirements to prevent this issue, thereby enhancing overall aviation safety. Compliance with this directive is mandatory for the specified model and serial numbers within 100 hours of time in service after 6 January 1994.
This legislative instrument was enacted by the Parliament of Australia through CASA, which is responsible for enforcing the regulations and ensuring adherence to airworthiness standards. The problem identified was the potential for unbonding between the rudder skin and the rear spar in certain TBM 700 series aircraft, necessitating immediate action to prevent safety risks. The directive references DGAC AD 93-17-8(B) and mandates compliance with Socata TBM 700 Service Bulletin 70-027-55 to address the identified issue effectively.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, applies to all Aerospatiale (Socata) TBM 700 Series aeroplanes with the specified serial numbers, mandating adherence to Airworthiness Directives (AD) as outlined. This legislation is applicable to the maintenance and operational standards of these particular aircraft models, ensuring they meet safety and airworthiness criteria set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this regulation is comprehensive, applying to all operations within Australia, governed by the Commonwealth’s civil aviation laws. The directive extends to any person or entity involved in the operation, maintenance, or modification of the affected aircraft, ensuring compliance with the specific requirements within the stipulated timeframe. The regulation does not specify exclusions or exemptions, indicating a broad application unless otherwise defined by subordinate instruments or further clarifications. This directive is an essential component of maintaining safety standards in Australia's civil aviation sector, ensuring that the identified aircraft meet specific maintenance and operational criteria to prevent unbonding between the rudder skin and the rear spar.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of this legislation, specifically AD/TBM 700/3, require that certain Aerospatiale (Socata) TBM 700 series aeroplanes undergo a specific action to ensure airworthiness. This requirement is outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105 (subparagraphs 39.105(1) to 39.105(5)). The regulation mandates that specific models of the TBM 700 aircraft, identified by serial numbers 1 through 19, 21, 22, 25 through 34, 38, 39, 46, 49, 50, 52, 53, 57, 59, 61 through 63, 67, 68, and 71 through 75, must comply with the action specified in Socata TBM 700 Service Bulletin 70-027-55. This action is necessary to prevent unbonding between the rudder skin and the rear spar, a condition identified by the DGAC in AD 93-178(B). The compliance period for this directive is within 100 hours of time in service after 6 January 1994.
The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act on the parties or entities it governs are straightforward. Operators of the specified TBM 700 aircraft must ensure that the mandated action in accordance with Socata TBM 700 Service Bulletin 70-027-55 is carried out within the stipulated timeframe. This involves following the detailed procedures and specifications outlined in the Service Bulletin to rectify the identified issue. Operators must also ensure that all maintenance and modification activities are carried out by qualified personnel and are documented appropriately. Failure to comply with these directives could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, thus placing both the operator and passengers at risk.
Civil and criminal consequences for non-compliance with the AD/TBM 700/3 directive are significant. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce compliance with the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. If an operator fails to adhere to the requirements of this directive, CASA may take enforcement action, which could include fines, suspension or revocation of an operator certificate, or other regulatory penalties. The exact penalties depend on the severity and frequency of the non-compliance. In criminal terms, operators who knowingly or negligently allow an aircraft to operate in a non-compliant state could face prosecution, resulting in fines and imprisonment. The potential maximum penalties for such offences are substantial, reflecting the serious nature of aviation safety regulations.