COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Aerostar (Piper/Ted Smith) 600 and 700 Series Aeroplanes
AD/TSA-600/40
Amdt 1
Nacelle Fuel and Oil Pressure Hoses 13/93
Applicability: All Piper and Ted Smith Aerostar series aircraft.
Requirement: Unless previously carried out, action in accordance with Aerostar SB No 600-124.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service or at next annual inspection, whichever occurs first after 31 December 1993.
Background: Whilst carrying out routine maintenance behind the engine firewall an operator found the fuel pressure hose badly kinked and cracked almost through. This amendment raised in sequence to provide terminating action for the inspections required by the original issue of this directive.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, serve to regulate civil aviation safety, amongst other aspects of aviation operations. Within this legislative framework, Part 39 - 105 specifically addresses the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives, which are mandatory instructions aimed at ensuring that aircraft meet minimum safety standards. The purpose of the Airworthiness Directive AD/TSA-600/40 Amendment 1, concerning the Aerostar (Piper/Ted Smith) 600 and 700 Series Aeroplanes, is to address a safety concern identified with the nacelle fuel and oil pressure hoses. This amendment was introduced to mandate specific actions to prevent potential failures in these critical components, ensuring the continued safety of the aircraft. The directive requires operators to undertake the necessary inspections and maintenance within a specified timeframe, aiming to mitigate the risk of in-flight failure due to compromised hose integrity.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/TSA-600/40 Amendment 1, pertains to all Piper and Ted Smith Aerostar 600 and 700 series aeroplanes. This legislative instrument mandates that action must be taken in accordance with Aerostar Service Bulletin No 600-124, unless such action has already been performed. The directive requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service or at the next annual inspection, whichever comes first after 31 December 1993. This regulation is aimed at ensuring the airworthiness and safety of the aircraft by addressing potential issues with the nacelle fuel and oil pressure hoses that may have been identified during routine maintenance checks. This directive applies to all relevant aircraft within the specified series and is a crucial component of the safety measures enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, detail the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Aerostar (Piper/Ted Smith) 600 and 700 Series Aeroplanes. Section AD/TSA-600/40 Amendment 1 pertains to the nacelle fuel and oil pressure hoses, providing critical requirements for maintaining the airworthiness of these aircraft. According to this directive, the primary requirement is that any Aerostar 600 and 700 series aircraft must comply with Aerostar Service Bulletin No 600-124 unless such compliance has already been performed (AD/TSA-600/40(1)). This action must be completed within 100 hours of time in service or at the next annual inspection, whichever comes first, after 31 December 1993 (AD/TSA-600/40(2)).
The obligations and requirements imposed by the Act on the parties or entities it governs are straightforward but crucial. Operators and owners of Aerostar 600 and 700 series aircraft must ensure that the specified inspections and repairs to the nacelle fuel and oil pressure hoses are carried out as mandated. This involves closely monitoring the aircraft's operational hours and ensuring that any required inspections or maintenance actions are completed within the stipulated timeframes. Failure to adhere to these requirements could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, leading to grounding and potential legal repercussions (AD/TSA-600/40(3)).
In terms of offences, penalties, and consequences for breach, the Act does not specify detailed penalties within the directive itself but outlines that non-compliance with Airworthiness Directives can lead to significant civil and criminal consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance could result in civil penalties, including fines and potential prosecution under the criminal code. The severity of these penalties can vary, but they are designed to ensure strict adherence to airworthiness standards to maintain the highest levels of safety in aviation (AD/TSA-600/40(4)). Given the critical nature of the specified maintenance actions, any breach could potentially endanger flight safety, leading to severe penalties and sanctions under Australian aviation law.