Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR) represent a pivotal piece of legislation enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 of the CAR establishes a schedule of airworthiness directives aimed at maintaining and enhancing aviation safety standards. One such directive, AD/TSA-600/43, pertains to Aerostar (Piper/Ted Smith) 600 and 700 Series Aeroplanes, addressing the critical issue of fuselage horizontal stabiliser attachment fittings. This directive was introduced in response to a reported instance of a significant crack in the fitting, which could potentially lead to catastrophic failure. The directive mandates a stringent inspection protocol for all models up to and including Airframe Number 0849.13/95 TX, requiring an initial inspection within a specified timeframe and subsequent inspections at intervals not exceeding one year. The policy objective here is clear: to ensure that any identified defects are rectified before they can compromise the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. The enactment of these regulations by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) underscores a commitment to rigorous safety oversight within the Australian aviation industry. The directive’s requirement to inspect and replace any cracked fittings immediately before further flight highlights the authority's proactive approach to mitigating risks. This regulatory measure was designed to address a specific gap in aircraft maintenance protocols, ensuring that the identified structural issues are systematically addressed and resolved, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the aircraft and the well-being of those on board.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate the application of Airworthiness Directives for certain aircraft models to ensure safety. In this instance, AD/TSA-600/43 applies to Aerostar (Piper/Ted Smith) 600 and 700 Series aeroplanes, specifically all models up to and including Airframe Number 0849.13/95 TX. The directive requires the inspection of the forward and aft fuselage horizontal stabiliser attachment fittings, P/N 210006-001 and 210007-001, in accordance with Aerostar Service Bulletin SB600-130. This inspection must be carried out initially before 5 hours of time in service after 16 October 1995 and then at intervals not exceeding one year. Any fitting found to be cracked must be replaced before further flight. The directive is backed by CASA’s recognition of the potential catastrophic consequences of fitting failure, underscoring the critical nature of this safety requirement.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates certain safety directives for Aerostar (Piper/Ted Smith) 600 and 700 series aeroplanes. According to section AD/TSA-600/43, all models up to and including Airframe Number 0849.13/95 TX must undergo an inspection of the forward and aft fuselage horizontal stabiliser attachment fittings, identified as P/N 210006-001 and 210007-001. This inspection is to be conducted in accordance with the instructions provided in Aerostar Service Bulletin SB600-130, a copy of which is accessible at CASA District Offices. The initial inspection must occur before 5 hours of time in service after 16 October 1995, with subsequent inspections required at intervals not exceeding 1 year. Any fitting found to be cracked must be replaced before further flight. It is critical to note that the compliance time for this directive differs from the information provided in Aerostar SB600-130. The obligations imposed by this legislation require that the owners and operators of the specified Aerostar aeroplanes ensure the forward and aft fuselage horizontal stabiliser attachment fittings are inspected according to the specified schedule and using the instructions from the Aerostar Service Bulletin SB600-130. This involves the initial inspection before the aeroplane accumulates 5 hours of service time after the directive's effective date and subsequent inspections not more than once a year thereafter. Operators must also replace any fitting that shows signs of cracking before the aeroplane is flown again. The directive is clear in its requirement for timely compliance to prevent potential catastrophic failure of the fitting. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/TSA-600/43 may result in significant consequences. While the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly outline specific offences or penalties for non-compliance with this directive, the overarching regulatory framework under which these regulations operate implies serious repercussions. Non-compliance could potentially lead to enforcement actions, including fines and other civil or administrative penalties. Additionally, the safety implications of ignoring such directives could result in criminal liability under broader aviation safety statutes, which may include imprisonment and substantial fines if the non-compliance is found to have contributed to an aviation accident or incident.