AD/VAT/17 - Elevator Centre Hinge - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, serve to regulate various aspects of civil aviation safety across the country. This legislation, under Part 39, specifically addresses Airworthiness Directives to ensure the safety of aircraft in operation. One such directive, AD/VAT/17, targets Victa and A.E.S.L. Airtourer Series Aeroplanes, specifically addressing modifications to the elevator centre hinge. This directive aims to rectify identified safety issues by mandating compliance with specified modifications, such as those outlined in Victa Service Bulletin No. 31 or Victa Modification B99, before a particular compliance date of 1 September 1971. The overarching policy objective of these regulations is to enhance the safety and reliability of civil aviation through stringent airworthiness standards and directives.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to the Victa Airtourer 100 and 115 aeroplanes, detailing the airworthiness directives for elevator centre hinge modifications. This regulation is pertinent to aircraft manufacturers, maintenance providers, and operators of these specific models, ensuring that they comply with the modifications outlined to maintain safe operational standards. The directive applies to all aircraft of the specified models within the Australian jurisdiction, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The requirement for compliance applies to aircraft that were manufactured before 1 September 1971, with modifications to be evidenced by Victa Service Bulletin No. 31 or Victa Modification B99. The regulation does not explicitly mention any exclusions or exemptions, suggesting a broad application to all relevant aircraft within the specified date. Subordinate instruments or further clarifications may be referenced to extend or provide additional detail on the application of this directive.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), specifically under Part 39 – 105, contain detailed provisions concerning the airworthiness directives for various aircraft models. For the Victa and A.E.S.L. Airtourer Series Aeroplanes, AD/VAT/17 focuses on the elevator centre hinge modification for the Victa Airtourer 100 and 115 models (section 5/64). The directive mandates that these aircraft must comply with either Victa Service Bulletin No. 31 or Victa Modification B99 before 1 September 1971 to ensure they meet safety standards. The Act imposes specific obligations on the owners or operators of Victa Airtourer 100 and 115 models. They are required to ensure that their aircraft adhere to the modifications outlined in Victa Service Bulletin No. 31 or Victa Modification B99. This involves conducting the necessary modifications to the elevator centre hinge and ensuring all changes are documented and completed prior to the specified deadline. Failure to comply with these directives can result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, which could lead to grounding of the aircraft and potential legal consequences. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directives specified in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can result in severe penalties. Under the Act, non-compliance with AD/VAT/17 may lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These actions can include fines, penalties, or even the suspension or revocation of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness. The seriousness of the consequences underscores the importance of adhering to the specified modifications and timelines. Operators must take proactive steps to ensure their aircraft meet the required safety standards to avoid these penalties.