AD/VAT/2 - Rudder Pedal Bearing Blocks - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted to ensure the safety of civil aviation in Australia. Part 39, specifically, deals with airworthiness directives to maintain the highest safety standards for aircraft in operation. This legislative instrument, F2006B07552, addresses a critical issue related to the Victa and A.E.S.L. Airtourer Series Aeroplanes, particularly focusing on rudder pedal bearing blocks. The problem it was introduced to address is the need for compliance with specific safety standards to prevent potential mechanical failures that could compromise the safety of these aircraft. The enactment body is the Parliament of Australia, with a clear policy objective of enhancing aviation safety by setting stringent airworthiness standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, apply to the Victa Airtourer 100 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 1 to 15, mandating specific modifications to the rudder pedal bearing blocks. This regulation is a part of the broader Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, ensuring that these particular aeroplanes meet the necessary safety standards. The regulation is geographically applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia, aligning with CASA's national jurisdiction over civil aviation safety. The specified compliance date of before 1 September 1971 indicates a historical directive, likely aimed at rectifying known safety issues in older aircraft models. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds within the text provided, suggesting that all affected aeroplanes must comply with the outlined modifications. Additionally, the regulation may be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments issued by CASA, though such details are not specified in the document excerpt.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39, Section 105, address the airworthiness directives for the Victa and A.E.S.L. Airtourer Series Aeroplanes. This includes a directive (AD/VAT/2) focusing on the modification of rudder pedal bearing blocks, as outlined in Victa Service Bulletin No. 4 (section 2/63). This directive applies to Victa Airtourer 100 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 1 to 15. The requirement for compliance was set before 1 September 1971, indicating a need for these modifications to be completed by that date to ensure the aircraft's continued airworthiness. The obligations under this directive require that the specified Victa Airtourer 100 aircraft must undergo a modification to their rudder pedal bearing blocks. This modification is necessary to meet the safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The directive mandates that these modifications must be carried out in accordance with Victa Service Bulletin No. 4, ensuring that the aircraft maintain the required safety and operational standards. The onus is on the aircraft owner or operator to ensure that the modifications are completed before the specified compliance date, failing which the aircraft may not be considered airworthy. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive and the specified modification requirements can result in significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 outline penalties for non-compliance, which may include fines and potential legal action. The severity of the penalties can vary depending on the extent of the non-compliance and its impact on the safety of the aircraft. Additionally, non-compliant aircraft may face operational restrictions, including being grounded until the required modifications are completed. These measures are in place to enforce adherence to the safety standards and to prevent any potential safety risks associated with non-compliance.