AD/VAT/29 - Elevator Trim Adjustment Segment - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), were enacted to establish comprehensive safety standards for civil aviation in Australia, ensuring the safety of passengers, crew, and the general public. Among the numerous safety directives, Part 39 - 105 focuses on the Airworthiness Directives applicable to specific aircraft types, such as the Victa and A.E.S.L. Airtourer Series Aeroplanes. The problem or gap this legislation addresses includes the need to ensure that all aircraft meet stringent safety standards through regular inspections and modifications, as specified in relevant Service Bulletins. The policy objective of these regulations is to maintain the highest standards of airworthiness and operational safety across the civil aviation sector in Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to the Victa and A.E.S.L. Airtourer Series Aeroplanes, notably the Victa Airtourer 115, and mandates a rigorous inspection regime for the elevator trim adjustment segment, part number 52528/2, on the trim lever assembly. This directive requires operators and maintenance personnel to inspect the locking teeth of the elevator trim adjustment segment for signs of wear or damage at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. The regulation aims to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the aircraft, reinforcing compliance with Victa Service Bulletin No. 61 once modifications are made. The scope of the legislation is geographically comprehensive, applying across the Commonwealth of Australia and overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), thereby ensuring consistent safety standards are met nationwide. The Act does not specify exclusions or exemptions within the provided text, indicating that all applicable aircraft must adhere to the outlined inspection requirements.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives, address the maintenance and safety requirements for certain aircraft models. One such directive, AD/VAT/29, pertains to the Victa and A.E.S.L. Airtourer Series Aeroplanes, focusing particularly on the elevator trim adjustment segment. Section 6/67 of this directive mandates that an inspection of the elevator trim adjustment segment P/N 52528/2 on the trim lever assembly be conducted for any signs of wear or damage to the locking teeth. This inspection applies to the Victa Airtourer 115 model and must be performed at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service until the modification outlined in Victa Service Bulletin No. 61 is implemented. Under this directive, the obligations imposed on the aircraft operators or owners are clear. They must ensure that the specified inspection is conducted regularly, adhering to the stipulated intervals, to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. This requirement is non-negotiable and must be strictly followed to avoid compromising the safety and integrity of the aircraft's flight control mechanisms. Failure to comply with these inspection requirements could potentially lead to severe safety issues, including compromised control during flight. The regulations also outline the consequences for non-compliance with these airworthiness directives. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the excerpt, it is understood that failure to adhere to the mandated inspections could result in severe penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. These penalties may include fines, penalties, or even the grounding of the aircraft until the necessary modifications and inspections are completed. The severity of the penalties underscores the importance of strict compliance with the CASA directives to ensure the highest standards of aviation safety are maintained.