AD/VAT/3 - Tailplane and Elevator Bolts - Wirelocking

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, serve to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation operations within Australia. This legislative instrument, specifically within PART 39 - 105, provides a comprehensive regulatory framework that governs various aspects of civil aviation, including airworthiness directives. One such directive, AD/VAT/3, pertains to Victa and A.E.S.L. Airtourer Series Aeroplanes, focusing on tailplane and elevator bolts wirelocking. This directive was introduced to address specific safety concerns related to the structural integrity of certain Victa Airtourer models, ensuring that these aircraft meet the necessary safety standards before operation. The policy objective of these regulations is to mitigate risks and enhance the overall safety of civil aviation by enforcing mandatory compliance with the outlined airworthiness directives.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under PART 39 - 105, specifically pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, with AD/VAT/3 focusing on Victa and A.E.S.L. Airtourer Series Aeroplanes. This regulation applies to Victa Airtourer 100 and 115 models with serial numbers ranging from 1 to 15, mandating compliance with Victa Service Bulletin No. 5 concerning the tailplane and elevator bolts, particularly regarding wirelocking. The regulation is designed to ensure that these specific aircraft models meet the necessary safety standards, with a compliance deadline set before 1 September 1971. The scope of this legislation is geographically limited to the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that the specified airworthiness directives are adhered to within its jurisdiction. The regulation does not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, but it does allow for the extension or restriction of its application through subordinate instruments as deemed necessary by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, includes specific directives for maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft, with AD/VAT/3 focusing on Victa and A.E.S.L. Airtourer Series Aeroplanes. Section (2/63) mandates that Victa Airtourer 100 and 115 models, serial numbers 1 to 15, must comply with Victa Service Bulletin No. 5 for tailplane and elevator bolts, ensuring the wirelocking is completed before 1 September 1971. This requirement is designed to enhance the structural integrity and safety of the aircraft by addressing potential issues with the bolts that connect the tailplane and elevator. To comply with these regulations, the operators and owners of the affected Victa Airtourer models are obligated to adhere strictly to the maintenance procedures outlined in Victa Service Bulletin No. 5. This includes ensuring that the wirelocking of the tailplane and elevator bolts is carried out correctly and verified by certified personnel. The regulations necessitate that these modifications be completed prior to the specified deadline, underscoring the importance of timely and precise adherence to safety directives to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. Failure to comply with these directives can lead to severe consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose stringent penalties for non-compliance, including potential civil and criminal liabilities. The specific consequences may vary, but they are intended to enforce the importance of adhering to airworthiness directives. For example, operators or owners who fail to comply with AD/VAT/3 could face substantial fines, operational restrictions, or even criminal charges, depending on the severity of the breach and the impact on aviation safety. The maximum penalties can be significant, reflecting the critical nature of maintaining aircraft safety standards.