AD/VAT/40 - Elevator Centre Rib Structure - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended in 2006 under the legislative instrument F2006B07575, establish stringent safety standards for civil aviation in Australia. This particular legislative amendment introduced under Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations, addresses the specific safety concerns related to Victa and A.E.S.L. Airtourer Series aeroplanes. The amendment was enacted by the Australian Government to ensure compliance with safety directives, specifically targeting the elevator centre rib structure to mitigate potential risks associated with its integrity. The policy objective is to maintain and enhance the safety of civil aviation operations by enforcing mandatory modifications within a specified timeframe, ensuring that these aircraft meet the required airworthiness standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, establish the scope and application for ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft within Australia. Specifically, Part 39 – 105 within the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives pertains to the Victa and A.E.S.L. Airtourer Series Aeroplanes, mandating a modification to the elevator centre rib structure. This directive applies universally to all models of the specified aircraft series. Compliance with the directive is required within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1975, as outlined in Aerospace Airtourer Service Bulletin No. 038. The regulations are enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and apply nationally, encompassing all operations within Australia. No exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds are specified in this particular directive, and the application is stringent, leaving no room for deviation. The regulations may be further detailed or extended through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105 (Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives), contains a provision for Victa and A.E.S.L. Airtourer Series Aeroplanes (AD/VAT/40) that addresses the Elevator Centre Rib Structure modification. This directive mandates that all models of the specified aeroplanes must undergo a modification to the elevator centre rib structure. This requirement is detailed in Aerospace Airtourer Service Bulletin No. 038 and must be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1975. The main operative sections, in particular, specify that all models of Victa and A.E.S.L. Airtourer Series Aeroplanes must comply with the modification outlined in the referenced service bulletin (AD/VAT/40). This directive applies universally to all models within the series and is intended to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft in question. The compliance timeline is strict, demanding that the modification be completed within a specific timeframe to maintain the aircraft's certification and operational legality. The obligations imposed by this Act on the parties or entities it governs include the necessity for aircraft operators and maintenance personnel to adhere strictly to the guidelines provided in Aerospace Airtourer Service Bulletin No. 038. This involves conducting the specified modification to the elevator centre rib structure within the stipulated timeframe. Failure to comply with these directives could result in the aircraft being deemed non-compliant with airworthiness standards, potentially leading to grounding or other regulatory actions. Breach of the obligations set forth in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within PART 39 - 105, may result in severe consequences. The penalties for non-compliance can include administrative fines, potential suspension or revocation of the aircraft's airworthiness certificate, and legal action against the operators or maintenance personnel responsible for the oversight. In serious cases, there may also be civil or criminal liability for any accidents or incidents that arise from failure to comply with these safety directives. The exact penalties can vary but are designed to enforce stringent compliance with safety standards to ensure the highest level of aviation safety.