COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Victa and A.E.S.L. Airtourer Series Aeroplanes
AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/VAT/42 and issues the following AD under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
AD/VAT/42
Amdt 1
Control Column Waggler P/N 52115 - Inspection and Modification
11/2000 TX
Applicability: All Models except T6.
Requirement: 1. Visually inspect both Waggler attach arms for cracks in accordance with Edge Aviation Service Bulletin EA-AT-2000/001 Issue 1 Section 2. Anticipated crack locations are as indicated at Figure 1.
Anticipated Crack Locations
Figure 1
2. Modify in accordance with Edge Aviation Service Bulletin EA-AT-2000/001 Issue 1 Section 3 or a modification approved by a CAR 35 Authorised Person.
Note: Wagglers modified in accordance with the initial issue of this AD have waggler arms which have been doubled in thickness by the addition of welded doublers to the outer faces of the side attachment arms. Total thickness of the side attachment arms of modified wagglers should be approximately 0.098” (2.49mm). Wagglers so modified meet requirement 2 of this AD.
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Compliance: 1. Unless already accomplished, before further flight and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 100 hours time in service until modified.
2. Unless already accomplished, within 12 months from the date of effect of this amendment.
This Amendment becomes effective on 29 September 2000.
Background: The original issue of this AD was raised as a result of two instances of control column waggler arm cracking having been found following aileron control malfunction. This amendment is issued as a result of a further case of a seriously cracked waggler, and also to update the AD and require modification of the wagglers rather than indefinite periodic inspections.
William Ronald Smith
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 26 September 2000
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 29 September 2000.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) were enacted to provide a comprehensive regulatory framework for civil aviation in Australia, ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel. One specific problem the legislation was introduced to address was the occurrence of structural failures in certain aircraft components, which could compromise flight safety. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the body responsible for enforcing these regulations, with a mandate to protect the public by ensuring the safety of civil aviation operations. The policy objective behind issuing Airworthiness Directives (ADs) such as AD/VAT/42 is to mandate specific actions to rectify unsafe conditions, thereby maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft and ensuring compliance with safety standards. This approach is critical in preventing accidents and enhancing the overall safety of Australia's aviation sector.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, outlines the Airworthiness Directives (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for ensuring the safety of aircraft within Australia. The AD in question pertains to Victa and A.E.S.L. Airtourer Series Aeroplanes and mandates specific inspections and modifications to the control column waggler to address identified safety concerns. This directive applies to all models of these aircraft except the T6 model. The requirement necessitates a visual inspection of the waggler attach arms for cracks, with modifications to be made as per specified aviation service bulletins or approved modifications by a CAR 35 Authorised Person. The compliance section stipulates that inspections and modifications must occur before further flight and at intervals not exceeding 100 hours in service, or within 12 months from the amendment's effective date. This AD extends its application nationally, reflecting CASA's commitment to maintaining stringent safety standards across the aviation industry.
Key Provisions
The key provisions of the Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/VAT/42 Amendment 1 (section 105 of PART 39 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998) focus on the inspection and modification of the control column waggler P/N 52115 for Victa and A.E.S.L. Airtourer Series Aeroplanes, except Model T6. The directive mandates a visual inspection of the waggler attach arms for cracks, as per Edge Aviation Service Bulletin EA-AT-2000/001 Issue 1 Section 2. The directive also requires modification of the wagglers according to the same bulletin or an approved alternative, ensuring the total thickness of the side attachment arms is approximately 0.098” (2.49mm).
Under this AD, operators of affected aircraft must comply with the specified inspection and modification requirements. The inspections must be conducted before further flight and at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service until the wagglers are modified. Additionally, any necessary modifications must be completed within 12 months from the date of the amendment's effect. Failure to adhere to these directives could lead to significant safety risks and non-compliance with civil aviation regulations.
Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/VAT/42 Amendment 1 may result in serious safety hazards. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) enforces these regulations strictly, and non-compliance could lead to serious civil or criminal consequences. While the specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the AD itself, general provisions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and associated regulations could impose fines, enforcement notices, or other legal actions. The severity of the penalty would depend on the extent of non-compliance and the resultant risk to aviation safety.
In summary, AD/VAT/42 Amendment 1 requires thorough inspections and necessary modifications to the control column waggler for specific Victa and A.E.S.L. Airtourer Series Aeroplanes, with strict timelines for compliance. Operators must ensure these actions are taken to maintain airworthiness and avoid potential regulatory and safety repercussions.