COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Van Grunsven RV Series Aeroplanes
AD/VG-RV/1 Elevator Trim Tab 3/89 DM
Applicability: All models RV-4.
Requirement: 1. Inspect the elevator trim tab horn attachment to the trim tab for security and loose rivets.
2. Modify the trim tab horn attachment and the trim tab to a scheme approved by the Authority.
Compliance: 1. Within 10 hours time in service after 28 February 1989 and thereafter every 25 hours time in service until modified.
2. Prior to 28 February 1990.
Background: A report has been received detailing the failure of two of the four “pop” rivets attaching the horn to the tab. The remaining two rivets were sufficiently loose to allow tab movement. This and/or further loss of attachment integrity could cause flutter and loss of an aircraft.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted to ensure the safety and regulation of civil aviation in Australia. One specific legislative instrument under these regulations, F2006B07584, pertains to Airworthiness Directives for Van Grunsven RV Series Aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to address safety concerns identified in the attachment of the elevator trim tab horn, which had been found to be prone to failure due to loose rivets, posing a risk of flutter and potential loss of aircraft control. The instrument was issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, aiming to ensure compliance with safety standards by requiring regular inspections and modifications to the specified components. The directive outlines specific timeframes for inspections and modifications to maintain the integrity of the elevator trim tab attachment, thus mitigating potential safety hazards.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under the purview of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), mandate specific airworthiness directives to ensure the safety and reliability of aircraft in Australian airspace. Part 39, in particular, focuses on various safety requirements and directives, including AD/VG-RV/1 concerning the elevator trim tab of Van Grunsven RV Series Aeroplanes, specifically all models RV-4. The directive applies to aircraft operators and maintenance personnel who must inspect and, if necessary, modify the elevator trim tab to ensure it adheres to the approved scheme outlined by CASA. The requirement involves inspecting the elevator trim tab horn attachment for security and loose rivets, with modifications mandated within a specific timeframe. The directive applies nationally and is enforceable by CASA, ensuring compliance across the Commonwealth of Australia. Any non-compliance can lead to penalties or grounding of the affected aircraft. This legislative instrument extends its application through subordinate instruments, which provide detailed guidance on compliance and enforcement mechanisms.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth) contain specific provisions for maintaining the airworthiness of Van Grunsven RV Series Aeroplanes, particularly regarding the elevator trim tab. Section 39-105 of the Act mandates inspections and modifications for the RV-4 models. The directive AD/VG-RV/1 focuses on the elevator trim tab horn attachment, requiring a thorough inspection for security and loose rivets. If any issues are identified, the attachment and the trim tab must be modified according to a scheme approved by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
These obligations ensure that the elevator trim tab remains securely attached, reducing the risk of flutter and potential loss of control. The inspection must occur within 10 hours of the aeroplane's time in service after 28 February 1989 and then every 25 hours until the modification is completed. For aeroplanes in service prior to 28 February 1990, the inspection must be carried out before this date. This timeframe ensures that all affected aircraft are assessed and any necessary modifications are made promptly to maintain safety standards.
Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 could result in serious safety risks. The Act imposes strict obligations on the parties involved to adhere to the inspection and modification schedule. Non-compliance may lead to enforcement actions, including potential civil or criminal penalties. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the text, they could include fines and other legal consequences, which are determined based on the severity and frequency of the breaches. Ensuring adherence to these regulations is crucial to prevent accidents and maintain the safety of the aircraft and its occupants.