AD/X-TS/1 Amdt 1 - Exhaust System Inspection - Heat Exchanger

Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 were amended in 2013 by AD/X-TS/1 Amdt 1 to address a gap identified by industry concerning the frequency of inspections on the exhaust system heat exchanger of EAGLE X-TS series aeroplanes. The original regulation, AD/X-TS/1, mandated inspections at 25-hour intervals, as per the requirements of Eagle Aircraft Service Bulletin SB1042. However, following a request from industry and subsequent review by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), it was determined that completing the remedial work specified in Eagle Aircraft Service Bulletin SB1043 would effectively address the issues, thereby providing a terminating action to the 25-hour interval inspections. The amendment, AD/X-TS/1 Amdt 1, allows relief from these repetitive inspections for operators who have complied with SB1043, and was made under the authority of CASA, relying on delegations from the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998. This legislative instrument was deemed compatible with human rights as it did not raise any issues under the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011.

Scope and Application

The AD/X-TS/1 Amdt 1 applies specifically to the EAGLE X-TS series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 002 to 015 inclusive. This legislative instrument, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, mandates safety regulations for the continuing airworthiness of these aircraft. The amendment allows relief from the previously mandated 25-hour interval inspections for exhaust muffler heat shrouds for operators who have complied with Eagle Aircraft Service Bulletin SB1043 dated 27 July 1998. This adjustment is a response to industry requests and is intended to streamline maintenance processes while maintaining safety standards. The AD became effective on 6 September 2013, replacing the previous directive. It is a legislative instrument issued under the authority granted by the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, and is subject to disallowance under the Acts Interpretation Act 1901. The amendment does not substantially alter existing arrangements and is deemed compatible with human rights, as detailed in the attached statement of compatibility.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR 1998) under section 98 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 empower the Governor-General to create regulations for the safety of air navigation. Regulation 39.001 of the CASR 1998 allows the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to issue airworthiness directives (ADs) for aircraft types or aeronautical products. Subregulation 39.001(5) of CASR 1998 specifies that an AD is a disallowable instrument under section 46A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, classifying it as a legislative instrument under section 6 of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003. AD/X-TS/1 Amdt 1, an amendment to an existing AD, specifically addresses the EAGLE X-TS series aeroplanes, mandating inspections of the exhaust muffler heat shroud for signs of cracking at intervals of 25 hours as per Eagle Aircraft Service Bulletin SB1042. This AD applies to aircraft with serial numbers 002 to 015 inclusive. However, in response to industry requests, CASA has revised this requirement. Compliance with Eagle Aircraft Service Bulletin SB1043 dated 27 July 1998 provides a terminating action to the 25-hour interval inspections. Consequently, AD/X-TS/1 Amdt 1 now exempts operators who have complied with SB1043 from the 25-hour repetitive inspections. This amendment will take effect on 6 September 2013, replacing the previous AD. Operators of EAGLE X-TS series aeroplanes affected by this amendment must ensure their aircraft comply with the requirements of Eagle Aircraft Service Bulletin SB1043. This involves conducting the specified remedial work to qualify for the exemption from 25-hour repetitive inspections. Operators must maintain records of compliance with SB1043 to substantiate their exemption from the mandated inspections. Additionally, operators must ensure all inspections and remedial actions are conducted by appropriately certified personnel and in accordance with CASA guidelines. The revised AD also requires operators to notify CASA of any changes in compliance status promptly. Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/X-TS/1 Amdt 1 may result in civil or criminal penalties. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, CASA may impose administrative penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. The penalties for civil contraventions can include fines of up to $16,200 for individuals and $81,000 for corporations, as per the maximum penalties outlined in the Act. Additionally, non-compliance may lead to criminal charges, resulting in further penalties, including imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach. Operators must therefore adhere strictly to the requirements of the AD to avoid these consequences.