COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Eagle X-TS Series Aeroplanes
AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (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/X-TS/4 Engine Controls 8/2000
Applicability: Model X-TS 150 and 150B serial number 001 to 021 inclusive.
Requirement: Modify the throttle torque tube and throttle arm in accordance with the procedures specified in Eagle Service Bulletin 1067 Revision 1 dated 21 October 1999.
Note: Aircraft that have been modified in accordance with the original issue of this SB require no further action and can be certified as complying with this Directive.
Compliance: At next scheduled 100 hourly inspection or by 10 August 2001, whichever occurs first.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 10 August 2000.
Background: The manufacturer has advised that under strength rivets in the co-pilots throttle control could fail if a “conflict” situation between pilots occurs.
Neville James Probert
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 6 July 2000
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 12 July 2000.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) was enacted to ensure the safety of civil aviation in Australia, providing a comprehensive framework for regulating the operation and maintenance of aircraft. The 1998 Regulations replaced earlier legislation and aimed to align Australian civil aviation standards with international best practices. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) was established under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 as the regulatory body responsible for enforcing these regulations, including issuing airworthiness directives to address specific safety concerns. The AD/X-TS/4 issued in 2000 is an example of CASA’s role in maintaining safety by addressing potential issues with the Eagle X-TS Series Aeroplanes. The objective of this directive was to rectify an unsafe condition identified with the throttle torque tube and throttle arm in certain models of the aircraft, ensuring continued compliance with safety standards and preventing potential hazards arising from pilot conflict situations.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive AD/X-TS/4 issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 specifically applies to the Eagle X-TS Series aeroplanes, namely model X-TS 150 and 150B within the serial number range of 001 to 021 inclusive. This AD is issued to address safety concerns identified by the manufacturer regarding potential failures in the co-pilot’s throttle control due to understrength rivets, which could become critical in the event of a conflict between pilots. The directive mandates modifications to the throttle torque tube and throttle arm, following the procedures outlined in Eagle Service Bulletin 1067 Revision 1 dated 21 October 1999. Importantly, aircraft that have already been modified according to the original Service Bulletin do not need to undertake further actions under this directive. Compliance with this AD is required at the next scheduled 100-hourly inspection or by 10 August 2001, whichever comes first, with the directive becoming effective from 10 August 2000. This AD operates within the jurisdictional purview of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, highlighting the regulatory commitment to ensuring air safety within the Commonwealth of Australia.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/X-TS/4 issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, pertains specifically to the Eagle X-TS Series aeroplanes, models X-TS 150 and 150B with serial numbers ranging from 001 to 021 inclusive (section 1). This directive requires the modification of the throttle torque tube and throttle arm in accordance with the procedures specified in Eagle Service Bulletin 1067 Revision 1 dated 21 October 1999 (section 2). Notably, aircraft that have already been modified in accordance with the original issue of this service bulletin do not need further action and can be certified as complying with this directive (section 2, Note). Compliance with this AD must be achieved at the next scheduled 100-hourly inspection or by 10 August 2001, whichever occurs first (section 3).
The obligations imposed by this AD are clear and directive. Owners and operators of the specified Eagle X-TS Series aeroplanes must ensure that the modifications outlined in the service bulletin are implemented by the compliance date. This includes accessing the specified service bulletin, engaging with certified personnel to perform the modifications, and ensuring that the aircraft meets the safety standards set out in the directive. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, leading to potential grounding and further regulatory action.
In the event of non-compliance with the AD, there may be significant consequences. While the specific civil or criminal penalties are not detailed within the directive itself, non-compliance with CASA directives can typically lead to enforcement actions, which may include fines, penalties, or even the suspension of the aircraft’s airworthiness certificate. The severity of the penalties depends on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, as well as any resulting safety risks. It is important for operators to adhere strictly to the timelines and procedures specified in the AD to avoid any adverse outcomes.