Date 16th November 2009
RECREATIONAL AIRCRAFT AIRWORTHINESS NOTICE
AIRWORTHINESS NOTICE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: AN 161109- Issue 2
COMPULSORY COMPLIANCE WITH AMD ZODIACSAFETY ALERT/SAFETY DIRECTIVEISSUED 07 NOVEMBER 2009
To: All owners and operators of AMD (US) Zenair (Zodiac) CH 601 XL and CH 650 Aircraft, including those currently under construction.
Background: The manufacturer of Zenair Aircraft in the United States AMD have issued a Safety Alert / Safety Directive which makes the fitment of the multi part upgrade kit mentioned in the alert compulsory before next flight. In light of this RA-Aus has a duty of care to the members operating these aircraft and the general public, and is making compliance with the AMD SafetyAlert/Safety Directive issued 07 November 2009 compulsory. Since the AMD manufactured Zodiac CH 601 XL and CH 650 aircraft are in the Light Sport Category, the requirements of the AMD Safety Alert/ Safety Directive are compulsory, under the requirements of CASR 21.186 and AC 21.41.
Discussion: This amendment is issued for clarification. The original AN 161109-Issue 1 was only issued for aircraft manufactured by AMD. As mentioned above the AMD Safety Alert/Safety Directive requirements are compulsory and this AN is issued only to bring to the attention of all operators of European Manufactured Zenair CH 601 XL and CH 650 aircraft of a potential safety hazard. The European design and American AMD design are similar so this information has been brought to your attention. Under the amateur built aircraft requirements of CAO 95.55, it is the responsibility of the builder, owner and operator of amateur built aircraft registered with RA-Aus to assess all safety information and take appropriate action to protect themselves, passengers, other airspace users, people on the ground and on the water, while at the same time the incorporation of modifications and factory safety alert requirements is at the discretion of the builder, owner and operator of these aircraft. Having said this and in light of the responsibilities listed above it is strongly recommended that in this case the requirements of the AMD Safety Alert/Safety Bulletin be incorporated, regardless of the status of the aircraft involved, or at least assessed and the details written in the Aircraft Log Book, if it is decided not to incorporate the requirements, this also should be written in the Aircraft Log Book outlining the reasons for non incorporation. By doing this you have covered yourself and others against possible future problems and possible expensive action. But for an amateur built aircraft the decision is yours.
Action Required:
BEFORE NEXT FLIGHT: For Zodiac CH 601 XL and CH 650 aircraft manufactured by AMD as listed in the Safety Alert/Safety Directive issued by AMD 07 November 2009, (available below), are required to perform the modifications outlined in the AMD Zodiac Safety Alert / Safety Directive issued 07 November 2009. Details are available by following the link below.
For owners, operators and builders of all other Zenair CH 601 XL and CH 650 aircraft you are strongly advised to incorporate the modifications listed in the AMD Safety Alert/Safety Directive during the building process or retro fit into any aircraft currently operating.
Safety Alert / Safety Directive (November 7, 2009)
At Each Daily Inspection. As per AMD Safety Alert, requirements
Recommended Further Action. Not applicable.
Reports and Recording. The initial inspection is to be recorded in the aircraft log book
Citing AN 161109- Issue 2 and any defects found are to be reported to the RA-Aus office.
Technical Manage
Defect Reporting is one of the primary ways we have in ensuring continued safety in our operations.