{"id":"F2016L00153","name":"AD/SUPP/8 Amdt 1 — Towing Release System","slug":"ad-supp-8-amdt-1-towing-release-system","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":94024,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2016L00153-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"Supplementary Equipment (including Rescu","sectionType":"division","heading":"Supplementary Equipment (including Rescue Hoists)","content":"### Supplementary Equipment (including Rescue Hoists)\n\n| AD/SUPP/8 Amdt 1 | Towing Release System | 5/2016 |\n| ---------------- | --------------------- | ------ |\n\n| Applicability: | For aircraft to which Part 42 of CASR 1998 applies:All towing release systems used in aircraft that are not covered by an Approved Maintenance Program under Subpart 42.J of CASR 1998.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |\n| -------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| Requirement:   | 1. (a) Ensure that the cockpit control has full and free movement.(b) Check that the release mechanism is clean.(c) Check for visible signs of damage or wear of the release mechanism.(d) Perform a functional check.2. (a) Clean and lubricate the hook mechanism.(b) Check the beak and other parts for wear.(c) Check the condition of operating levers, cables and pulleys.(d) Test the ability of the system to return to a safe over-centre position of the mechanism. The return force as measured at the activating lever of the hook shall not be less than 20N (Newton) (2 kg force).3. (a) Remove the release assembly and overhaul in accordance with the manufacturer's data and instructions.(b) Test that the pilot effort is less than 200N (20 kg force) with a 4.5kN (450 kg force) load applied to the release anywhere in a 30 degree cone. |\n| Compliance:    | For Requirement 1: Daily whilst engaged in towing operations. The daily inspection required by this AD may be accomplished by the pilot in command as part of the normal aircraft daily inspection, and therefore, the certification in Column 2 Part 3 of the Maintenance Release is also certification for Requirement 1 of this AD.Note: This AD is to be recorded in Part 1 of the Maintenance Release.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |\n|                | For Requirement 2: Prior to issue of the next Maintenance Release after 28 February 1986 and thereafter at each issue of a Maintenance Release.For Requirement 3: Prior to issue of the next Maintenance Release after 30 June 1986 and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 1 000 hours time in service or 1 year, whichever occurs first.Note: Towing release mechanisms may be overhauled by a GFA approved Inspector in accordance with the requirements contained in the relevant Airworthiness Directives issued by the GFA. The overhaul status of the towing release assembly must be adequately documented.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |\n|                | The effective date of this AD is 26 February 2016.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               |\n| Background:    | The original issue of this AD was issued because the requirement for towing release system maintenance had not been adequately addressed in the past.Amendment 1 is issued to limit the applicability of the AD to Part 42 aircraft only. This AD will be repealed after the requirements are incorporated into a future amendment of the Part 42 Manual of Standards.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |\n\n![VAN DIJK_P](image.001.jpeg)\n\nPieter van Dijk  \nDelegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority\n\n22 February 2016","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"AD/SUPP/8 Amdt 1","sectionType":"part","heading":"AD/SUPP/8 Amdt 1","content":"## AD/SUPP/8 Amdt 1","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"Towing Release System","sectionType":"part","heading":"Towing Release System","content":"## Towing Release System","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"5/2016","sectionType":"part","heading":"5/2016","content":"## 5/2016","sortOrder":3}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"Amendment 1 narrows the AD's applicability so it applies only to aircraft subject to CASR Part 42. The background states this limitation and that the AD is intended to be repealed once the requirements are incorporated into a future amendment of the Part 42 Manual of Standards."},"complexity_factors":["Mixed responsibilities: daily pilot inspections (Requirement 1) versus maintenance organisation/inspector overhaul duties (Requirements 2–3) create split compliance obligations.","Specific technical test metrics: return force >= 20 N at activating lever and pilot effort < 200 N with 4.5 kN load (Requirement 2 and 3) require calibrated test equipment and recordkeeping.","Maintenance scheduling tied to Maintenance Release issuance and to 1,000 hours / 1 year intervals (Compliance), linking operational timing to regulatory paperwork.","Allowance for GFA approved Inspector overhaul (note): creates an alternative compliance path that needs local authorisation and documentation.","Transitional and sunset mechanics: Amendment 1 limits applicability to Part 42 aircraft and the AD will be repealed after incorporation into the Part 42 Manual of Standards (Background), adding regulatory-change risk for implementers."],"plain_english_summary":"This Airworthiness Directive requires operators of aircraft subject to CASR Part 42 to carry out daily cockpit and functional checks of towing-release controls during towing, periodic cleaning, lubrication and wear inspections, and scheduled overhaul and load-testing of towing release assemblies. It prescribes measurable test forces and requires maintenance-release recording.\n\nIt applies to pilots, maintenance organisations and approved inspectors, who must perform, document and fund inspections, overhauls and required tests. Amendment 1 narrows applicability to Part 42 aircraft and will be repealed once incorporated into the Part 42 Manual of Standards."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"Amendment 1 explicitly narrows the scope compared to the original AD. The Background states the original applied more broadly, but this amendment 'is issued to limit the applicability of the AD to Part 42 aircraft only.' This is a deliberate restriction of scope rather than expansion. The document also notes the AD will be repealed once requirements move to the Part 42 Manual of Standards, indicating this is a transitional instrument."},"complexity_factors":["Short, discrete document (approximately 400 words of substantive content)","Only 3 numbered requirements with clear sub-paragraphs (a)-(d)","Limited cross-referencing — only references to CASR Part 42, Subpart 42.J, and GFA (Gliding Federation of Australia) procedures","Specific technical measurements provided in both Newtons and kg-force (dual unit system aids comprehension)","Clear compliance dates and intervals (daily, per Maintenance Release, 1000 hours/1 year)","Single amendment with straightforward purpose statement in Background section","No nested exceptions or conditional logic beyond the applicability carve-out for Subpart 42.J approved programs"],"plain_english_summary":"This AD mandates regular inspections and maintenance of towing-release systems used to tow gliders or aircraft, making them subject to daily functional checks, periodic maintenance-release servicing (including wear, lubrication and spring-force verification) and scheduled major overhauls to ensure reliable emergency release. It applies to aircraft operated under Part 42 without an approved Subpart 42.J maintenance program, including tow-plane operators and gliding clubs. Amendment 1 narrows the scope to Part 42 aircraft and will be superseded by the Part 42 MOS."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-supp-8-amdt-1-towing-release-system","history":"/api/acts/ad-supp-8-amdt-1-towing-release-system/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-supp-8-amdt-1-towing-release-system/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-supp-8-amdt-1-towing-release-system/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-supp-8-amdt-1-towing-release-system/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-supp-8-amdt-1-towing-release-system/documents"}}