AD/J4100/15 Placard to Prohibit Aircraft Pushback with Engines Running (Cth)

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 39.001(1) of CASR 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.

BAe Systems (Operations) Jetstream 4100 Series Aeroplanes

AD/J4100/15 Placard to Prohibit Aircraft Pushback with Engines Running 4/2008 DM

Applicability:

All Jetstream Series 4100 aircraft.

Requirement:

Action in accordance with BAe Regional Aircraft Alert Service Bulletin J41-11-024, original issue, or later CAA/EASA approved revision.

Note:  UK CAA AD 004-05-99 refers.

Compliance:

For aircraft with a nose landing gear shock strut which has already achieved 12,000 landings, install the placard specified in the Requirement document within 30 days after 20 February 2008; unless already accomplished.

For all other aircraft, the required placard must be installed when the nose landing gear shock strut reaches 12,000 landings.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 20 February 2008.

Background:

Operators of high time aircraft have reported they are approaching the published life limitations for nose landing gear parts.  The mandatory life limitations for some nose landing gear shock struts, currently running at 12,000 landings, are constrained by the life of the towing bracket.  Pending introduction of a re-identified shock strut towing bracket, an operational restriction is imposed to prohibit aircraft pushback with engines running.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

15 February 2008