AD/A320/104 - Flight Controls - Inspection and Modification of Spoiler Servocontrols

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes Airworthiness Directives to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. One such directive, AD/A320/104, addresses issues with the spoiler servocontrols on Airbus Industrie A319, A320, and A321 series aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to address the problem of spoiler servo control piston rod bearing breakage, which led to hydraulic system failures and potential in-flight disruptions. The directive requires inspections and corrective actions as outlined in relevant Airbus service bulletins to mitigate these risks and ensure continued safe operation of the affected aircraft. Compliance deadlines are set to ensure timely implementation of the required safety measures. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, include the Airworthiness Directive AD/A320/104 as part of the broader effort to maintain high safety standards in civil aviation. This directive is aimed at ensuring the airworthiness of specific Airbus aircraft by addressing identified mechanical issues that could compromise flight safety. The directive specifies the need for inspections and modifications of spoiler servocontrols in A319, A320, and A321 aircraft to prevent piston rod bearing failures and associated hazards. By setting compliance deadlines, the directive underscores the policy objective of swiftly addressing safety concerns to protect passengers and crew.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, pertains to the safety and airworthiness of specific Airbus Industrie aircraft models. The regulations apply to all Airbus A319 (MSN 0546 to 0972 (inclusive)), A320 (MSN 002 to 0842, 0846 to 0859, 0865, 0866, 0872 to 0960 (inclusive)) and A321 (MSN 0364 to 0974 (inclusive)) aircraft. This legislation mandates that these aircraft undergo specific inspections and, if necessary, corrective actions to address identified issues with the spoiler servocontrols. The directive requires inspections of the spoiler servocontrol for serial number identification and implementation of corrective measures as outlined in the relevant AIRBUS INDUSTRIE Service Bulletins for each aircraft model. Compliance with these directives is mandatory, with specific deadlines set for these inspections, reflecting the critical nature of the issues being addressed. The geographic reach of these regulations is national, applying across Australia under the oversight of the Commonwealth. The regulations provide clear instructions for the inspection and modification of the spoiler servocontrols, with reference to specific AIRBUS INDUSTRIE service bulletins, ensuring that all relevant aircraft are brought up to the required safety standards. The directive is effective from 4 November 1999, with specific compliance deadlines set for November 30, 1999, and December 31, 2001. This Airworthiness Directive is a critical safety measure aimed at preventing potential flight path perturbations and ensuring the safe operation of these aircraft within the Australian airspace.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, contain provisions that mandate certain actions for the safety of aircraft operations. Section AD/A320/104 is an Airworthiness Directive (AD) targeting Airbus Industrie A319, A320, and A321 series aeroplanes. This AD requires inspection and modification of spoiler servocontrols, as outlined in the Airbus Industrie Service Bulletins A320-27-1126 for A319 and A321 aircraft, and A320-27-1127 for A320 aircraft. These directives were issued due to several instances of spoiler servo control piston rod bearing breakage, which resulted in loss of associated hydraulic systems and unintended spoiler extension in flight, potentially affecting the aircraft's flight path and handling. The AD imposes specific obligations on the parties involved, including operators of Airbus A319, A320, and A321 aircraft. Operators must ensure that the required inspections and, if necessary, corrective actions are performed on the spoiler servocontrols. The inspections must identify the serial number of the servocontrol and apply the corrective actions as detailed in the respective Airbus Industrie Service Bulletins. These inspections and modifications must be completed by the specified dates: before 30 November 1999 for the initial inspection and before 31 December 2001 for the subsequent inspection. The AD became effective on 4 November 1999, setting a clear timeline for compliance. Failure to comply with the AD can result in serious consequences, both civil and criminal. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive can be considered an offence. The severity of the breach may lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Potential penalties for such breaches can include fines and other regulatory actions. The specific maximum penalties are not detailed within the AD itself but are governed by the broader provisions of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, which can impose substantial fines and other sanctions for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. The potential criminal consequences underscore the importance of adhering to the AD to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.