Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, provide a comprehensive framework to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. Part 39, specifically, focuses on the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address identified safety concerns with aircraft and aeronautical products. The problem or gap this legislation addresses includes the need to mandate specific safety measures to mitigate risks associated with the operation of civil aircraft, thereby protecting the public and ensuring the highest safety standards. The policy objective is clearly stated in the AD itself, which aims to correct unsafe conditions identified in certain aircraft models through specified inspection and maintenance requirements. Enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, the AD for Airbus Industrie A319, A320, and A321 Series Aeroplanes, specifically AD/A320/139, addresses the safety concern related to the centre wing box upper stringers. Issued on 19 July 2002 and effective from 5 September 2002, this directive requires a detailed visual inspection in accordance with Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A320-57-1030 Revision 3 for the specified serial numbers of the A320-111 aircraft. This AD was introduced to ensure the continued airworthiness of the aircraft by rectifying potential structural issues identified during the review of the in-service fleet mission parameters.

Scope and Application

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/A320/139 issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) pertains specifically to Airbus Industrie A320-111 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 002 through 021. This directive is mandated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and applies to these particular aircraft to ensure their continued airworthiness and safety. The AD requires a detailed visual inspection of the centre wing box upper stringers in accordance with Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A320-57-1030 Revision 3, which replaces earlier inspection requirements outlined in the original AD 92-200-029(B). The inspections must be performed before the aircraft accumulates 6,500 total flight cycles unless already completed and repeated at intervals not exceeding 5,500 flight cycles. For aircraft previously inspected under the original issue, Revision 1, or Revision 2 of the requirement document, a grace period of 2,000 flight cycles from the effective date of this directive is allowed, provided the total flight cycles since the last inspection do not exceed 7,500. This AD extends the geographic jurisdiction to the entire Commonwealth of Australia and becomes effective on 5 September 2002.

Key Provisions

The Airworthiness Directive (AD/A320/139) issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 mandates specific actions for the maintenance and inspection of Airbus Industrie A319, A320, and A321 series aeroplanes. Specifically, it applies to the A320-111 model aircraft with serial numbers 002 through 021. The directive requires a detailed visual inspection of the centre wing box upper stringers in accordance with Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A320-57-1030 Revision 3. This inspection is necessary to address potential safety issues that were identified through a review of the A320 in-service aircraft fleet mission parameters. The obligations imposed by this directive include conducting the specified inspection either before the aircraft accumulates 6,500 total flight cycles or, if the inspection has already been performed, repeating the inspection at intervals not exceeding 5,500 flight cycles. For aircraft that have already been inspected under the original issue, Revision 1, or Revision 2 of the requirement document, a grace period of 2,000 flight cycles from the effective date of this directive is allowed, provided that 7,500 flight cycles have not been exceeded since the last inspection. These requirements are aimed at ensuring the continued airworthiness of the specified aircraft by identifying and mitigating potential structural issues in a timely manner. Failure to comply with the AD/A320/139 may result in significant civil or criminal consequences. The regulations stipulate that non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to enforcement actions, including fines and potential criminal charges. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the AD itself, under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and associated regulations, penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives can be substantial. These may include fines for individuals and corporations, as well as potential imprisonment for serious violations. The exact penalties depend on the severity of the breach and the discretion of the court.