AD/A320/14 - Landing Gear - Interruption of Retraction Sequence

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which are administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and amended by legislative instruments such as F2006B01886, aim to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. This legislative framework was enacted to address the need for comprehensive and enforceable regulations governing all aspects of civil aviation, including the airworthiness of aircraft. One particular area of focus is the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to ensure that aircraft meet the necessary safety standards. AD/A320/14 is an example of such a directive, specifically addressing a safety concern related to the landing gear system of Airbus Industrie A319, A320 and A321 series aeroplanes. The directive mandates compliance with Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A320-32-1048 to rectify an issue where an interruption of electrical power during the landing gear retraction sequence can lead to the de-energization of relay 48GA, potentially causing the landing gear to extend and lock in the down position due to gravity. The policy objective of AD/A320/14 is to mitigate the risk of landing gear malfunction by ensuring that all applicable Airbus A320 models without Airbus Industrie Modification 21920 incorporated comply with the specified service bulletin. This measure is intended to prevent incidents that could compromise the safety of the aircraft and its occupants, aligning with CASA’s overarching mission to enhance and maintain the highest standards of safety in civil aviation. By mandating corrective actions based on detailed technical guidance, the directive exemplifies the regulatory approach to addressing specific safety issues identified by aircraft manufacturers.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, pertain to all aviation activities within the Commonwealth of Australia, governing matters related to aircraft operations, maintenance, and safety. Specifically, Part 39 - 105, concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to aircraft manufacturers, airlines, maintenance organisations, and any other entities involved in the operation or maintenance of Airbus Industrie A319, A320, and A321 series aeroplanes. This legislative instrument mandates compliance with specific airworthiness directives to ensure the safety and airworthiness of these aircraft. AD/A320/14 focuses on the landing gear system of A320-111, 211, and 231 models that do not incorporate Airbus Industrie Modification 21920. The directive requires adherence to Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A320-32-1048, which addresses the risk of landing gear failure due to electrical power interruptions during the retraction sequence. Compliance with this directive is mandatory for aircraft registered in Australia, with the directive taking effect prior to 4 December 1990, as referenced by the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) AD 90-026-007 (B) R1. The regulation underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of the landing gear system to prevent potential safety hazards.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, specifically Airworthiness Directive AD/A320/14, address issues related to the landing gear of Airbus Industrie A319, A320 and A321 series aeroplanes. Section 10/90 of the directive applies to all A320-111, 211, and 231 models that do not have Airbus Industrie Modification 21920 incorporated. The requirement outlined in the directive mandates that operators take action in accordance with Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A320-32-1048. This action is a direct response to the identified issue of an interruption of electrical power during the landing gear retraction sequence, which can cause the de-energization of relay 48GA. This de-energization can result in the removal of hydraulic pressure from the landing gear retraction system, allowing the landing gear to extend and lock in the down position due to gravity. Compliance with this directive is crucial, particularly for aircraft manufactured prior to 4 December 1990. The Civil Aviation Regulations impose specific obligations on the operators of Airbus Industrie A319, A320 and A321 series aeroplanes. These obligations include ensuring that the necessary modifications or actions as detailed in Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A320-32-1048 are implemented to prevent the described issue of landing gear interruption. Operators must verify that their aircraft meet the criteria set forth in the directive, particularly focusing on the incorporation of Airbus Industrie Modification 21920, or alternatively, follow the specified service bulletin to address the potential safety hazard. Additionally, operators are required to maintain records of compliance with this directive, ensuring that all necessary actions have been taken to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. In the event of non-compliance with the provisions of Airworthiness Directive AD/A320/14, there may be significant civil and criminal consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations outline potential penalties for breaches of airworthiness directives. While the specific penalties are not detailed within the directive itself, general provisions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 provide for fines and imprisonment for non-compliance with airworthiness regulations. The maximum penalties can include substantial financial penalties for corporations and imprisonment for individuals responsible for the oversight of the aircraft. These consequences underscore the importance of adhering to the requirements set forth in the directive to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft in question.