COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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 39.1 (1) of CAR 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.
Airbus Industrie A319, A320 and A321 Series Aeroplanes
AD/A320/142 Trust Reverser - Piston Rod Chrome Plating 11/2002
Applicability: All A319, A320 and A321 series aeroplanes as identified in the requirement document.
Requirement: Action per DGAC AD 2002-337(B)R1.
Note: DGAC AD 2002-337(B) R1 refers.
Compliance: Per the requirement document with a revised effective date of 31 October 2002.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 31 October 2002.
Background: Error during the repair and rigging of thrust reverser blocker door actuators has resulted in a situation of potential door deployment in- flight. This directive mandates the replacement of affected actuators.
James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 24 September 2002
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 9 October 2002.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, includes an Airworthiness Directive (AD) aimed at addressing safety issues associated with the Airbus Industrie A319, A320, and A321 series aeroplanes. Enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), this legislation responds to identified risks, particularly the potential in-flight deployment of thrust reverser blocker doors due to errors in the repair and rigging process. The directive mandates corrective actions as outlined by the DGAC AD 2002-337(B) R1, requiring specific maintenance procedures to ensure the aircraft's safe operation. This directive was issued to mitigate the unsafe condition and was made effective from 31 October 2002, highlighting CASA’s commitment to maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation.
Scope and Application
This Airworthiness Directive, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, pertains specifically to Airbus Industrie A319, A320, and A321 series aeroplanes. It applies to all aircraft of these models as identified in the requirement document, mandating corrective action due to a potential unsafe condition identified during the repair and rigging of thrust reverser blocker door actuators, which could lead to in-flight door deployment. The directive is enforceable under the authority of the CASA delegate, James Coyne, and mandates action as per DGAC AD 2002-337(B) R1, with compliance required by 31 October 2002. This regulatory measure is integral to ensuring the continued airworthiness of these aircraft within the Australian aviation industry, and its enforcement extends to all operators of the specified aircraft types within Australia’s jurisdiction.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under section 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) pertains specifically to Airbus Industrie A319, A320, and A321 series aeroplanes, as outlined in AD/A320/142. This directive, issued on 24 September 2002 and effective from 31 October 2002, mandates corrective action to address an unsafe condition identified in the trust reverser piston rod chrome plating. The action required is detailed in DGAC AD 2002-337(B)R1, which involves replacing affected actuators to prevent potential door deployment in-flight due to repair and rigging errors.
The AD imposes specific obligations on the operators and maintainers of A319, A320, and A321 series aeroplanes. These parties must ensure that the corrective actions detailed in DGAC AD 2002-337(B)R1 are carried out on the identified aircraft. This includes identifying the applicable aeroplanes, performing the necessary repairs or replacements, and ensuring compliance with the directive's instructions and effective date. The directive mandates that these actions be taken in accordance with the instructions and timeframe specified, with compliance verified by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) delegate.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this AD could result in significant legal consequences. Non-compliance may lead to civil penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, including fines or other enforcement actions taken by CASA. Additionally, operating an aircraft that does not meet the airworthiness standards set forth in the AD could result in criminal charges if the non-compliance leads to an unsafe condition that endangers safety. The maximum penalties for such offences can be substantial, reflecting the seriousness of ensuring air safety and compliance with regulatory standards.