COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Airbus Industrie A319, A320 and A321 Series Aeroplanes
AD/A320/2 Ram Air Turbine Airborne Ground Checkout Module (AGCM)
8/89
Applicability: All A320 aircraft fitted with airborne ground checkout module P/N 682005010. Requirement: Action in accordance with Dowty Rotol Mandatory Service Bulletin 600-29-63. Compliance: Prior to 30 September 1989.
Background: The module manufacturer has advised of a possible detachment of the snubber fitted in the pressure switch, installed in the airborne ground checkout module (AGCM). If detachment occurs the snubber could lodge within a component of the AGCM or in other areas of the hydraulic system.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, was enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. This legislative instrument addresses various aspects of aircraft operations and maintenance, including the issuance of airworthiness directives aimed at rectifying known safety issues. One such directive, AD/A320/2, pertains to the Airbus Industrie A319, A320, and A321 series aeroplanes, focusing on the Ram Air Turbine Airborne Ground Checkout Module (AGCM). This directive was introduced to address a safety concern identified by the module manufacturer regarding a potential detachment of the snubber in the pressure switch, which could lead to the snubber lodging within the AGCM or other hydraulic system components, thus posing a risk to flight safety. The policy objective behind this directive is to ensure that all applicable aircraft are maintained in a safe and airworthy condition by adhering to the specified compliance requirements.
This airworthiness directive is issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), an agency of the Australian Government responsible for regulating the civil aviation sector to protect the public from undue risk. CASA's role includes enforcing compliance with safety regulations and directives, which is evident in this directive's requirement that all A320 aircraft fitted with the specified airborne ground checkout module must adhere to the action detailed in Dowty Rotol Mandatory Service Bulletin 600-29-63 before 30 September 1989. The directive's enactment by the Commonwealth of Australia through CASA underscores the commitment to maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Regulations, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Airbus Industrie A319, A320 and A321 Series Aeroplanes, mandates certain safety directives that must be followed to ensure the airworthiness of these aircraft. This particular regulation, AD/A320/2, applies to all A320 aircraft that are equipped with the airborne ground checkout module (AGCM) with part number 682005010. The directive requires adherence to the instructions outlined in Dowty Rotol Mandatory Service Bulletin 600-29-63. The primary concern addressed by this directive is the potential detachment of the snubber fitted in the pressure switch of the AGCM, which could lead to the snubber lodging within the AGCM or other areas of the hydraulic system if not properly managed. Compliance with this directive is mandatory for all relevant aircraft, with a specific requirement to act in accordance with the prescribed service bulletin prior to 30 September 1989. This regulation is a part of the overarching framework designed to maintain high safety standards in the aviation industry, and it extends to the entire fleet of A320 aircraft meeting the specified criteria, ensuring that all operators and maintenance providers are aware of and comply with these critical safety measures.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates certain safety directives for aircraft such as the Airbus Industrie A319, A320, and A321 series. One such directive is AD/A320/2, which pertains to the Ram Air Turbine Airborne Ground Checkout Module (AGCM) (Section 8/89). This directive applies to all A320 aircraft that are equipped with the airborne ground checkout module with part number 682005010. The directive requires that the actions outlined in Dowty Rotol Mandatory Service Bulletin 600-29-63 must be followed (Section 8/89). This service bulletin addresses a potential issue where the snubber, which is fitted in the pressure switch installed in the AGCM, might detach. If such a detachment occurs, the snubber could become lodged within a component of the AGCM or other areas of the hydraulic system.
The obligations imposed by this directive are primarily concerned with ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. Operators and owners of A320 aircraft with the specified AGCM must comply with the requirements laid out in the Dowty Rotol Mandatory Service Bulletin 600-29-63. This involves conducting a thorough inspection and potentially necessary repairs to ensure that the snubber remains securely fitted within the pressure switch of the AGCM. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be achieved before 30 September 1989, as specified by the manufacturer's advisory (Section 8/89).
Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in this airworthiness directive may result in severe civil and criminal consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce penalties for non-compliance. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the legislative instrument provided, non-compliance generally results in penalties that can include fines and, in more severe cases, criminal charges. These penalties are intended to ensure that aircraft remain in a safe and airworthy condition, thereby protecting the public and maintaining the integrity of the aviation safety regulatory framework.