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/A320/39 Aileron Support Frames 9/94
Applicability: A320 series aircraft, serial numbers 5 to 43 inclusive.
Requirement: 1. Replace the Numbers 1, 2, and 3 aileron support frames, on the wing rear spar, with reinforced aileron support frames in accordance with Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin (AISB) A320-57-1002.
2. Replace the hydraulic line clamps and electrical cable raceways in this area with re-designed parts in accordance with AISB A320-57-1002.
Note: DGAC AD 93-108-044(B) refers.
Compliance: Replace all components before the aircraft has reached 14000 flights.
This AD is effective from 18 August 1994.
Background: The aileron support frame at the Number 3 hinge suffered a fatigue failure during the Airbus A320 full scale fatigue test. Failure of the aileron support frames could result in a reduction or loss of aircraft control.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the legislative instrument F2006B01929, address the need for ensuring the airworthiness of Airbus Industrie A319, A320, and A321 series aeroplanes. This particular directive, AD/A320/39, was introduced to address the identified issue of fatigue failure in the aileron support frames, specifically at the Number 3 hinge. This was necessitated by an incident during a full-scale fatigue test where a fatigue failure occurred, potentially leading to a loss of aircraft control. The objective of this directive, as enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, is to mandate the replacement of specified aileron support frames and associated components with reinforced versions to prevent such failures and ensure continued safe operation of the affected aircraft models.
This legislative instrument was enacted to maintain and enhance aviation safety, ensuring that aircraft meet necessary safety standards and addressing any identified risks proactively. The directive requires compliance by replacing the components before the aircraft reaches 14,000 flights, underscoring the importance of timely maintenance and adherence to safety protocols in the aviation industry. The regulation is effective from 18 August 1994, providing clear and actionable guidance for operators of the specified Airbus aircraft models.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to the Airbus Industrie A319, A320, and A321 series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 5 to 43 inclusive. This legislative instrument mandates the replacement of specific aileron support frames and related components to ensure airworthiness and safety. The requirement to replace the Numbers 1, 2, and 3 aileron support frames, along with hydraulic line clamps and electrical cable raceways, must be carried out in accordance with Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A320-57-1002. Compliance with these directives is critical as failure of the aileron support frames can lead to a significant reduction or loss of aircraft control. All specified replacements must be completed before the aircraft has reached 14,000 flights. This Airworthiness Directive became effective from 18 August 1994 and references DGAC AD 93-108-044(B) for further context.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 105, mandate the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to ensure the safety of civil aircraft operations. This particular AD (AD/A320/39) focuses on Airbus Industrie A319, A320, and A321 series aeroplanes, specifically addressing issues related to the aileron support frames. The directive applies to A320 series aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 5 to 43 inclusive. The requirement outlined in this AD (Section 105) is to replace the Numbers 1, 2, and 3 aileron support frames located on the wing rear spar with reinforced aileron support frames in accordance with Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin (AISB) A320-57-1002. Additionally, the hydraulic line clamps and electrical cable raceways in this area must also be replaced with redesigned parts in accordance with the same service bulletin. The directive references DGAC AD 93-108-044(B) for further context.
Compliance with this AD is mandatory, with all specified components needing to be replaced before the aircraft reaches 14,000 flights. This directive was made effective from 18 August 1994, underscoring the urgency and importance of addressing the identified safety issues. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in serious safety risks, including a reduction or loss of aircraft control, which was demonstrated by the fatigue failure of an aileron support frame during a full-scale fatigue test of the Airbus A320.
Entities and parties governed by these regulations must ensure that all specified modifications are completed within the stipulated timeframe to maintain the airworthiness of the affected aircraft. The primary obligation lies with aircraft operators and maintenance organisations to adhere to the AD and perform the necessary replacements and upgrades to the aileron support frames and related components. This ensures that the aircraft remain compliant with safety standards and do not pose a risk to flight operations.
Failure to comply with the requirements outlined in this AD can lead to serious consequences, both civil and criminal. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce compliance and may take action against non-compliant aircraft or operators. Penalties for non-compliance could include fines, suspension of the aircraft's airworthiness certificate, or other regulatory actions deemed necessary to ensure safety. The exact penalties may vary depending on the severity of the breach and the circumstances surrounding it.