Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), were enacted to provide comprehensive regulations governing the safety of civil aviation in Australia. Among these regulations, Part 39 outlines the specific requirements for maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft, including the Airbus Industrie A319, A320, and A321 series aeroplanes. The objective of these regulations is to ensure the safety of air travel by setting stringent standards for aircraft maintenance and operation. One such regulation is Airworthiness Directive AD/A320/55, which pertains to the centre wing, specifically the bracket between the shroud box and the fixed shroud of the mentioned aircraft series. This directive aims to detect and prevent any damage related to structural fatigue, ensuring that these aircraft remain airworthy and safe for operation. Compliance with this directive is mandatory before the aircraft reaches 17,000 flight cycles and at specified intervals thereafter, as outlined in the Requirement Document.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives for certain Airbus Industrie aeroplanes. This legislation applies to the Airbus A319, A320, and A321 series aeroplanes, focusing on the structural integrity of the centre wing, particularly the bracket between the shroud box and fixed shroud. The directive mandates actions to be taken in accordance with Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A320-57-1034 Revision 1, ensuring compliance before the aeroplanes attain 17,000 flight cycles and subsequently at the specified intervals outlined in the Requirement Document. The regulatory framework extends across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring consistent application and enforcement of airworthiness standards throughout the country. It should be noted that this directive is superseded by the full incorporation of Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A320-57-1035.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, establish the framework for ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft, with specific focus on Airbus Industrie A319, A320, and A321 series aeroplanes. Section AD/A320/55 mandates actions concerning the centre wing bracket between the shroud box and fixed shroud, specifying compliance requirements (Section 1). This directive applies as outlined in the Requirement Document and requires adherence to Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A320-57-1034, Revision 1. The directive also references DGAC AD 95-100-068(B) for additional context (Section 2). Compliance is required before the aircraft reaches 17,000 flight cycles and at subsequent intervals detailed in the Requirement Document. It is also noted that full incorporation of Airbus Industrie SB A320-57-1035 will terminate this directive (Section 3). This legislative provision is intended to detect and prevent any damage related to structural fatigue (Section 4). The obligations imposed by this Act on the parties or entities it governs primarily concern the maintenance and inspection of the specified components of the Airbus Industrie A319, A320, and A321 series aeroplanes. Operators and maintenance providers must ensure that the actions specified in Airbus Industrie SB A320-57-1034 are carried out meticulously. This includes detailed inspection and, where necessary, repair or replacement of the centre wing bracket between the shroud box and fixed shroud. Compliance must be achieved before the aircraft reaches 17,000 flight cycles and at the intervals outlined in the Requirement Document. The directive further mandates that the full incorporation of Airbus Industrie SB A320-57-1035 will eventually supersede AD/A320/55, reflecting the evolving nature of airworthiness directives and the importance of staying current with manufacturer recommendations (Section 5). Breaches of the provisions outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can result in significant consequences. Non-compliance with the airworthiness directives, such as those specified in AD/A320/55, can lead to serious safety hazards, potentially compromising the structural integrity of the aircraft. Under Australian aviation law, failure to adhere to these directives may result in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Civil penalties can include substantial fines, and in severe cases, CASA may suspend or revoke the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness. Additionally, criminal charges can be brought against individuals or corporations responsible for non-compliance, with potential imprisonment for serious breaches. The maximum penalties can vary based on the severity and intent behind the non-compliance, but the overarching aim is to ensure the highest standards of aviation safety are maintained (Section 6).