COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Aircraft Parts and Development (CALL AIR) A-9 Series Aeroplanes
AD/AC-CLA/4 Wing Lift Struts 10/73
Applicability: All A-9 Series.
Requirement: 1. Inspect visually for welds on both sides of the four wing lift struts at the P/N 10671 eye fittings. A 360 fillet weld is required around the eye fitting shank on both sides of the lift strut to seal the strut against moisture. These fittings provide for attachment of the lift struts to the stabilising struts.
2. If the welds between the eye fittings and the lift struts do not provide a complete seal as specified in para. 1 the lift strut should be removed, and checked for water ingestion visually, and for corrosion by radiographic inspection.
3. If no water or corrosion is present in the strut, weld the eye fitting to the strut 360 on both sides of the strut and reinstall the strut.
4. If water is present in the strut (without corrosion) dry the strut, flush with linseed oil, weld the eye fitting to the strut 360 on both sides of the strut and reinstall the strut.
5. If corrosion is found the strut is to be replaced before further flight.
6. If the welds between the eye fittings and the lift struts provide a complete seal as specified in para. 1 no further action is required.
Compliance: At next major inspection after 31 October 1973 or 1 February 1974 whichever occurs first.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, are a comprehensive set of rules designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. Among the various parts of these regulations, Part 39 - 105 specifically addresses the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, with a focus on maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft. This particular legislative instrument, F2006B02197, pertains to the A-9 Series Aeroplanes and mandates inspections and repairs of wing lift struts to prevent water ingestion and corrosion, thereby ensuring the structural integrity and safety of the aircraft. The policy objective of this directive is to mitigate risks associated with compromised lift struts, which could potentially lead to catastrophic failure during flight.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Airworthiness Directives for Aircraft Parts and Development, with this particular entry focusing on the A-9 Series aeroplanes. The regulation mandates a stringent inspection protocol for the wing lift struts at the P/N 10671 eye fittings to ensure a complete 360-degree fillet weld is present on both sides of the lift strut, thereby preventing moisture ingress. This requirement applies universally to all A-9 Series aircraft, ensuring a standardised approach to maintaining airworthiness and safety. The directive also stipulates the sequence of actions to be taken if the welds do not meet the required specifications, including visual and radiographic inspections, drying and oiling procedures, and the replacement of struts if corrosion is detected. Compliance with these directives must occur at the next major inspection following the specified dates of 31 October 1973 or 1 February 1974, whichever is later. The scope of the regulation is nationwide, applicable to all operators of A-9 Series aircraft within the Commonwealth of Australia.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the safety requirements for A-9 Series aircraft, focusing on the wing lift struts. Section 1 of this regulation mandates a visual inspection of the welds at the P/N 10671 eye fittings on all four wing lift struts (Section 10/73). The requirement is that a 360-degree fillet weld must be present on both sides of the strut to ensure it is sealed against moisture. This is crucial as these welds attach the lift struts to the stabilising struts. If the inspection reveals that the welds are not adequately sealing the strut, further steps must be taken. Specifically, the strut should be removed and visually inspected for water ingestion, and radiographically inspected for corrosion (Section 2). Depending on the findings, the strut may either be re-welded and reinstalled (Section 3 and 4) or replaced if corrosion is detected (Section 5). If the struts are found to be properly sealed, no further action is required (Section 6).
The obligations under this regulation are clear and stringent. Aircraft operators and maintenance personnel must ensure that the welds on the wing lift struts meet the specified standards. This involves a detailed inspection process that includes visual and radiographic methods to check for water ingestion and corrosion. If any deficiencies are identified, the struts must either be re-welded or replaced, depending on the extent of the damage. These requirements are designed to maintain the structural integrity of the aircraft and ensure safe operation.
Failure to comply with these safety directives can have serious consequences. While the regulations do not explicitly outline the penalties for non-compliance, it is understood that any breach of these safety standards could result in severe penalties. These could include fines, grounding of the aircraft, and potential criminal charges for those responsible for the oversight. The severity of these consequences underscores the importance of adhering to the specified inspection and maintenance procedures. The ultimate goal is to prevent any potential hazards that could compromise the safety of the aircraft and its occupants.