AD/AMD 20/11 - Main Landing Gear Actuators

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, was enacted to regulate and ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation operations within Australia. This legislation, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, addresses the need for stringent safety standards and compliance measures for aircraft operations, including the maintenance and airworthiness directives of various aircraft models. The 1998 Regulations were introduced to provide a comprehensive legal framework to manage the safety aspects of civil aviation, ensuring that all aircraft meet the required safety standards and that operators adhere to these standards through the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs). One such AD is AD/AMD 20/11 concerning the Fan Jet Falcon (Falcon 20/Mystere-Falcon 200) series aeroplanes. This directive pertains to the main landing gear actuators and applies to all models that have not been modified in accordance with AMD SB No. 529 (27-491). The policy objective is to ensure that these aircraft maintain their airworthiness by requiring specific actions in accordance with AMD SB No. 528, Rev. 1 (32-49). Compliance with this directive is mandated as detailed in the requirement document, underscoring the importance of adhering to specified safety protocols to prevent potential safety hazards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates the implementation of Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) airworthiness directives for the maintenance and operation of certain aircraft. For the Falcon 20/Mystere-Falcon 200 series aeroplanes, Airworthiness Directive (AD) AMD 20/11 applies to all models that have not been modified in accordance with Advisory Material Document Service Bulletin (AMD SB) No. 529 (27-491). The directive requires compliance with AMD SB No. 528, Rev. 1 (32-49), which outlines specific actions for the main landing gear actuators. The requirement for compliance is detailed in the associated requirement document, ensuring that operators and maintainers adhere to the specified standards to ensure the continued airworthiness of these aircraft. The scope of the regulation is national, applying across the Commonwealth of Australia, and extends to any entities or persons involved in the operation or maintenance of the affected aircraft models. This legislative instrument is part of the overarching regulatory framework established by CASA to ensure the safety and compliance of civil aviation within Australia. The exclusion of certain modified models from the directive indicates a targeted approach to maintenance and operational standards, allowing for flexibility in compliance based on specific modifications. The regulation is enforced nationally, with the potential for further specification and enforcement through subordinate instruments issued by CASA, thereby ensuring a comprehensive and adaptable regulatory environment for civil aviation safety.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, includes specific Airworthiness Directives (AD) aimed at ensuring the safety and compliance of aircraft operations. For the Fan Jet Falcon (Falcon 20/Mystere-Falcon 200) series aeroplanes, AD/AMD 20/11 focuses on the main landing gear actuators, which are critical for the aircraft's safe landing operations (Section 1). This directive applies to all models of the Falcon series that have not been modified in accordance with Amendment Service Bulletin (SB) No. 529 (27-491). For those that have not undergone this modification, compliance with the directive requires adherence to the actions specified in Amendment Service Bulletin No. 528, Revision 1 (32-49). The directive outlines the necessary actions to ensure that the main landing gear actuators are maintained and operated in a safe and effective manner, ensuring that they meet the required standards of airworthiness. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and specific. Owners and operators of the affected aircraft must ensure that the main landing gear actuators are inspected, repaired, or replaced as per the detailed instructions in Amendment Service Bulletin No. 528, Revision 1. This involves following a prescribed set of procedures to verify that the actuators are functioning correctly and do not pose a risk to the safety of the flight. Additionally, any modifications or repairs must be logged and certified by a qualified technician to confirm that the work has been completed to the required standard. Failure to comply with this Airworthiness Directive can have significant consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations, non-compliance with an AD can be considered an offence. The potential penalties for breaching these regulations include fines and, in severe cases, imprisonment. The specific maximum penalties are not detailed in the provided text, but it is known that serious violations can result in substantial financial penalties and, in extreme cases, criminal charges against the responsible parties, including individuals and corporations. It is crucial for operators to take these obligations seriously to avoid such severe repercussions.