AD/AMD 20/19 - MLG Door Rear Lock Control Lever Stop

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, incorporates amendments pertinent to the airworthiness directives for the Fan Jet Falcon (Falcon 20/Mystere-Falcon 200) series aeroplanes. This legislative instrument, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, aims to address safety concerns identified in specific aircraft models, particularly the risk of rear door lock jamming due to a ruptured synchronising teleforce cable. This issue was highlighted by an incident where the cable ruptured in flight, potentially leading to critical operational failures such as the inability to extend the landing gear. The policy objective behind these regulations is to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the aircraft by mandating specific actions to prevent such incidents. Compliance with these directives is critical to maintaining the operational integrity and safety standards of the affected aircraft models. The Australian Government, through the relevant civil aviation authorities, established these regulations to mandate actions that align with Service Bulletin FJF-502 and Bureau Veritas AD 87-077-018(B). The regulations require adherence to these directives by all relevant parties to mitigate the risk of rear door lock jamming, which could otherwise lead to significant safety hazards. These measures reflect a commitment to upholding stringent safety standards within the aviation sector, ensuring that all aircraft meet the necessary safety criteria before a specified compliance date.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, specifically address the airworthiness of aircraft within the Commonwealth of Australia, with Part 39 - 105 focusing on Airworthiness Directives that ensure compliance with safety standards. The particular Airworthiness Directive AD/AMD 20/19 pertains to Fan Jet Falcon (Falcon 20/Mystere-Falcon 200) series aeroplanes, applying to models with serial numbers listed in AMD-BA Service Bulletin FJF-502. The directive mandates compliance with the actions outlined in this bulletin, aiming to rectify an issue identified where the synchronising teleforce cable for the lateral door locks may rupture in flight. This failure could result in the rear door lock jamming and the landing gear failing to extend. To mitigate this risk, a stop must be fitted to each lateral door rear lock. Compliance with this directive is required before 31 October 1987, as per the stipulated timeline, ensuring that all affected aircraft meet the specified safety requirements. The directive extends to the specific models mentioned, with no broader exemptions or exclusions indicated within the text.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39, Section 105, sets forth specific requirements and directives concerning the airworthiness of aircraft. In this context, Airworthiness Directive (AD) AMD 20/19 focuses on the Falcon 20/Mystere-Falcon 200 series aeroplanes, with a specific focus on the MLG Door Rear Lock Control Lever Stop (section 9/87). The directive applies to models with serial numbers as listed in AMD-BA Service Bulletin FJF-502. It mandates that operators must take action in accordance with the detailed instructions provided in AMD-BA Service Bulletin FJF-502. This bulletin provides comprehensive guidance on the installation of a stop mechanism to prevent jamming of the rear door lock, which is crucial for ensuring the aircraft's landing gear can extend correctly. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and specific. Operators of the affected aircraft must comply with the instructions outlined in the AMD-BA Service Bulletin FJF-502. This involves installing a stop to prevent the rear lock from jamming, which is a critical safety measure to avoid the risk of the landing gear failing to extend during flight. Compliance with these directives is essential to maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensuring safe operations. Additionally, the directive references Bureau Veritas AD 87-077-018(B), which provides further technical details and support for the required modifications. Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in AD AMD 20/19 can lead to serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may take enforcement actions against operators who do not adhere to these directives. While specific penalties are not detailed in the text, non-compliance with airworthiness directives generally results in significant civil or criminal penalties. These can include fines, suspension or revocation of the aircraft’s certificate of airworthiness, and potential criminal charges against the operator or responsible parties. Such stringent measures are in place to underscore the importance of adhering to these safety directives to protect the public and ensure the safe operation of civil aviation.