Overview

The Airworthiness Directive AD/AMD 50/31 was issued in 2003 by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address safety concerns regarding the Dassault Aviation Mystere Falcon 50 aeroplanes, specifically those with serial numbers ranging from 2 to 329. This directive was introduced in response to the risk of hydraulic line failure due to improper reinstallation of clamps during the lubrication of teleflex engine controls, which can lead to chafing and subsequent hydraulic system failure. The primary objective of this Airworthiness Directive is to ensure the airworthiness of these aircraft by mandating specific actions such as inspection, measurement, and replacement of chafed hydraulic lines, as well as the incorporation of necessary revisions into the Airframe Maintenance Manual. This directive is intended to mitigate the identified unsafe condition and maintain the safety standards of the affected aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) applies specifically to Dassault Aviation Mystere Falcon 50 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 2 through 329 inclusive. This regulatory action is issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and is aimed at ensuring the safety of the aircraft by addressing a specific unsafe condition related to hydraulic line chafing. The directive mandates that an inspection and measurement of the hydraulic lines must be carried out in accordance with Dassault Aviation Service Bulletin (S/B) F50-A370, and any chafed hydraulic lines must be replaced as per the replacement criteria detailed in the same service bulletin. Additionally, it requires that the hydraulic lines be fitted in accordance with Dassault Aviation S/B F50-A370 and that temporary revision F50-WC-844.0/1 be incorporated into the Airframe Maintenance Manual. Compliance with these requirements must be achieved within specified timeframes post the effective date of the directive, which is 14 May 2003. The directive is applicable within the Commonwealth of Australia and extends its reach to the entities operating these particular aircraft models.

Key Provisions

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CASR 1998, pertains to the Dassault Aviation Mystere Falcon 50 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 2 to 329 inclusive. The directive is concerned with ensuring the safety of hydraulic lines on these aircraft to prevent failure due to chafing. The directive specifies four main actions to be taken (sections 1-4 of the Requirement). Firstly, an inspection and measurement of the hydraulic lines must be carried out in accordance with Dassault Aviation Service Bulletin (S/B) F50-A370. Secondly, any chafed hydraulic lines must be replaced as per the replacement criteria outlined in the same service bulletin. Thirdly, it is necessary to ensure that the hydraulic lines are fitted correctly as per Dassault Aviation S/B F50-A370. Lastly, a temporary revision, F50-WC-844.0/1, must be incorporated into the Airframe Maintenance Manual. These actions must be completed within specified time frames, namely within three flights from the effective date of this directive (section Compliance). The AD imposes several obligations on the parties it governs. Owners and operators of the affected Dassault Aviation Mystere Falcon 50 aeroplanes must ensure that the inspections and repairs are carried out by suitably qualified personnel. The actions specified in the directive must be carried out strictly in accordance with the Dassault Aviation Service Bulletins and the Airframe Maintenance Manual. The AD also requires the incorporation of temporary revision F50-WC-844.0/1 into the maintenance documentation. Failure to comply with the AD could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, potentially leading to operational restrictions or grounding. The AD does not explicitly state civil or criminal penalties for non-compliance. However, the broader regulatory framework under which the AD is issued, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations, includes provisions for penalties. Non-compliance with CASA regulations can result in substantial fines, with penalties varying according to the severity and frequency of the breach. In extreme cases, CASA can also pursue criminal charges against individuals or corporations responsible for non-compliance, which can result in imprisonment. Additionally, non-compliance could lead to operational restrictions or the grounding of the affected aircraft, impacting the operators' business continuity.