AD/AT/15 Amdt 1 - Wing Attachment Tube Bushings

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by AD/AT/15Amdt 1, address the issue of cracks found in the fuselage wing attachment tubes of Airtractor AT-300, 400 and 500 series aeroplanes. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, the policy objective of this legislation is to ensure the safety of these aircraft by mandating specific inspection and maintenance procedures. The regulation applies to Airtractor AT-501 and AT-502 aeroplanes with certain serial numbers, requiring a visual inspection for cracks and the removal of paint and subsequent fluorescent dye penetrant inspection in accordance with specified procedures. The amendment aims to ensure that any detected defects are rectified promptly to maintain airworthiness standards. Compliance with these directives is necessary to ensure the safety of operations involving these aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the safety of aircraft operations within Australia, with this legislative instrument focusing on Airtractor AT-300, 400, and 500 series aeroplanes. The regulation applies to Airtractor AT-501 aeroplanes with serial numbers up to 510-0128 and Airtractor AT-502 aeroplanes with serial numbers up to 502-0128 that feature unreinforced bushings in the fuselage wing attachment tubes. The requirement outlined in this legislation mandates a visual inspection for cracks around these bushings, conducted in accordance with specific guidelines, and includes detailed steps for preparation and inspection processes to ensure compliance with safety standards. The regulation extends its applicability nationally, affecting all entities operating these aircraft within Australian jurisdiction. However, it does not explicitly mention exclusions or exemptions, although the installation of reinforcement gussets as a modification can potentially negate the need for compliance with this directive.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, establish the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, with AD/AT/15 Amendment 1 focusing on the Airtractor AT-300, 400, and 500 Series aeroplanes. The directive is concerned with the wing attachment tube bushings of certain Airtractor models, specifically AT-501 and AT-502 with serial numbers up to 510-0128 and 502-0128 respectively, that have unreinforced bushings in the fuselage wing attachment tubes (Section 1). The directive mandates a thorough inspection process to ensure the safety of these aircraft. First, it requires a visual inspection for cracks around the unreinforced bushings in the fuselage wing attachment tubes, adhering to the guidelines provided by Snow Engineering Co. Service Letter No 92 (Section 1). Subsequently, it directs the removal of the wing gap covers, detachable side skins, and wing attachment angles from the wing attachment tubes. The area around the unreinforced bushings must be thoroughly cleaned, rinsed with water, and air dried (Section 2a). It is recommended to avoid using paint strippers and volatile cleaning agents due to potential reactions with chemical residues from agricultural operations. Following the cleaning, the directive requires a fluorescent dye penetrant inspection in accordance with CAO 108.10. If no cracks are detected, the wing attachment tube must be repainted (Section 2b). Compliance with these directives is crucial and must be achieved within specific timeframes. The initial inspection must occur before 5 hours of time in service after 22 June 1995 (Section Compliance 1). Furthermore, the inspection must be repeated at the next 100-hourly inspection or annual inspection, whichever comes first. Thereafter, reinspections must be conducted at intervals not exceeding 500 hours or each annual inspection, whichever occurs first (Section Compliance 2). The directive became effective from 14 September 1995 and the installation of reinforcement gussets P/N 10803-1 (or equivalent) will nullify the requirement of this directive (Section Background). Failure to comply with these directives may result in serious safety concerns. The legislation does not explicitly state penalties or consequences for non-compliance, but non-compliance with CASA directives can lead to severe repercussions, including grounding of the aircraft, fines, and potential legal actions. The enforcement of these safety measures is imperative to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensure the safety of all personnel involved.