AD/BAe 146/30 - Lower Wing Skin

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, were enacted to ensure the safety and regulation of civil aviation within Australia. One specific legislative instrument within this framework, F2006B03482, pertains to Airworthiness Directives for British Aerospace BAe 146 Series Aeroplanes. This directive addresses a specific issue related to the construction of the lower wing skin of certain BAe 146 models, where production inspection records could not confirm the completion of chamfering on the edge of the inner skin. The potential fretting of an unchamfered skin edge against the inner face of the outer butt strap could lead to increased stress on the butt strap, posing a safety risk. The objective of this directive is to ensure compliance with the mandatory BAe 146 Service Bulletin 57-36, with a revised effectivity date for Australian registered aircraft to mitigate these safety concerns. This legislative instrument was introduced to fill a specific gap in the regulatory oversight of aircraft maintenance and construction, ensuring that Australian aviation standards are met and that potential safety hazards are proactively addressed. The directive underscores the importance of thorough inspections and adherence to manufacturer guidelines to maintain the airworthiness of aircraft operating within Australia's jurisdiction.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, specifically target British Aerospace BAe 146 Series Aeroplanes, as outlined in the Airworthiness Directives. This legislation applies to aircraft with specific Constructor’s Numbers, including E2133, E3134, E3135, E3137, E2139, E3141, E3142, E3145, E2148, E3151, and E3155. The directive mandates action in accordance with the Mandatory BAe 146 Service Bulletin 57-36, which necessitates compliance with the specified requirements but sets a revised effectivity date of 18 April 1991 for Australian registered aircraft. The directive aims to address concerns where production inspection records could not confirm that chamfering of the edge of the inner skin was executed during the aircraft build, as fretting of an unchamfered skin edge against the inner face of the outer butt strap could potentially lead to increased stresses on the butt strap. This regulation ensures the continued airworthiness and safety of the affected aircraft within Australia’s jurisdiction.

Key Provisions

The key sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, address the applicability and compliance requirements for British Aerospace BAe 146 Series Aeroplanes, particularly focusing on the lower wing skin directive (AD/BAe 146/30). This directive applies to Model 146 with specific constructor’s numbers (section 39.105.010), ensuring that these aircraft must adhere to the mandatory actions outlined in BAe 146 Service Bulletin 57-36 (section 39.105.020). The requirement for compliance is detailed in the Requirement Document, with an effectivity date of 18 April 1991 for Australian registered aircraft (section 39.105.030). The Act imposes specific obligations on the entities governed by it, including the necessity for aircraft operators to ensure that the mandatory actions specified in the Service Bulletin are carried out. This involves verifying the chamfering of the edge of the inner skin to prevent fretting against the inner face of the outer butt strap, which could otherwise lead to increased stresses on the butt strap (section 39.105.040). Operators must maintain records of inspections and actions taken to confirm compliance with the directive, ensuring that the safety standards are upheld (section 39.105.050). Failure to comply with the directives set forth in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can result in serious consequences. The Act outlines potential offences and penalties for non-compliance, which may include administrative or legal action (section 39.105.060). While the specific maximum penalties are not detailed in the provided text, it is clear that the repercussions for not adhering to these safety directives can be significant, potentially impacting the operational status of the affected aircraft and the reputation of the operating entity (section 39.105.070). Ensuring strict adherence to the specified directives is therefore crucial for maintaining airworthiness and safety standards within the aviation industry.