AD/BAe 146/56 - Aileron Servo and Trim Tab Drive Brackets

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which were enacted to regulate civil aviation and ensure the safety of aircraft operations within Australia, include provisions for airworthiness directives. One such directive, AD/BAe 146/56, applies to British Aerospace BAe 146 Series aeroplanes and was introduced to address issues related to aileron servo and trim tab drive brackets. This directive was issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure that all Series BAe 146 aircraft comply with the requirements set out in Avro International Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin 57-47. The directive was prompted by reports of corrosion and subsequent cracking on the bracket surface between the two tab drive flanges, particularly around the attachment bolts. The objective of the directive is to mandate an inspection before a specified date to prevent potential safety hazards arising from these issues. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Australian Parliament, aim to maintain high safety standards in the civil aviation sector. The specific airworthiness directive AD/BAe 146/56 was enacted to address a critical safety concern identified in the BAe 146 aircraft series. By requiring adherence to the manufacturer's mandatory service bulletin, CASA ensures that any identified structural weaknesses are addressed promptly, thereby enhancing the overall safety and reliability of the aircraft in question. This directive reflects the regulatory body's commitment to proactive safety management and the continuous improvement of aviation safety standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, establish the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for various aircraft types, including the British Aerospace BAe 146 Series Aeroplanes. This regulation mandates actions concerning the aileron servo and trim tab drive brackets, as outlined in AD/BAe 146/56. The directive applies to all BAe 146 aircraft and requires compliance with the procedures specified in Avro International Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin 57-47. The primary requirement is to perform an initial inspection before 28 September 1995 to address reported corrosion and potential cracking of the bracket flanges at their base. The directive ensures the continued airworthiness and safety of the BAe 146 series aeroplanes by addressing specific structural concerns identified by the manufacturer. The regulation's jurisdictional reach is Commonwealth-wide, impacting all aircraft operators within Australia, and it does not specify exclusions or exemptions in the provided text. Subordinate instruments may further detail the application and compliance requirements.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, include detailed directives for ensuring the airworthiness of specific aircraft types. One such directive is AD/BAe 146/56, which addresses the aileron servo and trim tab drive brackets of British Aerospace BAe 146 Series Aeroplanes (Section 105). This directive mandates compliance with Avro International Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin 57-47 to address issues related to corrosion and structural integrity of the brackets. Under this directive, all BAe 146 aircraft must undergo inspections and necessary actions as specified in the referenced service bulletin. The primary requirement is an initial inspection before 28 September 1995 to ensure the brackets are free from the reported corrosion and cracking issues (Section 105). The inspection must be thorough and in accordance with the detailed procedures outlined in the service bulletin to identify and rectify any deficiencies. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and non-negotiable. Operators of BAe 146 aircraft must ensure that the specified inspections and corrective actions are performed by qualified personnel. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to severe consequences, including potential grounding of the aircraft until the issues are rectified. This directive is critical for maintaining the structural integrity and safety of the aircraft, thus ensuring compliance is mandatory. Failure to adhere to the provisions of AD/BAe 146/56 can result in significant penalties and legal repercussions. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) can impose substantial fines and take enforcement actions against operators who do not comply with the airworthiness directives. The exact penalties are determined based on the severity of the non-compliance and the potential risk posed to aviation safety. In the most severe cases, non-compliance could result in the suspension or revocation of the aircraft's operating certificate, leading to the aircraft being grounded until all issues are resolved.