AD/BAe 146/68 - Eye Bolt and Piston Rod Threads of MLG Retraction Actuator

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended through the legislative instrument F2006B03516, were enacted by the Australian Parliament to address safety concerns in civil aviation, particularly focusing on the maintenance and operational standards of aircraft. This specific legislative instrument pertains to the British Aerospace BAe 146 Series aeroplanes and is intended to mitigate the risks associated with the corrosion of the eyebolt and piston rod threads on the main landing gear retraction actuator. The directive was introduced to ensure the continued airworthiness of these aircraft by mandating inspections in accordance with British Aerospace's Mandatory Service Bulletin 32-145. The policy objective is to prevent in-service failures and enhance the safety of air travel by maintaining the integrity of critical aircraft components. The airworthiness directive became effective on 4 December 1997, requiring all BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ Series aircraft equipped with specific main landing gear actuators to comply with the inspection requirements. This proactive measure was introduced in response to reported instances of corrosion on these parts, which could potentially lead to significant safety issues if left unaddressed. By enforcing these regulations, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority aims to uphold the highest safety standards in the aviation industry.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to airworthiness directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and applies to all BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ Series aircraft that are equipped with main landing gear actuators of Part/Type No. 104628002 or 104628003, as identified in Dowty Aerospace Hydraulics-Cheltenham Service Bulletin 146-32-507. The directive mandates an inspection of the eye bolt and piston rod threads of the main landing gear (MLG) retraction actuator to address instances of corrosion that have been observed in service. Compliance with this directive is to be carried out in accordance with British Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin 32-145, and it became effective on 4 December 1997. The scope of this regulation is limited to the specified aircraft models and components, ensuring that the identified safety issues are mitigated through regular and detailed inspections.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly in Part 39 - 105, outline a specific airworthiness directive (AD/BAe 146/68) that pertains to the British Aerospace BAe 146 Series Aeroplanes (section 13/97). This directive mandates the inspection of the eye bolt and piston rod threads of the main landing gear (MLG) retraction actuator for all BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ Series aircraft equipped with specific main landing gear actuators (Part/Type No. 104628002, 104628003). The directive applies to aircraft identified in Dowty Aerospace Hydraulics-Cheltenham Service Bulletin 146-32-507. The requirement is to conduct an inspection in accordance with British Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin 32-145. This airworthiness directive became effective on 4 December 1997. The primary obligation imposed by this airworthiness directive is the requirement for operators and maintenance personnel to inspect the specified components of the main landing gear retraction actuator for corrosion. The inspection must be carried out as outlined in the British Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin 32-145. This directive ensures that any identified corrosion is addressed in a timely manner, thereby maintaining the airworthiness and safety of the aircraft. Compliance with the directive is crucial for ensuring that the aircraft remains safe to operate and meets all necessary regulatory standards. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive can lead to significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the directive itself, general penalties for breaches of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 can include fines and potential imprisonment for serious violations. The severity of the penalty will depend on the nature and extent of the non-compliance and any resulting safety risks. It is imperative for operators and maintenance personnel to adhere strictly to the requirements of this directive to avoid any legal repercussions and ensure the continued safe operation of the aircraft.