AD/BN-2/17 Amdt 1 - Elevator Trim Jack - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the legislative instrument F2006B04728, include specific directives for the maintenance and safety of Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 Series Aeroplanes, addressing concerns regarding the elevator trim jack. Enacted by the Australian Government, this regulation was introduced to mitigate risks associated with the structural integrity of the elevator trim jack in these aircraft models, particularly to prevent cracking and ensure safety. The policy objective behind this regulation is to mandate regular inspections and necessary modifications to maintain airworthiness standards, thereby enhancing overall aviation safety. Compliance with these directives is essential for operators to ensure that the aircraft remain in a safe operational condition, reflecting the stringent safety protocols enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives and applies to all Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 series aeroplanes that have not incorporated Modification NB/M/468. This legislation mandates that aircraft operators and owners ensure compliance with the outlined requirements to maintain the airworthiness of the specified aircraft. The directive applies to all models of the BN-2 series aeroplanes except those that have already incorporated the referenced modification. The primary focus of this directive is on the inspection and modification of the elevator trim jack eye end to prevent cracking, particularly in the corners of the cutout where the bearing is removed from the cage. Operators must adhere to a strict compliance schedule, conducting the required inspection using a dye penetrant method within 100 hours of time in service after 27 January 1971, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 20 hours time in service. The modification must be completed before 28 February 1971 to ensure the aircraft meets the safety standards set by CASA. This legislation encompasses all operations within the Commonwealth of Australia and applies to any entity or individual operating a Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 series aeroplane within the Australian jurisdiction. The scope of the legislation does not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, indicating that all applicable aircraft must comply with the specified requirements.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, establishes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD) to ensure the safe operation of aircraft. In this context, AD/BN-2/17 Amendment 1 addresses the elevator trim jack for Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 Series Aeroplanes. The primary requirement outlined in section 1 mandates a thorough inspection of the elevator trim jack eye end for any cracking. This inspection must be conducted using a dye penetrant method, with a particular focus on the corners of the cutout that allows for the removal of the bearing from the cage. Additionally, section 1 also requires the incorporation of a new eye end to modification NB/M/468. The obligations imposed by this directive on the parties or entities it governs are stringent. Operators and owners of Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 Series Aeroplanes must ensure that the specified inspection and modification are carried out in a timely and compliant manner. Specifically, the inspection must be performed within 100 hours of time in service following 27 January 1971, and the modification must be completed before 28 February 1971. Thereafter, the inspection must be repeated at intervals not exceeding 20 hours of time in service to maintain compliance. Failure to adhere to these requirements can result in significant consequences. While the specific section does not detail civil or criminal penalties, the overarching Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 outline potential penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. These can include substantial fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and in severe cases, criminal charges. The potential penalties underscore the importance of strict adherence to the outlined procedures and timelines to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.