AD/BN-2/19 - Engine Mounting Bracket Jo-Bolts - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, include specific provisions to ensure the safety and reliability of aircraft operations. One such legislative instrument, F2006B04730, pertains to Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 Series Aeroplanes and addresses the issue of engine mounting bracket jo-bolts. Enacted to mitigate potential safety risks associated with loose jo-bolts, this directive aims to ensure that all models of BN-2 Series Aeroplanes that have accumulated over 1000 hours of total time in service, and have not yet incorporated Modification NB/M/455, undergo a mandatory inspection. The overarching policy objective is to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety by ensuring that critical components such as engine mounting brackets are securely fastened, thereby preventing any in-flight failures that could compromise the safety of the aircraft and its occupants.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, mandate specific airworthiness directives applicable to Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 Series aeroplanes, particularly focusing on the inspection and modification of engine mounting bracket jo-bolts. This regulation applies to all models of the BN-2 Series that have exceeded 1000 hours of total time in service, provided they do not already incorporate Modification NB/M/455. The directive necessitates that operators inspect the engine mounting frames for any loose jo-bolts, following the guidelines set out in Britten Norman Service Bulletin BN-2/SB.44. If the inspection reveals that the jo-bolts can be moved or partially rotated in both brackets of any engine mounting, operators must implement Modification NB/M/455 before continuing with further flights. Compliance with these directives is required within 100 hours of time in service after 31 March 1971 and subsequently as detailed in Service Bulletin No. BN-2/SB.44. This legislation ensures that the specified modifications and inspections are adhered to, thereby maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensuring safety standards are met in accordance with Australian regulations.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, include a schedule of airworthiness directives that are imperative for maintaining the safety standards of aircraft. One such directive, AD/BN-2/19, pertains to the Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 Series Aeroplanes, focusing on the inspection and modification of engine mounting bracket jo-bolts. The directive applies to all models of the BN-2 series that have accumulated over 1000 hours of total flight time, unless they already incorporate Modification NB/M/455. The primary requirement (under section 1) is to inspect the engine mounting frames meticulously for any loose jo-bolts, adhering to the guidelines provided in Britten Norman Service Bulletin BN-2/SB.44. If the inspection reveals that the jo-bolts can be moved or partially rotated in both brackets on any engine mounting, then Modification NB/M/455 must be executed before any subsequent flight (section 2). The Civil Aviation Regulations impose specific obligations on the operators and owners of Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 Series Aeroplanes to ensure compliance with the airworthiness directive AD/BN-2/19. These obligations include conducting the mandated inspection of the engine mounting brackets within the stipulated timeframe, which is 100 hours of time in service after 31 March 1971, and subsequently following the periodicity detailed in Service Bulletin BN-2/SB.44 (section 1). If the inspection identifies any issues with the jo-bolts, the required modification must be performed without delay, ensuring the aircraft meets the necessary safety standards before resuming flight operations (section 2). Failure to adhere to these requirements can have serious implications for the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. The consequences for non-compliance with the airworthiness directive AD/BN-2/19 can be significant. The regulations do not explicitly state penalties within the provided text; however, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations generally can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These actions may include fines, the grounding of the aircraft, or other administrative measures. The severity of the penalties can depend on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, and in cases where non-compliance results in an aviation incident or accident, there may be additional criminal charges and penalties imposed. The overarching objective of these provisions is to ensure that all aircraft, and particularly those of the Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 Series, meet stringent safety standards to protect passengers, crew, and the public.