AD/BN-2/21 Amdt 1 - Elevator Trim Lever Box Cracking and Loose Rivets

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended in 2006 through legislative instrument F2006B04732, address specific safety concerns associated with the Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 Series aeroplanes. This particular amendment, AD/BN-2/21 Amendment 1, targets elevator trim lever box cracking and loose rivets, aiming to ensure the ongoing airworthiness of these aircraft models. The legislation was introduced to address the need for regular inspections to prevent potential failures that could compromise flight safety. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, the policy objective is to maintain stringent safety standards within the civil aviation sector, ensuring that all aircraft meet the necessary safety requirements before continuing operations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 Series Aeroplanes, mandating compliance with Airworthiness Directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. This particular Airworthiness Directive, AD/BN-2/21 Amendment 1, pertains to the inspection of the elevator trim lever box due to issues of cracking and loose rivets identified in the aircraft models. The requirement to inspect the elevator trim lever box must be conducted in accordance with Chart 1, Chapter 3.2 of the Islander Maintenance Manual, revision 27. Compliance is mandatory prior to the issuance of the next Maintenance Release after 30 September 1986, and subsequently at each issue of a new Maintenance Release. This directive applies nationally across Australia, encompassing all relevant entities and persons involved in the maintenance and operation of these aircraft models, ensuring adherence to the prescribed safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically the Airworthiness Directive (AD/BN-2/21 Amendment 1) concerning the Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 Series Aeroplanes, require an inspection of the elevator trim lever box. This is detailed in Chart 1, Chapter 3.2 of the Islander Maintenance Manual, Revision 27. The directive applies to all models of the BN-2 series, and compliance with these inspection requirements must be conducted prior to the next Maintenance Release following 30 September 1986 and at each subsequent new Maintenance Release (Section 105.01). The obligations imposed by these regulations on the parties and entities governed by them include ensuring that the inspection of the elevator trim lever box is meticulously carried out in accordance with the specified maintenance manual and schedule. This means that aircraft maintenance personnel must follow the detailed procedures outlined in the referenced manual to conduct the inspection and rectify any issues identified, such as cracking and loose rivets. These obligations are critical to maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew (Section 105.02). Failure to comply with these regulations can result in serious consequences. While specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the provided text, it is understood that non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Such actions may include fines, suspension or revocation of aircraft certificates, and potentially criminal charges if the non-compliance leads to an accident or incident. The severity of the penalties can vary depending on the nature and extent of the breach, but the overarching aim is to ensure that all aircraft meet the highest safety standards (Section 105.03).