AD/CA21/2 - Wing Lift Struts

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105, addresses the regulation of airworthiness directives for various aircraft. One such directive, AD/CA21/2, was introduced to address the issue of corrosion at the wing lift strut tube to fairing join in Skyfox Aviation (Calair/Hedaro) CA21 and CA22A series aeroplanes. This legislative instrument was enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, aiming to ensure that aircraft maintain the necessary safety standards for operation. The policy objective behind this directive is to prevent potential structural failures due to corrosion, thereby enhancing the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. Compliance with this directive is mandatory for aircraft with specific serial numbers, requiring an inspection and, if necessary, corrective actions before further flight after the directive's effective date of 4 January 1996.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued Airworthiness Directive AD/CA21/2 under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically targeting aircraft within the Skyfox Aviation (Calair/Hedaro) CA21 and CA22A series with serial numbers CA-21004 to CA-21039 and CA-22001 to CA-22014. This directive applies to the aircraft themselves, mandating a specific inspection requirement for the wing lift strut tube to fairing join to detect evidence of corrosion. This requirement must be met in accordance with Skyfox Aviation Service Bulletin No. 13 and must be completed before further flight after 4 January 1996. The directive ensures compliance with safety standards by addressing potential corrosion issues that could compromise the integrity of the wing lift strut. It is notable that this regulation does not extend beyond the specified aircraft models, nor does it apply to any other types of aircraft or aviation components outside the stated serial number ranges.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) specifically targeting Skyfox Aviation's CA21 and CA22A series aeroplanes, with serial numbers ranging from CA-21004 to CA-21039 and CA-22001 to CA-22014. This directive, AD/CA21/2, mandates a thorough inspection of the wing lift strut tube to fairing join for any signs of corrosion, in accordance with Skyfox Aviation Service Bulletin No. 13 (Section 1). Compliance with this directive is crucial; it must be completed before any further flight operations after 4 January 1996 (Section 1). Operators and maintenance personnel must rigorously follow the outlined inspection procedures to identify and address any corrosion found at the tube to fairing join. If corrosion is detected, the fairings must be removed, and the strut tube may require replacement, ensuring the integrity and safety of the aircraft. This directive applies directly to the specified aircraft models and serial numbers, leaving no room for deviation in adherence (Section 1). Non-compliance with the AD can lead to serious consequences. Failure to inspect and address the identified corrosion issues can result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy. This can lead to enforcement actions by CASA, which may include fines, operational restrictions, or even the grounding of the aircraft until the necessary repairs are completed. The safety of the aircraft and its passengers is paramount, and CASA takes these directives seriously to prevent any potential hazards (Section 1). Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, any individual or entity that fails to comply with an AD can be subject to substantial penalties. For corporate entities, the maximum financial penalty can be up to $210,000, while individuals can face fines of up to $42,000. These penalties underscore the importance of strict adherence to CASA's directives. Additionally, civil and criminal proceedings can be initiated against those who deliberately or negligently contravene the regulations, leading to further legal and operational repercussions (Section 2).