Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as part of the broader legislative framework governing aviation safety in Australia, includes specific provisions such as Airworthiness Directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These directives are instrumental in addressing identified safety issues within the aviation industry. The AD/CIRRUS/1, issued on 11 January 2002, is a pertinent example of such measures, targeting the Cirrus Design Series Aeroplanes, specifically Models SR20 and SR22 within certain serial number ranges. This directive was introduced to rectify a safety concern related to the use of under strength rivets in the elevator torque tube and rudder hinge, which could potentially lead to the failure of control surfaces. The directive mandates an inspection and, if necessary, the replacement of identified rivets to ensure continued airworthiness and compliance with safety standards. The policy objective underpinning this directive is to maintain and enhance the safety of civil aviation by proactively addressing potential hazards through rigorous regulatory oversight and enforcement.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, include Airworthiness Directives (ADs) issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure the safe operation of aircraft within Australia. Specifically, AD/CIRRUS/1 pertains to the Cirrus Design Series aeroplanes, more precisely the SR20 models with serial numbers ranging from 1134 to 1159 and the SR22 models with serial numbers from 0003 to 0119. The directive mandates that inspections be conducted to identify any under strength rivets within the elevator torque tube and rudder hinge assembly, as outlined in the Cirrus Design Service Bulletins SB 20-55-06 or SB 22-55-03. If an under strength rivet is discovered, it must be replaced with a new rivet, part number MS20470AD4, or an FAA-approved equivalent before further flight. Notably, part number MS20470A4 rivets are explicitly prohibited. Compliance with this directive is required within 10 hours of time in service after 21 February 2002, unless the inspection and necessary repairs have already been completed. This AD applies across the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced by CASA, ensuring adherence to national safety standards for these specific aircraft models.

Key Provisions

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under subregulation 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) applies specifically to Cirrus Design Series Aeroplanes, namely Model SR20 with serial numbers ranging from 1134 to 1159, and Model SR22 with serial numbers from 0003 to 0119. The directive mandates an inspection of the elevator torque tube and rudder hinge of these aircraft to ensure compliance with the safety measures outlined in the Accomplishment Instructions section of Cirrus Design Service Bulletins SB 20-55-06 or SB 22-55-03, as applicable. These service bulletins were issued on 27 November 2001 and provide the detailed instructions necessary for the inspection. If an under strength rivet is identified during the inspection, it must be replaced with a new rivet, part number MS20470AD4, or an equivalent part approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), before the aircraft can be flown further. Importantly, part number MS20470A4 rivets are not to be used. The directive references FAA AD 2001-25-03 Amdt 39-12556 for further information. The AD imposes several obligations on the operators and owners of the affected aircraft. Primarily, it requires them to ensure that the specified inspection is carried out within 10 hours of the aircraft's time in service after 21 February 2002, unless the inspection has already been completed. The directive also necessitates adherence to the detailed instructions provided in the referenced service bulletins. Compliance with these requirements is essential to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft and to ensure the safety of all persons on board. Failure to comply with the AD can result in serious legal and safety consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to take enforcement action against non-compliant aircraft and operators. In cases of significant non-compliance, this can include grounding of the aircraft, fines, and other administrative penalties. While the specific penalties are not detailed within the AD, they can be severe and are intended to enforce adherence to safety standards. Additionally, failure to comply with the AD may result in civil or criminal liability for operators and owners who permit an unsafe aircraft to be flown, potentially leading to prosecution and further penalties as prescribed by the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and other relevant legislation.