AD/CL-600/11 - Stick Pusher - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, form a comprehensive regulatory framework governing civil aviation safety in the country. One specific aspect of these regulations is addressed in Part 39 - 105, which outlines the Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. This part includes various safety directives for different types of aircraft, including the Bombardier (Canadair) CL-600 (Challenger) Series Aeroplanes. The specific directive AD/CL-600/11 pertains to the inspection and modification of the stick pusher mechanism on model CL-600-1A11 aeroplanes. The problem it addresses is the potential failure of the stick pusher due to loose set screws on the rotor and shaft assembly, which could lead to significant safety issues. The directive mandates that compliance must be met before the issuance of an Australian Certificate of Airworthiness, ensuring that all applicable aircraft meet the necessary safety standards. The policy objective is to maintain high safety standards in civil aviation by enforcing specific maintenance and inspection requirements on critical aircraft components.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as specified in Part 39 - 105, govern the scope and application of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, particularly concerning Bombardier (Canadair) CL-600 (Challenger) Series Aeroplanes. This legislation mandates the inspection and modification of the stick pusher for all model CL-600-1A11 aeroplanes, ensuring compliance with the directives outlined in Canadair Challenger SB No. 600-0201 and J.E.T. SB 501-1259-3. These directives are imperative before the issuance of an Australian Certificate of Airworthiness. The primary aim of this regulation is to rectify a typographical error and refer to the correct SB600-0201, ensuring that the P/No. SA-600 servo actuator stick pusher is inspected for loose set screws on the rotor and shaft assembly, as the failure of the stick pusher due to the loss of these screws could compromise flight safety. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 apply nationally across Australia, enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which has jurisdiction over all aspects of civil aviation within the Commonwealth. This legislation does not specify any exclusions or exemptions but mandates strict compliance with the outlined airworthiness directives for the specified aircraft models. The application of these regulations is further extended and detailed through subordinate instruments, which provide additional specifications and compliance measures necessary to uphold safety standards in civil aviation.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 (subsections 39.105 and 39.106), mandate that all Bombardier (Canadair) CL-600 (Challenger) series aeroplanes, including model CL-600-1A11, undergo a rigorous inspection and modification process as detailed in Airworthiness Directive AD/CL-600/11. This directive requires an inspection of the P/No. SA-600 servo actuator stick pusher, focusing on the set screws on the rotor and shaft assembly (section 39.105(1)). The directive ensures that these components are not loose, as any failure due to loose set screws could result in the malfunction of the stick pusher, posing a significant safety risk (section 39.105(2)). This inspection and, if necessary, the modification must be completed before an Australian Certificate of Airworthiness is issued (section 39.106). The obligations under this legislation are clear and specific. Operators of the CL-600-1A11 aeroplanes must adhere to the technical instructions provided in the referenced service bulletins: Canadair Challenger SB No. 600-0201 and J.E.T. SB 501-1259-3. These documents provide detailed procedures and specifications for inspecting the stick pusher assembly. Operators are required to ensure that the inspection is conducted by qualified personnel, and that any identified issues are rectified in accordance with the service bulletins before any further flight operations can take place (section 39.105(3)). This includes documenting the inspection and any corrective actions taken, to maintain a comprehensive maintenance record (section 39.105(4)). Failure to comply with the requirements of this airworthiness directive can result in severe consequences. Operators who do not adhere to the inspection and modification requirements outlined in AD/CL-600/11 may face significant penalties. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance could lead to enforcement actions, including fines and potential suspension or revocation of the aircraft's Certificate of Airworthiness. The maximum financial penalty for non-compliance with airworthiness directives is set out in section 35.2 of the Act, which stipulates that penalties can be substantial, reflecting the critical nature of air safety (section 35.2). Additionally, operating an aircraft that does not meet these safety standards could result in criminal charges, with potential imprisonment for directors or responsible persons involved in the oversight of the non-compliant operations.