AD/CL-600/17 - Flight Controls - Elevator Cable Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, were enacted to ensure that civil aviation operations in Australia meet safety standards. The 1998 Regulations, and subsequent amendments such as F2006B08576, were introduced to address gaps and update safety standards in response to emerging risks and technological advancements in the aviation industry. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the body responsible for the administration and enforcement of these regulations, with a policy objective of maintaining and enhancing the safety of civil aviation. This particular amendment, AD/CL-600/17, pertains to Bombardier (Canadair) CL-600 (Challenger) Series Aeroplanes and mandates an inspection of the flight control elevator cables to prevent fouling, which could compromise flight safety. The requirement is for aircraft of the specified model and serial number range to comply with Canadair Service Bulletin 600-0522 within a defined timeframe to ensure ongoing airworthiness.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives, including the Bombardier (Canadair) CL-600 (Challenger) Series Aeroplanes, with the directive AD/CL-600/17 concerning flight control elevator cable inspection. This regulation applies to aircraft of the model CL-600-1A11 (CL-600) with serial numbers ranging from 1004 to 1085, mandating compliance with the requirements outlined in Canadair Service Bulletin 600-0522. The directive stipulates that the necessary action must be taken within 100 hours of time in service following 3 November 1988, or prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Airworthiness. The inspection is crucial due to the potential for interference between the wiring harness leading to the autopilot pitch servo and the elevator control cables, with provisions for corrective action if such interference is detected. This regulation is enforced within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that all applicable aircraft meet the specified safety standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, detail the requirements for the airworthiness of certain aircraft models, including the Bombardier (Canadair) CL-600 (Challenger) Series Aeroplanes, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives. The regulation AD/CL-600/17 focuses on flight controls, specifically the elevator cables on the CL-600-1A11 model aircraft, serial numbers 1004 to 1085 (Section 1). This directive mandates compliance with Canadair Service Bulletin 600-0522, which includes a detailed inspection protocol for the elevator cables (Section 2). The primary requirement is that this inspection must be carried out within 100 hours of the aircraft's time in service following 3 November 1988, or before the issuance of a Certificate of Airworthiness (Section 3). The obligation under this directive is clear: operators of the specified aircraft models must conduct a thorough inspection of the elevator cables to prevent fouling between the wiring harness leading to the autopilot pitch servo and the elevator control cables (Section 4). This inspection should be carried out in accordance with the procedures outlined in Canadair Service Bulletin 600-0522. The regulation also includes a remedy if fouling is discovered during the inspection (Section 5). The directive is designed to ensure that any potential issues with the elevator cables are identified and addressed promptly, thereby maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft. Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/CL-600/17 could lead to serious consequences. Non-compliance with airworthiness directives is considered an offence under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. Operators found to be in breach of these directives may face criminal penalties, including fines. The specific penalties are not detailed in the regulation but can be severe, reflecting the importance of maintaining the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. Additionally, failure to comply with these directives could result in the suspension or revocation of the aircraft's Certificate of Airworthiness, which would prevent the aircraft from being operated commercially. In summary, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under the specific directive AD/CL-600/17, require operators of Bombardier (Canadair) CL-600-1A11 model aircraft with serial numbers 1004 to 1085 to inspect the elevator cables within 100 hours of service after 3 November 1988, or before the issuance of a Certificate of Airworthiness. Compliance with Canadair Service Bulletin 600-0522 is mandatory, and failure to adhere to these requirements can result in significant penalties, including fines and the potential suspension or revocation of the aircraft's Certificate of Airworthiness.