AD/CL-600/26 - Flap Actuators

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as part of the broader legislative framework managed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, were enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. This specific legislative instrument, F2006B08586, pertains to Bombardier (Canadair) CL-600 (Challenger) Series Aeroplanes, addressing a safety issue identified with the flap actuators on certain models. The problem it was introduced to address was the recent failure of a flap actuator due to the incorrect installation of the shoulder bolt securing the flap actuator to the wing trailing edge, which could compromise the safety of these aircraft. The Australian Parliament, through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, established this Airworthiness Directive to mandate compliance with the Canadair Challenger Alert Service Bulletin A601-0415 or Alert Wire TA601-0415-036, ensuring that the identified safety issue is rectified. The policy objective is to maintain the highest safety standards in civil aviation, particularly concerning the critical components of aircraft, by requiring corrective actions within a specified timeframe.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Airworthiness Directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This particular directive, AD/CL-600/26, concerns the Bombardier (Canadair) CL-600 (Challenger) series aeroplanes, more precisely, those with model CL-600-2A12 serial numbers between 3002 and 3066, and model CL-600-2B16 serial numbers between 5001 and 5131. The directive mandates action in accordance with the Canadair Challenger Alert Service Bulletin A601-0415 or Alert Wire TA601-0415-036, referencing Transport Canada AD CF-93-18. The directive requires compliance within 10 hours of time in service following 11 August 1993, or prior to 11 September 1993, whichever comes first. This is due to a recent incident where a flap actuator failure was traced back to an incorrect installation of the shoulder bolt securing the flap actuator to the wing trailing edge. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this directive is confined to the Commonwealth of Australia, as enforced by CASA. The directive does not extend to other models or series of aircraft, nor does it encompass other types of aviation equipment or conduct outside the specified parameters. Subordinate instruments may further extend or restrict the application of this directive within the scope of Australian civil aviation safety regulations.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 105, outlines the requirements for airworthiness directives concerning Bombardier (Canadair) CL-600 (Challenger) series aeroplanes. Section AD/CL-600/26, titled "Flap Actuators," applies to two specific models: the CL-600-2A12 with serial numbers 3002 through 3066, and the CL-600-2B16 with serial numbers 5001 through 5131. The directive mandates that action be taken in accordance with Canadair Challenger Alert Service Bulletin A601-0415 or Alert Wire TA601-0415-036. This requirement is crucial for ensuring the safe operation of the aircraft, as it addresses a critical issue where a flap actuator recently failed due to the incorrect installation of the shoulder bolt securing the flap actuator to the wing trailing edge. The obligations imposed by this directive require the operators of the specified CL-600 models to comply with the action items outlined in the referenced service bulletins. The directive specifies that compliance must be achieved within 10 hours of time in service after 11 August 1993 or before 11 September 1993, whichever comes first. This timeline ensures that the necessary corrective actions are taken promptly to mitigate any potential safety risks. Operators must ensure that the flap actuators are correctly installed as per the guidance provided in the service bulletins to prevent future failures. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/CL-600/26 can result in significant legal and safety consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to take enforcement action against operators who do not adhere to the stipulated requirements. Potential outcomes include fines, enforcement actions, and in severe cases, the grounding of the affected aircraft until compliance is achieved. The precise penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the text, but they can be severe, reflecting the importance of maintaining airworthiness standards to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew on board.