AD/CL-600/27 Amdt 1 - Rudder Control Quadrant

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, aim to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. One specific provision within Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Airworthiness Directives for certain Bombardier (Canadair) CL-600 (Challenger) Series Aeroplanes, particularly focusing on the rudder control quadrant. This directive was introduced to address the identified risk of stress corrosion cracking in the rudder control quadrants, which can compromise flight safety. The policy objective is to mandate ultrasonic inspections and, if necessary, modifications to the rudder quadrant assemblies to prevent in-flight failures. Compliance with these directives is mandatory to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the specified aircraft models.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES, applies to certain Bombardier (Canadair) CL-600 (Challenger) Series Aeroplanes. This includes aircraft models CL-600-1A11 with serial numbers 1004 through 1085, CL-600-2A12 with serial numbers 123001 through 3066, CL-600-2B16 with serial numbers 165001 through 5147, and CL-600-2B19 with serial numbers 197003 through 7038. The legislation mandates that these specific aircraft models undergo an ultrasonic inspection of the rudder control quadrant for cracks at the inside root radius of the spigot, with the alternative of a fluorescent penetrant method if the quadrant is removed from the aircraft. If cracks are detected, the aircraft must also undergo a modification of the rudder quadrant assembly as per the outlined service bulletins. The directive applies nationally, with compliance required prior to specified deadlines, ensuring that the safety of these aircraft is maintained through regular inspections and necessary modifications.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate airworthiness directives for the Bombardier (Canadair) CL-600 (Challenger) Series Aeroplanes. Under AD/CL-600/27 Amendment 1, it is required that an ultrasonic inspection be conducted on the rudder control quadrant, specifically on part numbers 600-92614-1 or 600-92614-3, to detect any cracks at the inside root radius of the spigot (Section 1). This inspection must be performed in accordance with Canadair Challenger Service Bulletins 600-0637 Revision 1 or 601-0426 Revision 1 for certain models, or Canadair Regional Jet Alert Service Bulletin A601R-27-011 Revision A for model CL-600-2B19. Alternatively, the inspection can be carried out using the fluorescent penetrant method after removing the quadrant assembly from the aircraft. If any cracks are found, the rudder quadrant assembly must be modified as specified in the corresponding service bulletins (Section 2). These regulations impose obligations on the operators and owners of the affected aircraft models to ensure that the required inspections and modifications are completed within specified timeframes. For aircraft models CL-600-1A11, -2A12, and -2B16, the inspection and modification must be completed prior to 28 February 1995 if Requirement 2 is not already fulfilled. For all models, the inspection and any necessary modifications must be completed prior to 30 June 1995. These directives are aimed at maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft by addressing potential safety hazards associated with the rudder control quadrant. Failure to comply with these airworthiness directives can lead to severe consequences. The regulations do not explicitly state penalties, but non-compliance may result in the aircraft being grounded or denied entry to Australian airspace. Additionally, operators may face enforcement actions from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which could include fines or other regulatory sanctions. Non-compliance could also potentially lead to civil or criminal liability if the non-compliance results in an accident or other safety incident.