AD/DHC-1/34 Amdt 1 - Shock Absorber Strut Piston Tube

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft within Australia. One such AD is AD/DHC-1/34 Amendment 1, which was enacted to address the specific issue of shock absorber strut piston tube failures in De Havilland DHC-1 (Chipmunk) Series Aeroplanes, particularly those of the Model C1 Chipmunk (English production). This AD was introduced to respond to findings of unapproved main undercarriage piston tubes of unknown origin being fitted to aircraft, which were of incorrect material and gauge, and instances of corrosion within piston tubes. The objective of this AD is to ensure compliance with British Aerospace Mandatory Technical News Sheet No. 194 and UK Civil Aviation Authority AD 004-02-95, which mandate certain actions to rectify these safety concerns. The AD requires compliance by a specified date, aiming to maintain the integrity and safety of the aircraft in operation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for the De Havilland DHC-1 (Chipmunk) Series Aeroplanes, applies to the Model C1 Chipmunk aircraft of English production. This regulation mandates compliance with British Aerospace Mandatory Technical News Sheet No. 194, which outlines the necessary actions to address issues related to the shock absorber strut piston tube. This directive is applicable unless the required actions have already been completed, with a compliance deadline set for 25 April 1997. The directive responds to findings of undercarriage piston tubes being made from incorrect materials and gauges, as well as instances of corrosion. Compliance can be achieved through British Aerospace field support or local NATA testing laboratories, which can perform the necessary chemical analysis. This regulation has a specific geographic reach within the Commonwealth of Australia, applying to all relevant aircraft operating under Australian jurisdiction, and is reinforced by referencing UK CAA AD 004-02-95.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislation, specifically Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, pertain to Airworthiness Directives (ADs) for De Havilland DHC-1 (Chipmunk) Series Aeroplanes. The key requirement outlined in AD/DHC-1/34 Amendment 1, effective from 5 September 1996, is that the main undercarriage piston tube of the model C1 Chipmunk (English production) aircraft must be inspected and, if necessary, replaced in accordance with British Aerospace Mandatory Technical News Sheet No. 194 (section 5). This directive was issued in response to findings of piston tubes being manufactured from incorrect materials and suffering from corrosion, both internally and externally. Additionally, British Aerospace provides field support for sample collection and chemical analysis services to comply with these requirements, and local NATA testing laboratories are also authorised to carry out the necessary chemical analysis. The obligations imposed by this Act on the parties or entities it governs include ensuring compliance with the specified actions outlined in the Requirement Document, with a revised compliance date of 25 April 1997. The compliance must be achieved by following the procedures detailed in British Aerospace Mandatory Technical News Sheet No. 194, which provides comprehensive guidance on the inspection and, if necessary, replacement of the piston tube. This includes the use of approved testing laboratories, such as those certified by NATA, to conduct the required chemical analysis. It is also stipulated that a copy of BS T60 is available upon request to the Authority through a District Airworthiness Office. Failure to comply with the Airworthiness Directives set forth in this legislation can result in significant consequences. Although specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences are not detailed in the provided text, it is clear that non-compliance with ADs can lead to severe repercussions. Non-compliance may result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, leading to potential grounding of the aircraft until the required actions are completed. Additionally, non-compliance could lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which may include fines, legal action, or other regulatory penalties. The exact penalties would depend on the severity and circumstances of the non-compliance, as well as any subsequent investigation by the relevant authorities.