COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Bombardier (Boeing Canada/De Havilland) DHC-8 Series Aeroplanes
AD/DHC-8/26
Amdt 1
Horizontal Stabiliser Attachment Bolts 9/98
Applicability: DHC-8 Series 100 aircraft, models 102, 103, and 106, with serial numbers 003
through 349 excluding 316 and 345.
DHC-8 Series 300 aircraft, models 301, 311, and 314, with serial numbers 100
through 342 excluding 320, 338, and 340.
Requirement: Inspect the horizontal stabiliser attachment bolts at all six locations in accordance with the following instructions:
- Carry out a detailed visual inspection of the bolts in the area of the head radius for indications of cracks or laps using a 10x magnifying glass.
2. Carry out a magnetic particle inspection of the bolts.
Note: Transport Canada AD CF-93-05R1 refers.
Compliance: For the mid spar attachment bolts: within 25 hours time in service after 22 January 1993.
For the front and rear spar attachment bolts: within 50 hours time in service after 22 January 1993.
The compliance of the original issue of this directive remains unchanged. This amendment becomes effective on 13 August 1998.
Background: Several local reports were received of stabiliser mid spar attachment bolts with crack indications. Laboratory analysis revealed the cracks to be lap defects that were formed during manufacture. Small fatigue cracks from the laps were noted. The initial report findings were the result of compliance with SB 8-55-16, although the bolts did not have “PBF” marking on the head as specified in the service bulletin. As a precaution, the inspection was expanded to include the front and rear spar bolts.
Amendment 1 is issued to align the applicability of this directive with the applicability of the subsequently issued Transport Canada AD, which is specific to aircraft that were in service at the time of the original issue of this directive.
The original issue of this airworthiness directive became effective on 22 January 1993.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which are part of the legislative framework governing civil aviation in Australia, include specific airworthiness directives to ensure the safety of aircraft operations. One such directive, AD/DHC-8/26, pertains to Bombardier (Boeing Canada/De Havilland) DHC-8 Series aeroplanes and specifically addresses the inspection of horizontal stabiliser attachment bolts. Enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, this directive was introduced in response to reports of lap defects in the stabiliser mid spar attachment bolts of DHC-8 Series aircraft, which were discovered to be caused by manufacturing issues. The directive aims to mitigate safety risks by requiring a detailed visual inspection and a magnetic particle inspection of the bolts. Compliance with the directive ensures that these critical components are regularly checked to prevent potential structural failures, thereby maintaining the safety standards expected within Australian civil aviation.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, encompasses the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives that mandate adherence to certain safety standards for the aviation industry in Australia. This legislation applies to specific Bombardier (Boeing Canada/De Havilland) DHC-8 Series aeroplanes, namely the DHC-8 Series 100 aircraft models 102, 103, and 106, with serial numbers ranging from 003 through 349, excluding 316 and 345, as well as the DHC-8 Series 300 aircraft models 301, 311, and 314, with serial numbers from 100 through 342, excluding 320, 338, and 340. The directive mandates a thorough inspection of the horizontal stabiliser attachment bolts at all six locations to ensure compliance with the specified safety measures. The requirement includes a detailed visual inspection of the bolts, as well as a magnetic particle inspection to identify any cracks or laps. Compliance must be achieved within specific timeframes post the issuance date of 22 January 1993, with mid spar attachment bolts inspected within 25 hours and front and rear spar attachment bolts within 50 hours of service time. This directive's scope and application are limited to the specified aircraft models and serial numbers, with the amendment becoming effective on 13 August 1998, aligning with the Transport Canada AD CF-93-05R1.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, mandate the inspection of horizontal stabiliser attachment bolts for specific Bombardier (Boeing Canada/De Havilland) DHC-8 Series aeroplanes. This applies to DHC-8 Series 100 aircraft (models 102, 103, and 106) with serial numbers 3 through 349, excluding 316 and 345, as well as DHC-8 Series 300 aircraft (models 301, 311, and 314) with serial numbers 100 through 342, excluding 320, 338, and 340 (section 1). The directive requires detailed visual inspections of the bolts using a 10x magnifying glass to check for cracks or laps, and a magnetic particle inspection to ensure the integrity of the bolts (section 2). The compliance deadlines are set at 25 hours time in service after 22 January 1993 for the mid spar attachment bolts, and 50 hours for the front and rear spar attachment bolts (section 3).
Operators of these aircraft must adhere to the stipulated inspection procedures to maintain airworthiness. This involves conducting a thorough visual inspection of the bolts and performing magnetic particle inspections. Operators need to ensure that the inspections are carried out within the specified timeframes to comply with the regulations. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to significant safety risks and may result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy.
Breaches of these regulations can result in severe consequences. Operators who fail to comply with the inspection requirements may face penalties. The specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, but generally, non-compliance with civil aviation regulations can lead to fines, suspension or revocation of operating certificates, and potential legal actions. The severity of the penalties can vary depending on the nature and extent of the non-compliance. Additionally, failure to adhere to these directives can compromise the safety of the aircraft, potentially leading to accidents or incidents that could result in further criminal charges or civil liabilities.