COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
Bombardier (Boeing Canada/de Havilland) DHC-8 Series Aeroplanes
AD/DHC-8/89 Aileron Tab Actuator Arms 10/2002
Applicability: Model 102, 103, and 106 aircraft, serial numbers 3 through 119; without Modification 8/0864 incorporated.
Requirement: Visually inspect the actuator arm channel of the left and right aileron tabs for cracks in accordance with the Special Inspection Procedure contained in the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-57-7, Revision F, dated 27 March 2002.
Before further flight, repair any cracked aileron tab actuator arm channel by installing a new channel reinforcing angle and balance weight arm, in accordance with Part A of the Requirement document Accomplishment Instructions.
Note 1: Incorporation of Bombardier Modification 8/0864 terminates the repeat inspection requirement of this Directive.
Note 2: Transport Canada AD CF-2002-29 refers.
Compliance: Within 500 flight hours after 3 October 2002. Thereafter at intervals not to exceed 500 flight hours.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 3 October 2002.
Background: Transport Canada received reports of cracked aileron tab actuator arms. Failure of the aileron tab actuator arms will result in increased roll control forces that might be interpreted by the pilot as a flight control problem.
David Alan Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 22 August 2002
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 11 September 2002.
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Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) form a crucial part of Australia's regulatory framework for ensuring air safety. One of the mechanisms through which the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) enforces these regulations is through Airworthiness Directives (ADs). This particular AD, issued on 3 October 2002, addresses the issue of cracked aileron tab actuator arms in Bombardier (Boeing Canada/de Havilland) DHC-8 Series Aeroplanes. The directive aims to correct an unsafe condition identified in certain aircraft models, ensuring that they meet the necessary safety standards before further flights. The policy objective of this AD is to mitigate the risk of in-flight failures that could potentially compromise the aircraft's roll control, thus enhancing overall aviation safety.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, and particularly Part 39 - 105, establish the framework for ensuring the safety of aircraft and aeronautical products within Australian airspace. This legislation, through the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), mandates specific safety measures that must be undertaken for certain aircraft models and components. In this case, AD/DHC-8/89 applies specifically to Bombardier (Boeing Canada/de Havilland) DHC-8 Series aeroplanes, specifically models 102, 103, and 106 with serial numbers ranging from 3 to 119, unless Modification 8/0864 has been incorporated. The directive requires a visual inspection of the aileron tab actuator arms for cracks, followed by necessary repairs if any cracks are found, to be carried out within 500 flight hours from the date of the AD and then at intervals not exceeding 500 flight hours thereafter. This regulation ensures that the aircraft remain airworthy and safe to operate, aligning with international safety standards and practices as evidenced by the reference to Transport Canada's similar AD.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) DHC-8/89 issued under section 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 mandates specific actions to address a safety issue identified in Bombardier (Boeing Canada/de Havilland) DHC-8 Series Aeroplanes. Specifically, the AD applies to Model 102, 103, and 106 aircraft with serial numbers 3 through 119, unless they have incorporated Modification 8/0864. The directive requires a visual inspection of the aileron tab actuator arm channels for cracks, as detailed in Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-57-7, Revision F. Should any cracks be detected, they must be repaired by installing a new channel reinforcing angle and balance weight arm, as outlined in the Accomplishment Instructions of the Service Bulletin. The directive mandates these inspections to occur within 500 flight hours after the directive's issuance date of 3 October 2002, and then at intervals not exceeding 500 flight hours thereafter.
Compliance with this AD is imperative for operators of the specified aircraft models to ensure continued airworthiness. Each operator must ensure that the visual inspections and any necessary repairs are conducted in accordance with the instructions provided in the Service Bulletin. The AD is clear that the incorporation of Bombardier Modification 8/0864 terminates the requirement for repeat inspections. Furthermore, operators must reference Transport Canada AD CF-2002-29, which is noted in the directive. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, potentially leading to operational prohibitions and safety risks.
Failure to adhere to the AD may result in civil or criminal consequences. Operators failing to comply with the mandated inspections and repairs risk facing enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These actions may include the issuance of fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and potential criminal charges under Australian law. The specific penalties for non-compliance with ADs are determined on a case-by-case basis but can include substantial fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity and impact of the non-compliance. The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 provide for penalties that can include fines of up to $210,000 for corporations and $42,000 for individuals, along with potential imprisonment for serious breaches.