COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Extra EA-300 Series Aeroplanes
AD/EXTRA/3 Elevator Mass Balance 5/95
Applicability: Extra EA-300 Serial Numbers V1, 001 to 034.
Requirement: 1. Inspect the elevator mass balance attachment plate using the fluorescent dye penetrant method in accordance with CAO 108.10. Inspect in accordance with Extra Service Bulletin (SB) 300-1-92, Part I.
2. Replace the existing mass balance with the new reinforced mass balance (P/N PC- 33202.1B), in accordance with Extra SB 300-1-92, Part II. No aerobatic flights are to be flown until the aircraft is in compliance with this Requirement.
Note: German LBA AD 92-199 refers.
Compliance: 1. Inspect before further flight after 29 March 1995.
2. Replace before further flight if damage is detected. If no damage is detected, replace before 25 hours time in service after 29 March 1995.
Background: Reports have been received of cracking of the elevator mass balance arm. Failure of the arm will cause the elevator to flutter and probably the loss of the elevator and aeroplane.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 – 105, introduces specific airworthiness directives aimed at ensuring the safety and compliance of aircraft within Australia. This legislative instrument was enacted to address the problem of elevator mass balance failures in Extra EA-300 series aeroplanes, which could lead to significant safety issues such as elevator flutter and potential loss of control. The policy objective is to mandate regular inspections and necessary repairs to prevent such failures. The Australian Parliament, through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, established these regulations to ensure that aircraft meet the required safety standards and to mitigate the risks associated with the identified problem. Compliance with these directives is critical to maintaining the safety of civil aviation operations within Australia.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, establish the authority and scope for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to issue Airworthiness Directives. These regulations apply to aircraft manufacturers, operators, and owners within the Commonwealth of Australia, focusing on ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft in operation. The particular directive AD/EXTRA/3 pertains to the Extra EA-300 Series Aeroplanes with serial numbers V1, 001 to 034. The directive mandates a stringent inspection and, if necessary, replacement of the elevator mass balance attachment plate to prevent structural failure that could lead to catastrophic outcomes such as loss of control of the aircraft. Compliance with this directive is non-negotiable, requiring inspection and action before any further flight following a specific date, with clear timelines for replacement if damage is found. The directive’s geographic reach is limited to the Commonwealth, ensuring that all aircraft within this jurisdiction adhere to the same safety standards. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within this directive, and it is enforced strictly as outlined, with no allowance for subordinate instruments to alter its application.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, specifically addressing the Extra EA-300 Series Aeroplanes, mandate certain actions regarding the elevator mass balance. Section 1 requires an inspection of the elevator mass balance attachment plate using the fluorescent dye penetrant method in accordance with Civil Aviation Order (CAO) 108.10 and Extra Service Bulletin (SB) 300-1-92, Part I. Section 2 mandates the replacement of the existing mass balance with the new reinforced mass balance (P/N PC- 33202.1B) in accordance with Extra SB 300-1-92, Part II. It is crucial that no aerobatic flights are conducted until the aircraft complies with these requirements. This directive applies to Extra EA-300 aeroplanes with serial numbers V1, 001 to 034. Additionally, it references German LBA AD 92-199 for further guidance.
The obligations imposed by these regulations require operators of Extra EA-300 Series Aeroplanes to adhere strictly to the inspection and replacement protocols outlined. This includes conducting the inspection before any further flight after 29 March 1995, as specified in section 1 of the directive. If damage is detected during this inspection, the replacement must be completed before any subsequent flight. If no damage is detected, the replacement must still be performed within 25 hours of time in service after 29 March 1995. The replacement must be carried out using the specified reinforced mass balance (P/N PC- 33202.1B) and in accordance with Extra SB 300-1-92, Part II. Aerobatic flights are strictly prohibited until these requirements are met.
Failure to comply with the provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, may result in significant consequences. Non-compliance could lead to the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which could in turn result in enforcement actions against the operator. The potential consequences include fines, penalties, and possible grounding of the aircraft until the required inspections and replacements are performed. The severity of these consequences underscores the importance of adhering to the specified requirements to ensure the safety of the aircraft and its occupants.