AD/FA-200/2 - Nose Landing Gear Piston Stop Plate and Screws - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, form a crucial part of the legislative framework governing civil aviation safety in the country. The Regulations, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, address various aspects of aviation safety, including the issuance of airworthiness directives to ensure the safe operation of aircraft. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which includes the Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/FA-200/2, aims to address the specific safety issue associated with the nose landing gear piston stop in Fuji FA-200 Series aeroplanes. This directive requires the replacement of the light alloy stop plate with a steel stop plate and the locking of the associated screws to prevent loosening, ensuring compliance within 100 hours of time in service after the directive's issuance on 12 May 1969. The policy objective behind this directive is to enhance the safety of the aircraft by mitigating risks associated with the specified component.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates the application of Airworthiness Directives for Fuji FA-200 Series aeroplanes. This regulation applies to all model FA-200-160 and -180 aeroplanes that do not already have the specified light alloy stop plate P/Nos. X200-820114 or 200-822170-003 installed and the screws locked as per the Secretary's approval. The directive is a mandatory requirement aimed at ensuring the safety and airworthiness of these aircraft by mandating the replacement of the existing light alloy stop plate with a steel stop plate, specifically P/Ns X200-810114 or 200-822170-003, and securing the six screws in a manner that complies with CASA’s standards. Compliance with this directive must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service following the directive's effective date of 12 May 1969. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of these regulations is national, applying across all states and territories within Australia, thereby ensuring a uniform standard of aircraft safety and operational compliance.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the Airworthiness Directives concerning Fuji FA-200 Series Aeroplanes, with the particular directive AD/FA-200/2 focusing on the nose landing gear piston stop (sections 39.105.010 and 39.105.020). This directive applies to all model FA-200-160 and -180 aeroplanes that do not have the specified plate P/Nos. X200-820114 or 200-822170-003 and locked screws installed. The requirement is to replace the light alloy stop plate with a steel stop plate P/Ns X200-810114 or 200-822170-003 and secure the six screws in an approved manner by the Secretary. Compliance with this directive must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service following the directive's issuance date of 12 May 1969. Operators and owners of the affected Fuji FA-200 Series aeroplanes must ensure that the specified modifications are completed within the stipulated timeframe. This involves procuring the correct steel stop plates and ensuring the screws are appropriately locked as approved by the Secretary. The regulation does not specify the method for achieving this approval but implies that the Secretary's approval is necessary for the locking mechanism of the screws. The requirement to adhere to these modifications is crucial to maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensuring safety standards are upheld. Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in AD/FA-200/2 could result in severe consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose strict obligations on operators and owners to follow these directives. Non-compliance is not merely a technical violation but can lead to significant penalties. The specific offences and penalties for breaching these regulations are not detailed within the provided text, but it is known that such breaches can attract both civil and criminal liabilities under Australian aviation law. The potential penalties can include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity and impact of the non-compliance. The exact penalties would be determined in accordance with the broader Civil Aviation Act 1988 and associated regulations.