COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Airparts (NZ) Ltd. FU 24 Series Aeroplanes
AD/FU24/12 Rudder Lowr Rib - Inspection 6/68
Applicability: All models not incorporating James Aviation Mod. HA/FU24/116.
Requirement: Detach the torque tube from the rudder and examine the rudder lower rib assembly P/N 242406 at the attachment of the rudder torque tube flange P/N 242410 for cracking and corrosion.
Compliance: At intervals not exceeding 500 hours time in service.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by F2006B09976, were enacted to ensure the safety of civil aviation operations in Australia. The specific legislative instrument AD/FU24/12 addresses a safety concern identified with the rudder lower rib assembly on FU 24 Series Aeroplanes manufactured by Airparts (NZ) Ltd. The problem this directive aims to resolve is the potential for structural failure due to cracking and corrosion in the specified part, which could compromise the aircraft's safety. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued this Airworthiness Directive to mandate regular inspections to mitigate such risks, ensuring ongoing airworthiness and safety in compliance with the overarching objectives of the Civil Aviation Regulations. The directive was enacted to safeguard public safety by requiring periodic checks on a critical component of the aircraft, reflecting the policy objective of maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105, mandates adherence to the Airworthiness Directives for certain aeronautical products. The directive AD/FU24/12 pertains to the inspection of the rudder lower rib assembly in the FU 24 Series Aeroplanes manufactured by Airparts (NZ) Ltd. This directive applies to all models of the FU 24 Series that do not include the James Aviation Mod. HA/FU24/116. The requirement is that the torque tube must be detached from the rudder, and the lower rib assembly P/N 242406, specifically at the attachment of the rudder torque tube flange P/N 242410, should be inspected for any signs of cracking and corrosion. This inspection must be carried out at intervals not exceeding 500 hours of the aeroplane's time in service. The scope of this directive is geographically and jurisdictionally confined to the Commonwealth of Australia, enforcing compliance across all entities and persons involved in the operation and maintenance of the specified aircraft models within Australia’s national airspace.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39, specifically address airworthiness directives for various aircraft, including the FU 24 Series Aeroplanes manufactured by Airparts (NZ) Ltd. Section 39-105 details specific requirements for these aircraft, and within this, AD/FU24/12 pertains to the rudder lower rib inspection. The directive applies to all models of FU 24 Series Aeroplanes that do not incorporate the James Aviation Mod. HA/FU24/116 (section 39-105(6/68)). The primary requirement outlined in this section is that operators must detach the torque tube from the rudder and meticulously examine the rudder lower rib assembly, specifically the part number 242406, at its attachment point to the rudder torque tube flange, part number 242410. This examination must focus on identifying any signs of cracking and corrosion (section 39-105(6/68)).
Operators and entities governed by these regulations bear the responsibility of ensuring compliance with the outlined inspection procedures. Specifically, they must detach the torque tube from the rudder and inspect the specified rudder lower rib assembly at intervals not exceeding 500 hours of time in service (section 39-105(6/68)). This requirement ensures that the aircraft remains airworthy and adheres to the safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Failure to comply with these inspection intervals or to identify and address any issues such as cracking or corrosion could compromise the structural integrity of the aircraft, posing significant safety risks.
Breach of these airworthiness directives can result in serious consequences. Operators who fail to adhere to the inspection requirements may face penalties, including fines and potential grounding of the aircraft until compliance is achieved. Non-compliance not only risks the safety of passengers and crew but also undermines the regulatory framework designed to maintain high safety standards in civil aviation. The maximum penalties for such breaches are not explicitly stated in the provided text but can include significant financial penalties and, in severe cases, criminal charges depending on the extent and impact of the non-compliance. Ensuring adherence to these directives is crucial for maintaining the safety and airworthiness of FU 24 Series Aeroplanes as mandated by CASA.