AD/FU24/38 - Main Landing Gear Lower Torque Link - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by F2006B09985, are integral to maintaining aviation safety standards within Australia. Enacted by the Australian Parliament, these regulations are designed to ensure the safety of aircraft operations, including the modification and maintenance of airworthiness directives for specific aircraft models. The legislative instrument F2006B09985 specifically addresses the modification of the main landing gear lower torque link for the FU 24 Series Aeroplanes manufactured by Airparts (NZ) Ltd., applicable to models with serial numbers ranging from 139 to 155. The policy objective behind these regulations is to ensure that all aircraft comply with safety standards, thereby enhancing the overall safety of civil aviation in Australia. The directive is a critical component in the overarching framework aimed at mitigating risks associated with aircraft operations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which governs the airworthiness of aircraft and associated components in Australia. This particular regulation, AD/FU24/38, is concerned with the main landing gear lower torque link modification for FU 24 Series Aeroplanes manufactured by Airparts (NZ) Ltd., specifically those with serial numbers ranging from 139 to 155. The directive mandates that these modifications must comply with the specifications outlined in Air Parts Service Bulletin No. AP61 and be completed before 30 July 1971. This regulation applies to all aircraft fitting the specified model and serial number criteria, ensuring that these aircraft maintain the required airworthiness standards set by CASA. While the regulation is specific to the outlined serial numbers and model, the broader scope of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 ensures comprehensive oversight of air safety across the Commonwealth of Australia. The regulation does not specify exclusions or exemptions, but its application may be further detailed or extended through subordinate instruments as necessary.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, outlines the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives, which include modifications that must be made to ensure aircraft remain safe for operation. One such directive, AD/FU24/38, pertains to Airparts (NZ) Ltd. FU 24 Series Aeroplanes, requiring modifications to the main landing gear lower torque link for all models with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 139 to 155. This directive was issued to address safety concerns identified with the original design of the lower torque link. Compliance with this directive must be achieved before 30 July 1971, as stated in Air Parts Service Bulletin No. AP61. Under AD/FU24/38, the primary obligation imposed on the aircraft owner or operator is to ensure that the specified modifications to the main landing gear lower torque link are completed before the compliance date. This involves following the instructions provided in Air Parts Service Bulletin No. AP61 to ensure that the modifications are performed correctly and that the aircraft is returned to an airworthy condition. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which would prevent it from being operated until the modifications are completed. The legislation also sets out potential consequences for non-compliance with AD/FU24/38. Specifically, it may result in civil or criminal penalties. Civil penalties can include fines, which are specified under the relevant sections of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. For criminal penalties, individuals or entities found to be in breach of airworthiness directives may face prosecution, with potential fines and imprisonment. The exact penalties depend on the severity of the breach and are determined by the court. It is crucial for aircraft owners and operators to adhere strictly to these directives to avoid these serious repercussions.