AD/FU24/49 - Centre Wing, Outboard Rear Fitting - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, were established to ensure the safety of civil aviation within Australia. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives addresses safety concerns by mandating periodic inspections and modifications of aircraft components to prevent mechanical failures and ensure compliance with safety standards. One such directive, AD/FU24/49, applies to all model FU24-950 aeroplanes with serial numbers prior to 189, requiring an inspection within 25 hours of time in service after 15 December 1975, and a modification within 100 hours of time in service after 15 December 1976. The policy objective of these directives is to mitigate risks associated with specific aircraft components, thereby enhancing overall aviation safety. The legislative instrument F2006B09996, which is part of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, was introduced to fill a critical gap in ensuring the airworthiness of specific aircraft models, particularly the FU 24 Series Aeroplanes. By establishing stringent inspection and modification schedules, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority aims to proactively address potential safety issues, thereby protecting passengers, crew, and the general public from aviation-related hazards. This directive is instrumental in maintaining the integrity and safety of civil aviation operations in Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to the aircraft model FU24-950 with serial numbers prior to 189. The regulations are administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and concern the airworthiness directives for Airparts (NZ) Ltd. FU 24 Series Aeroplanes. The legislation mandates a specific inspection and modification procedure for the centre wing, outboard rear fitting, as detailed in Aerospace SB ASB/FU/018. The compliance requirements necessitate that an inspection be conducted within 25 hours of time in service following 15 December 1975, and any necessary modifications be carried out within 100 hours of time in service following 15 December 1976. The regulations encompass all relevant aircraft within the specified serial number range, ensuring adherence to the stipulated safety directives to maintain airworthiness standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, section AD/FU24/49, outlines the requirements for the inspection and modification of the centre wing, outboard rear fitting for the FU 24 Series Aeroplanes manufactured by Airparts (NZ) Ltd. The regulation applies to all model FU24-950 aircraft with serial numbers prior to 189. The directive mandates that the inspection of the centre wing, outboard rear fitting must be conducted within 25 hours of the aircraft's time in service following 15 December 1975. Furthermore, any necessary modifications must be completed within 100 hours of the aircraft's time in service following 15 December 1976. The obligations under this regulation are quite clear and specific. Operators of the affected aircraft must ensure that the inspection is carried out by qualified personnel in accordance with the Aerospace SB ASB/FU/018 document, which provides detailed guidance on the inspection process. Additionally, any modifications identified during the inspection must be completed within the stipulated timeframe to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. Failure to comply with these inspection and modification requirements could result in the aircraft being grounded until the necessary actions are taken. In terms of enforcement and consequences, non-compliance with the provisions of AD/FU24/49 could lead to serious repercussions. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to take enforcement actions against operators who fail to adhere to these regulations. Potential penalties can include fines, suspension or revocation of the aircraft's airworthiness certificate, and other regulatory actions. The specific penalties and enforcement measures are determined by CASA based on the severity and nature of the non-compliance. It is crucial for operators to understand and comply with these requirements to ensure the safety and airworthiness of their aircraft.