AD/FU24/54 - L.H. Rudder Pedal - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses the safety concerns associated with the left-hand rudder pedal on FU 24 Series Aeroplanes manufactured by Airparts (NZ) Ltd. Enacted by the Australian Parliament, this legislation aims to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of civil aircraft. The problem this legislation was introduced to address includes the potential distortion of the left-hand rudder pedal in FU 24-954 aeroplanes that have undergone modification AI/FU/0078. The policy objective is to mandate daily or overnight inspections of the rudder pedal until a strengthened version, identified by part number 08-45633-2, is installed. This directive is intended to prevent any operational issues that might compromise flight safety. The enactment of this Airworthiness Directive by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is a response to documented instances of rudder pedal distortion, as outlined in Aerospace SB No. ASB/FU/0051. This directive ensures that operators of FU 24-954 aeroplanes with the specified modification are vigilant in inspecting their rudder pedals to maintain compliance and uphold the high safety standards set forth in the Civil Aviation Regulations. The directive underscores CASA’s commitment to proactive safety management and the mitigation of risks associated with aircraft operations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, encompasses regulations pertinent to the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating within Australia. This particular directive, AD/FU24/54, pertains to all model FU24-954 aeroplanes that have incorporated the modification AI/FU/0078. The directive mandates that a left-hand (L.H.) rudder pedal inspection be performed at each daily or overnight inspection until the strengthened rudder pedal with part number 08-45633-2 is fitted. This requirement aims to address the issue of potential distortion of the L.H. rudder pedal in service, ensuring continued safety and compliance with aviation standards. The directive applies nationally across the Commonwealth of Australia, enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, and its scope is limited to the specified model and modification of aircraft. The regulations do not specify any exclusions or exemptions, and compliance is to be ensured through the referenced Aerospace Service Bulletin No. ASB/FU/0051.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this particular Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) airworthiness directive (AD) are sections 105.03(1) and 105.03(2) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998). Section 105.03(1) mandates that the holder of a certificate of airworthiness for an aeroplane must comply with the ADs. Section 105.03(2) requires that each person who uses an aeroplane must comply with applicable ADs. This specific AD, AD/FU24/54, pertains to the inspection of the left-hand (L.H.) rudder pedal for all model FU24-954 aeroplanes that have incorporated modification AI/FU/0078. The AD imposes several obligations and requirements on the parties and entities it governs. Firstly, it mandates that each daily or overnight inspection of the affected aeroplanes must include an inspection of the L.H. rudder pedal. This inspection must be conducted until the strengthened rudder pedal P/N 08-45633-2 is fitted. This directive is grounded in the background information provided, which states that distortion of the L.H. rudder pedal in service is possible in aeroplanes with the specified modification incorporated. This means that operators of these aeroplanes must ensure that the inspections are performed meticulously to avoid any potential safety hazards. Non-compliance with the AD could result in significant legal and safety consequences. Under section 105.03(3) of the CAR 1998, failure to comply with an AD may result in CASA taking enforcement action against the holder of the certificate of airworthiness or the person using the aeroplane. The consequences of such non-compliance could include fines, enforcement actions, or even the grounding of the aeroplane until compliance is achieved. It is imperative that operators adhere strictly to the inspection requirements outlined in the AD to avoid these repercussions and ensure the continued airworthiness of their aeroplanes. Additionally, while the AD does not specify particular penalties or maximum fines in its text, the general provisions of the CAR 1998 and the Civil Aviation Act 1988 outline the potential penalties for breaches. These can include substantial fines for individuals and corporations, as well as the possibility of criminal charges for more severe violations. The exact penalties would depend on the specific nature and severity of the breach, but the overarching theme is that compliance is mandatory and non-compliance can have serious ramifications. In conclusion, AD/FU24/54 is a critical safety directive that requires specific inspections of the L.H. rudder pedal on model FU24-954 aeroplanes with modification AI/FU/0078 incorporated. The AD is enforceable under the CAR 1998, and non-compliance can lead to significant legal and operational consequences. It is essential that operators of these aeroplanes follow the directive meticulously to maintain the safety and airworthiness of their aircraft.