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/FU24/56 Engine Controls - Inspection and Modification 5/80
Applicability: Models FU24-954 and FU24A-954 with S/Nos. 258 to 274 except 262, 269 and 270.
Also, any model FU24-950. -950M or FU24A-950, -950M with engine cowls modified as per NZ AIL Mod. A1/FU/0081.
Requirement: 1. Inspect ball and socket joints P/N 242997 at engine end of the throttle and mixture controls for wear or damage and check for smooth operation of controls over full range of travel.
2. Modify per Aerospace SB ASB/FU/069.
Compliance: Para. 1 - Within 10 hours time in service after 10 April, 1980 and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 50 hours time in service until modified.
Para. 2 - Within 100 hours time in service.
Background: Excessive wear has been found on engine control ball joints due to angular alignment at extremes of travel.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which were enacted by the Australian Government and are administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), aim to ensure the safe operation of aircraft within Australian airspace. The specific legislative instrument, F2006B10003, is part of a broader regulatory framework designed to address safety concerns in civil aviation. One such regulation, AD/FU24/56, pertains to the inspection and modification of engine controls in FU 24 Series Aeroplanes, specifically targeting models FU24-954, FU24A-954, FU24-950, and FU24A-950. This directive was introduced to mitigate the risk of excessive wear on engine control ball joints, which can lead to operational failures if left unaddressed. The policy objective behind this regulation is to enhance the safety and reliability of the specified aircraft models by ensuring that critical components are regularly inspected and maintained to prevent potential in-flight issues.
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, focusing on airparts manufactured by Airparts (NZ) Ltd. This regulation applies to the FU 24 Series Aeroplanes, including models FU24-954 and FU24A-954 with serial numbers 258 to 274 (excluding 262, 269, and 270), and any model FU24-950, -950M or FU24A-950, -950M that has undergone engine cowl modifications as per NZ AIL Mod. A1/FU/0081. The directive mandates an inspection and modification of the engine controls, particularly the ball and socket joints, to ensure airworthiness and safety. The inspection requirement must be met within 10 hours of service time after 10 April 1980 and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 50 hours of service time until the modifications are made. The modification requirement must be completed within 100 hours of service time. This legislation applies across the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced by CASA, ensuring compliance with safety standards set forth in the regulations.
The application of these Civil Aviation Regulations is overseen by the Commonwealth of Australia through CASA, ensuring that all specified aircraft models and their respective engine control components meet the necessary safety standards. This regulation sets specific requirements for inspections and modifications of the engine control ball and socket joints to prevent excessive wear, which has been identified as a safety concern. Compliance is mandatory for the specified aircraft models and serial numbers, and the regulations provide clear timelines for when these inspections and modifications must be performed. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within this directive; all specified aircraft must adhere to the outlined requirements. Any further clarification or extension of application may be provided through subordinate instruments issued by CASA.
Key Provisions
The key operative sections of this legislation (AD/FU24/56) pertain to the inspection and modification of ball and socket joints in the engine controls of specific models of FU 24 Series Aeroplanes. Section 1 mandates that inspections of the ball and socket joints, specifically P/N 242997 at the engine end of the throttle and mixture controls, be conducted for signs of wear or damage, and the smooth operation of the controls over their full range of travel. Section 2 requires that the identified parts be modified according to the specifications set out in Aerospace SB ASB/FU/069.
The obligations imposed by this Act on the relevant parties include conducting these inspections and modifications within specified timeframes. According to Section 1, the initial inspection must occur within 10 hours of the aeroplane being in service after April 10, 1980, with subsequent inspections required at intervals not exceeding 50 hours of time in service until the modifications are carried out. Section 2 requires that the modifications be completed within 100 hours of time in service. The intent behind these requirements is to address and rectify issues of excessive wear on the engine control ball joints, which have been identified due to angular alignment at the extremes of control travel.
In terms of consequences for non-compliance, while the specific Act does not detail penalties or legal repercussions, breaches of Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 in general can result in substantial civil or criminal penalties. Civil penalties can include fines, while criminal penalties can include imprisonment, reflecting the seriousness of ensuring aviation safety. The exact penalties would depend on the specific breach and the broader context of the Civil Aviation Act 1988.