COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Schweizer (Grumman) G-164 (Ag-Cat) Series Aeroplanes
AD/G164/20 Fuselage Cabane Strut Wire Attach Fitting 11/87
Applicability: All models G164B with S/Nos 660B to 0790B and G164B-15T,-34T with S/Nos 001E to 003E.
Requirement: Action in accordance with Schweizer SB No.82.
Compliance: At the next scheduled inspection for maintenance release issue after 30 September and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 400 hours time in service or annually, whichever occurs first.
Background: The manufacturer reports possible cracking of the welded fuselage cabane strut wire attachment fittings.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, include detailed provisions to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating within Australia. Part 39, in particular, addresses the issuance of Airworthiness Directives to mitigate safety risks. One such directive, AD/G164/20, pertains specifically to Schweizer (Grumman) G-164 (Ag-Cat) Series Aeroplanes, aiming to address potential structural issues identified in the fuselage cabane strut wire attachment fittings. The directive requires corrective action in accordance with Schweizer Service Bulletin No.82 and mandates compliance at specific intervals to prevent the risk of cracking, ensuring continued safe operation of the affected aircraft models.
The policy objective behind these regulations is to maintain the highest safety standards in civil aviation by proactively addressing potential hazards through mandated inspections and repairs. This approach ensures that aircraft remain airworthy and compliant with safety requirements, thereby protecting the public and enhancing the overall safety of the aviation industry.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulates the safety of aircraft in Australia through the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, which mandates Airworthiness Directives. In this context, AD/G164/20 pertains to the Schweizer (Grumman) G-164 (Ag-Cat) Series Aeroplanes, focusing on the fuselage cabane strut wire attach fitting. The directive applies to all models G164B with serial numbers ranging from 660B to 0790B and G164B-15T, -34T with serial numbers 001E to 003E. The regulation requires compliance with Schweizer Service Bulletin No. 82 to address potential cracking in the welded fuselage cabane strut wire attachment fittings. Compliance must be achieved at the next scheduled inspection for maintenance release, following 30 September, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 400 hours of time in service or annually, whichever comes first. The scope of this legislation is geographically limited to Australia, overseen by CASA, and applies directly to the specified aircraft models within the country's jurisdiction.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, include a specific Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning the Schweizer (Grumman) G-164 (Ag-Cat) Series Aeroplanes. The AD in question, AD/G164/20, pertains to the fuselage cabane strut wire attach fitting, as outlined in section 11/87. This directive applies to all models G164B with serial numbers ranging from 660B to 0790B, as well as models G164B-15T and -34T with serial numbers from 001E to 003E.
In plain terms, the AD requires that any Schweizer (Grumman) G-164 (Ag-Cat) aeroplanes within the specified serial number range must have their fuselage cabane strut wire attach fittings addressed in accordance with Schweizer Service Bulletin No. 82. This action must be taken at the next scheduled inspection for maintenance release issue after 30 September. Following this initial compliance, inspections must be conducted at intervals not exceeding 400 hours of time in service or annually, whichever comes first. This directive stems from a report by the manufacturer about possible cracking in the welded fuselage cabane strut wire attachment fittings.
The AD imposes specific obligations on the operators and owners of the affected aircraft. They must ensure that the fuselage cabane strut wire attach fittings are inspected and, if necessary, repaired or replaced as per Schweizer Service Bulletin No. 82. This requirement must be fulfilled by the specified timelines to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. Non-compliance with these provisions could lead to severe safety risks and potential operational prohibitions.
Breach of the requirements set out in this Airworthiness Directive may result in serious consequences. Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may take enforcement actions against non-compliant aircraft operators. Potential penalties may include fines, operational restrictions, or even grounding of the affected aircraft until the required actions are satisfactorily completed. The specific penalties and enforcement actions would be determined based on the severity and impact of the non-compliance, as well as any resulting safety risks.