AD/GAF-N22/32 - Trim Tab Hinge to Horizontal Stabiliser Attachment - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 105, address the maintenance and safety standards for civil aircraft in Australia through the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs). This legislative instrument was enacted to ensure that aircraft meet the necessary safety requirements, thereby protecting passengers, crew, and the general public. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the body responsible for issuing these directives, which are essential in maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft operating in Australia. The policy objective behind this regulation is to mitigate risks associated with aircraft maintenance and to ensure the highest standards of safety are upheld in the aviation industry. In addressing specific issues, the AD/GAF-N22/32 directive, issued on 3 August 1980, pertains to N22 and N24 series aeroplanes that have had a replacement trim tab hinge P/N MS20001-4 fitted. The directive mandates an inspection of the attachment of the trim tab hinge to the horizontal stabiliser within 20 hours after 14 February 1980, in response to an incident where the rivet holes in the horizontal stabiliser attach section of the hinge were found to have been drilled with no edge distance. This requirement underscores the importance of precise engineering and adherence to safety protocols in the aviation sector.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to all N22 and N24 series aeroplanes that have had the replacement trim tab hinge P/N MS20001-4 fitted in service. The directive mandates that these aircraft must undergo an inspection of the trim tab hinge to the horizontal stabiliser attachment within 20 hours of being in service after 14 February 1980. This requirement stems from a documented concern outlined in GAF Telex Alert SB ANMD-27-16, which highlights a specific issue with the rivet holes in the horizontal stabiliser attach section of the hinge being drilled with no edge distance. The directive is intended to ensure the airworthiness of these aircraft by addressing this critical safety issue, thereby affecting all operators of N22 and N24 series aeroplanes within Australia and its territories, governed under the Commonwealth's regulatory purview.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes a directive (AD/GAF-N22/32) that concerns the trim tab hinge to horizontal stabiliser attachment for GAF N22 and N24 series aeroplanes (Section 1). This directive applies to all N22 and N24 series aircraft that have had a replacement trim tab hinge P/N MS20001-4 fitted in service (Section 2). Operators must ensure compliance with this directive, which involves inspecting the specified component within 20 hours of time in service after 14 February 1980, unless this inspection has already been performed (Section 3). The obligations imposed by this directive are straightforward. Operators of affected aircraft must conduct a thorough inspection of the specified trim tab hinge attachment to the horizontal stabiliser (Section 1). This inspection is mandatory and must be completed within the stipulated timeframe to ensure the continued airworthiness of the aircraft (Section 3). The directive is communicated through GAF Telex Alert SB ANMD-27-16, which serves as the official document for operators to reference in complying with the directive (Section 2). Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in AD/GAF-N22/32 could lead to significant consequences. The primary risk is the potential for operational non-compliance, which can result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy (Section 3). This could lead to enforcement actions by CASA, which might include fines, sanctions, or other regulatory penalties (Section 4). Furthermore, operators who fail to adhere to airworthiness directives risk compromising safety, which could lead to severe civil or criminal liabilities if accidents or incidents occur due to non-compliance (Section 5). The precise penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the provided text, but they can include significant financial penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988.