AD/GAF-N22/56 Amdt 1 - Rudder Pedal Pivot Arms

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, aim to ensure the safety and regulation of civil aviation activities within Australia. This legislation provides the framework for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to issue Airworthiness Directives (ADs) that address identified safety issues and ensure that aircraft remain airworthy throughout their operational life. The ADs are designed to mitigate risks associated with specific components or systems of aircraft, ensuring they meet safety standards. The particular AD/GAF-N22/56 Amendment 1 pertains to the N22 and N24 series aeroplanes, specifically addressing the issue of cracking in rudder pedal pivot arms, a problem identified through major defect reports indicating that such cracks could occur as early as 1400 hours of service and potentially impede aircraft control if not detected. The policy objective of this AD is to enhance safety by reducing the threshold for inspections and introducing necessary corrosion treatments for unmodified rudder pedal pivot arms, as well as visual inspections for modified arms to prevent the progression of internal corrosion and structural damage.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 applies to all N22 and N24 aircraft, including those in the pre Mod N33 configuration, with specific directives concerning the rudder pedal pivot arms. The regulations mandate detailed inspection and maintenance procedures to ensure the safety of these aircraft, addressing both pre and post Mod N794 configurations. For pre Mod N794 rudder pedal pivot arms, the directive requires a fluorescent dye penetrant inspection and treatment for corrosion, with specific instructions detailed in ASTA Service Bulletin ANMD-27-42, Revision 3. It is also recommended that Mod N794 be incorporated in its entirety to avoid the need for repeated corrosion treatments after welding. Severely corroded pedal pivot arms must be scrapped. For post Mod N794 rudder pedal pivot arms, a visual inspection using 10x magnification is required. Compliance with these requirements is mandatory, with specific timeframes and intervals set for inspections to ensure ongoing airworthiness. These regulations are applicable nationally within Australia and are enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, include a schedule of airworthiness directives (AD/GAF-N22/56 Amendment 1) specifically concerning GAF N22 and N24 Series Aeroplanes, focusing on rudder pedal pivot arms. The main requirement (Section 1) involves two distinct actions for different configurations of the rudder pedal pivot arms: for pre-Mod N794 rudder pedal pivot arms, the directive mandates a fluorescent dye penetrant inspection around the shaft housing and a corrosion treatment for the inside of the rudder pedal pivot arms, with severe corrosion necessitating scrapping of the pivot arms. For post-Mod N794 rudder pedal pivot arms, a visual inspection using 10x magnification is required. Compliance with these requirements is critical for ensuring the safety and airworthiness of these aircraft. The obligations imposed by the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 on the parties involved are stringent and time-bound. For pre-Mod N794 rudder pedal pivot arms, the fluorescent dye penetrant inspection must be conducted before 1000 hours of component time in service or before 14 October 1995, whichever occurs last, and repeated at intervals not exceeding 300 hours. The internal corrosion treatment must be performed unless already done before the next fluorescent dye penetrant inspection after 30 September 1995. For post-Mod N794 rudder pedal pivot arms, the visual inspection must be conducted at intervals not exceeding 1800 hours of component time in service or before 14 October 1995, whichever occurs last. These obligations underscore the necessity of regular and thorough inspections and maintenance to prevent potential hazards. Failure to comply with the requirements and obligations outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can result in significant consequences. The AD/GAF-N22/56 Amendment 1 highlights that cracks in the rudder pedal pivot arms have been reported, and if not detected and addressed, these could lead to impeded aircraft control. The legislation does not explicitly state penalties, but non-compliance with such airworthiness directives can result in severe civil or criminal penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. These penalties can include fines, imprisonment, or both, reflecting the critical nature of adhering to these safety regulations. The overarching aim is to ensure that all parties maintain the highest standards of aircraft safety and operational integrity.