AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/GAF -N22/69 Amdt 3 and issues the following AD under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
GAF N22 and N24 Series Aeroplanes
AD/GAF-N22/69
Amdt 4
Ailerons 4/2003
DM
Applicability: All Model N22 and N24 Series aircraft.
Requirement: Action in accordance with ASTA Nomad Alert Service Bulletin ANMD-57-18 dated 19 Dec 02.
Compliance: Before 31 March 2003.
This Amendment becomes effective on 12 March 2003.
Background: The manufacturer has advised CASA of another Nomad accident which was possibly caused by aileron flutter with the flaps at 38 degrees. This, along with the other flutter incidents, has resulted in the manufacturer issuing ANMD-57-18 as a precautionary measure while they further investigate the issue.
This amendment mandates Alert Service Bulletin ANMD-57-18 dated 19 Dec 2002.
The initial issue of this AD imposed weight and speed restrictions in the flaps extended configuration, and prohibited the use of 38 degrees flap.
Amendments 1 and 2 progressively eased these restrictions as the investigation progressed.
Amendment 3 referred to Revision 5 of ANMD-57-11which removed the remaining flight speed and weight restrictions, and required an initial inspection of ailerons, the reversion of the landing gear microswitch settings, and replacement of cockpit placards.
Amendment 3 of this Airworthiness Directive became effective on 7 October 1999.
Amendment 2 of this Airworthiness Directive became effective on 30 November 1995.
Amendment 1 of this Airworthiness Directive became effective on 27 September 1995.
GAF N22 and N24 Series Aeroplanes
AD/GAF-N22/69 Amdt 4 (continued)
The original issue of this Airworthiness Directive became effective on 20 September 1994.
David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 27 February 2003
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 12 March 2003.
Overview
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, specifically through the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, addresses safety concerns related to the GAF N22 and N24 Series aircraft. Enacted in response to recurring issues of aileron flutter, particularly with the aircraft's flaps at 38 degrees, this directive aims to mitigate risks associated with such occurrences, which could potentially lead to accidents. The AD mandates adherence to ASTA Nomad Alert Service Bulletin ANMD-57-18 dated 19 December 2002, which includes actions such as inspections and modifications to the aircraft's ailerons and operational settings. This regulatory measure ensures that all applicable aircraft are brought into compliance with the specified safety protocols by 31 March 2003, thereby enhancing overall aviation safety.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under subregulation 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 applies specifically to all Model N22 and N24 Series aircraft. This legislative instrument aims to ensure that the specified aircraft maintain their airworthiness by adhering to the safety measures and requirements outlined in the directive. The directive mandates compliance with Alert Service Bulletin ANMD-57-18 dated 19 December 2002, which was issued as a precautionary measure following reports of aileron flutter with the flaps set at 38 degrees. The action required under this directive must be taken by the aircraft operators before the compliance deadline of 31 March 2003. This AD revokes previous amendments and supersedes them with the current requirements, reflecting the ongoing investigation into the aileron flutter issue. The geographic reach of this directive is limited to the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that all aircraft of the specified model series operating within Australian airspace are subject to these safety measures.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/GAF-N22/69 Amdt 4 applies to all Model N22 and N24 Series aircraft, as indicated in the applicability section (4). This AD was issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) delegate, David Villiers, on 27 February 2003 and became effective on 12 March 2003, as stated in the compliance section (4). The AD mandates that the action specified in the requirement section must be taken to address a safety concern related to aileron flutter, particularly when the flaps are at 38 degrees. The required action is detailed in ASTA Nomad Alert Service Bulletin ANMD-57-18 dated 19 December 2002 (4). This action is necessary to mitigate the risk of accidents potentially caused by aileron flutter, which was highlighted following another Nomad accident reported by the manufacturer.
The obligations imposed on the parties governed by this AD include adhering to the detailed instructions provided in ASTA Nomad Alert Service Bulletin ANMD-57-18. This includes conducting an initial inspection of the ailerons, reverting the landing gear microswitch settings, and replacing the cockpit placards. These steps are crucial to ensuring the continued airworthiness of the aircraft in question and must be completed before the specified compliance date of 31 March 2003 (4). Failure to comply with the AD could result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, which would prevent it from operating legally in Australian airspace.
Breaches of this AD may result in serious consequences, including potential criminal or civil penalties. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the text, non-compliance with airworthiness directives is generally considered a serious matter under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. Infractions could lead to enforcement actions by CASA, which might include fines, suspension of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness, or other regulatory measures. The severity of the penalties would depend on the specific circumstances of the breach and any relevant regulations or precedents.