COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
British Aerospace (Hawker Siddeley) HS 748 Series Aeroplanes
AD/HS 748/18
Amdt 1
Elevator Outboard Hinge Structure 2/98
Applicability: All HS748 aircraft fitted with elevators P/N 1G3096 and 400G3096.
Requirement: 1. (a). Visually inspect, both internally and externally, each elevator in the region of the outboard hinge for repairs or existing damage. Inspect in accordance with British Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) 55/24, Part 2.A.
- (b). For repaired elevators, before the initial inspection, incorporate access panel E11 in accordance with British Aerospace MSB 55/24, Part 2.B.
Visually inspect, both internally and externally, each repaired elevator in the region of the outboard hinge for cracking, loose rivets and buckling.
Inspect in accordance with British Aerospace MSB 55/24, Part 2.B.
2. For all elevators, perform a close visual internal inspection in accordance with British Aerospace MSB 55/24, Part 2.C.
Note: CAA (UK) AD 003-04-87 refers.
Compliance: 1. Initially inspect all elevators in accordance with Requirement 1.(a) and, if repaired, Requirement 1.(b) before 25 June 1995.
2. Initially inspect all elevators in accordance with Requirement 2 before 5000 hours time in service or 7000 landings, whichever occurs first.
Repeat at intervals not to exceed 5000 hours time in service or 7000 landings, whichever occurs first.
The compliance of the original issue is changed with respect to the initial and repeat inspection periods, to align with the CAA (UK) AD.
This amendment becomes effective on 29 January 1998.
Background: An incident has been reported in which an aircraft lost the outboard section of the elevator in flight. The failure originated from damage associated with an earlier incident. Examination of other undamaged elevators indicated loose rivets cracking and wear in the subject area.
Amendment 1 is issued to correct an anomaly in the compliance initial and repetitive inspection periods.
The original issue of this airworthiness directive became effective on 25 May 1995.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, serve to ensure the safety and regulation of civil aviation within Australia. This legislation, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), is instrumental in maintaining high standards of airworthiness and operational safety. One of the specific directives under these regulations pertains to the British Aerospace (Hawker Siddeley) HS 748 Series Aeroplanes, with Amendment 1 to AD/HS 748/18 addressing the elevator outboard hinge structure. This directive was introduced in response to incidents where the outboard section of the elevator failed in flight, highlighting a critical safety gap. The policy objective is to mandate regular inspections and repairs to prevent structural failures, thereby enhancing the overall safety of aircraft operations. The amendment to the initial and repetitive inspection periods aims to align with the Civil Aviation Authority (UK) AD, ensuring consistency and effectiveness in safety measures.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 – 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addressing the maintenance and operational standards of aircraft. In this context, AD/HS 748/18 Amendment 1 is directed towards all British Aerospace (Hawker Siddeley) HS 748 Series aeroplanes equipped with elevators bearing parts numbers 1G3096 and 400G3096. The regulation mandates a stringent inspection regime to ensure the airworthiness of these aircraft, requiring both visual and internal inspections of the elevator outboard hinge structures, particularly focusing on potential damage such as cracking, loose rivets, and buckling. These inspections must adhere to guidelines specified in the British Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin 55/24. The directive applies nationwide within Australia, encompassing all operators of the specified aircraft. However, the application is limited to those aircraft fitting the described elevator components. Compliance is mandatory, with initial inspections mandated before a specific date, and subsequent inspections required at intervals not exceeding certain operational thresholds, such as 5000 hours of service or 7000 landings. This regulation, effective from 29 January 1998, aligns with corresponding UK Civil Aviation Authority directives, ensuring consistency and safety standards across international operations.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes detailed provisions governing the airworthiness of aircraft, particularly focusing on the British Aerospace (Hawker Siddeley) HS 748 Series Aeroplanes. The directive AD/HS 748/18 Amendment 1 pertains to the elevator outboard hinge structure, requiring thorough inspections to ensure safety. Section 1(a) mandates that all elevators fitted with parts P/N 1G3096 and 400G3096 must be visually inspected both internally and externally for any repairs or existing damage, following the guidelines set out in British Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) 55/24, Part 2.A. For repaired elevators, Section 1(b) requires the incorporation of access panel E11 before the initial inspection, as outlined in MSB 55/24, Part 2.B, and subsequent close visual inspection for cracking, loose rivets, and buckling. Section 2 further stipulates a close visual internal inspection of all elevators, in accordance with MSB 55/24, Part 2.C.
These provisions impose stringent obligations on aircraft operators and maintenance personnel to ensure that all inspections are conducted meticulously. The initial inspection of all elevators must be completed before 25 June 1995, while the subsequent inspection must occur before the aircraft accumulates 5000 hours of flight time or 7000 landings, whichever comes first. The inspections must then be repeated at intervals not exceeding 5000 flight hours or 7000 landings. These requirements are designed to maintain the structural integrity of the elevators and prevent any potential in-flight failures.
Failure to comply with these directives can result in severe consequences. While the regulations do not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance, violations could lead to the aircraft being grounded, which would disrupt operations and potentially result in costly repairs. The safety of passengers and crew is paramount, and any negligence in adhering to these airworthiness directives could lead to severe civil and criminal liabilities under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The specific penalties could range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach and the resultant impact on aviation safety.