AD/IAI-W/9 Amdt 2 - Horizontal Stabiliser Rear Spar Splice Fittings

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended through legislative instrument F2006B10809, were enacted to ensure the safety of civil aviation in Australia. This particular regulation, part of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives, targets the Israel Aircraft Industries 1123 and 1124 (Westwind) series aeroplanes, focusing on the horizontal stabiliser rear spar splice fittings. The legislation was introduced to address the problem of cracks found in the splice fitting (hinge assembly) P/N 453005-501 on several aircraft. The policy objective is to mandate actions in accordance with the specified Israel Aircraft Industries Service Bulletins, ensuring the continued airworthiness and safety of these aircraft models. Compliance with these directives is required within specific time intervals, as outlined in the regulation, to mitigate the risk of structural failure. Enacted by the Australian Parliament, the regulation specifies that all models 1124 and 1124A are subject to these airworthiness directives. The key requirement is to follow Israel Aircraft Industries Service Bulletins 1124-55-020 Rev 2 and 1124-55-021 Rev 3. The initial compliance period is set within 75 hours of time in service after 25 January 1989, or if the aircraft has been inspected within the last 225 hours of time in service since the previous compliance. Subsequent inspections must occur at intervals not exceeding 300 hours of time in service, reducing the previous inspection period of 600 hours to enhance safety measures. This legislative instrument aims to proactively address identified structural issues, ensuring the ongoing safety and reliability of these aircraft in Australian airspace.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, governs the applicability of airworthiness directives for various aircraft, including the Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) 1123 and 1124 (Westwind) series aeroplanes. This regulation mandates that all models 1124 and 1124A must adhere to the action requirements outlined in Israel Aircraft Industries Service Bulletins (SBs) 1124-55-020 Rev 2 and 1124-55-021 Rev 3, as referenced in Israel Civil Aviation Authority AD 85-001 Rev 2. The directive applies to these aircraft models to address the issue of cracks found in the splice fitting (hinge assembly) P/N 453005-501. Compliance with this airworthiness directive requires actions to be taken within 75 hours of time in service after 25 January 1989, unless the aircraft was previously inspected within the last 225 hours of time in service since the previous compliance with this directive. Subsequent inspections must occur at intervals not exceeding 300 hours of time in service. This regulation is enforced under the authority of the Commonwealth of Australia and applies nationally, ensuring that all operators of IAI 1123 and 1124 (Westwind) series aeroplanes within Australia comply with these stringent safety standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, outline specific airworthiness directives for the Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) 1123 and 1124 (Westwind) Series Aeroplanes. The directive in question is AD/IAI-W/9 Amendment 2, which pertains to the horizontal stabiliser rear spar splice fittings (section 3/89DM). This directive applies to all models 1124 and 1124A of these aircraft. The requirement is for operators to take action in accordance with the Israel Aircraft Industries Service Bulletins 1124-55-020 Rev 2 and 1124-55-021 Rev 3. It is important to note that the directive references Israel CAA AD 85-001 Rev 2 for additional context. Operators of these aircraft must ensure that inspections and necessary actions are carried out within 75 hours of time in service after the directive was issued on 25 January 1989, unless the aircraft was previously inspected within the last 225 hours of time in service following compliance with the previous version of this directive. After the initial compliance, inspections must be performed at intervals not exceeding 300 hours of time in service. These requirements are designed to address the issue of cracks found in the splice fitting (hinge assembly) P/N 453005-501 on several aircraft. The amendment reduces the inspection periodicity from 600 to 300 hours of time in service, reflecting a more frequent oversight to ensure safety. The obligations imposed on the operators and entities governed by this directive are clear and stringent. They must adhere strictly to the inspection schedules and actions prescribed by the referenced service bulletins. This includes conducting thorough inspections and any necessary repairs or replacements as per the guidance provided by IAI. Compliance with these directives is critical to maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew, and avoiding potential operational disruptions or legal ramifications. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directives can result in serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Such actions may include fines, suspension or revocation of air operator certificates, or other regulatory penalties. The exact penalties can vary depending on the severity and circumstances of the non-compliance but are designed to enforce adherence to safety standards. Given the critical nature of these directives, operators must prioritise compliance to avoid these adverse outcomes.