AD/JETSTREAM/10 - Wing Fuel Tank Access Panels

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, include the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. One such directive, AD/JETSTREAM/10, addresses the issue of wing fuel tank access panels on British Aerospace BAe 3100 (Jetstream) Series aeroplanes. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, this regulation was introduced to ensure the safety of aircraft by addressing the problem of feather edges found at the countersink holes in the wing skin of certain Jetstream aircraft. This safety directive mandates compliance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin 57-JM5232, requiring inspections at all wing access panel locations to detect feather edges and any indications of cracks at the wing skin holes, thus aiming to maintain the airworthiness of the specified aircraft models. This legislative instrument, created under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, serves to safeguard the aviation industry by enforcing stringent safety standards. The policy objective of this directive is to enhance the safety of the Jetstream Series 200 and Jetstream Series 3100 aircraft by mitigating the risks posed by feather edges and cracks, thereby ensuring that these aircraft continue to meet the necessary safety requirements as stipulated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued an Airworthiness Directive under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically targeting the British Aerospace BAe 3100 (Jetstream) Series Aeroplanes through AD/JETSTREAM/10 concerning wing fuel tank access panels. This directive applies to aircraft models HP 137 Mk 1, Jetstream Series 200, and Jetstream Series 3100 with constructors' numbers ranging from 601 to 637 inclusive. The directive mandates adherence to British Aerospace Service Bulletin 57-JM5232, which includes an inspection of all wing access panel locations for feather edges and indications of cracks at the wing skin holes. This requirement is aimed at ensuring the continued airworthiness of these aircraft by mitigating the risk posed by the identified issues. The directive is enforceable across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring a uniform approach to maintaining aviation safety standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertain to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for the British Aerospace BAe 3100 (Jetstream) Series Aeroplanes. Under this directive, AD/JETSTREAM/10 is focused on the wing fuel tank access panels of HP 137 Mk 1, Jetstream Series 200 aircraft, and Jetstream Series 3100 aircraft with constructors numbers 601 to 637 inclusive. The directive requires compliance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin 57-JM5232, which mandates a thorough inspection of all wing access panel locations. The inspection is intended to detect any feather edges at the countersink holes in the wing skin and to identify any indications of cracks at these locations. Entities and parties governed by this directive, such as aircraft operators, maintenance providers, and relevant aviation authorities, must ensure that all specified inspections are conducted meticulously. This involves following the detailed guidelines outlined in the British Aerospace Service Bulletin 57-JM5232. These guidelines are designed to maintain the integrity and safety of the aircraft by preventing potential structural failures that could arise from unnoticed feather edges and cracks. It is crucial that all inspections are performed by qualified personnel who are well-versed in the requirements and procedures stipulated in the service bulletin. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/JETSTREAM/10 can lead to serious consequences. Any breach of this directive can result in civil or criminal penalties. Civil penalties may include fines, while criminal penalties could involve imprisonment. The specific maximum penalties are not detailed in the provided text, but they generally reflect the severity of the safety implications associated with non-compliance. Ensuring adherence to this directive is not only a legal requirement but also a critical aspect of maintaining the safety standards of the Jetstream Series aircraft within the Australian aviation sector.