AD/JETSTREAM/16 Amdt 2 - Main Landing Gear Doors

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, address the safety and airworthiness of aircraft through the issuance of directives. One such directive, AD/JETSTREAM/16, pertains to British Aerospace BAe 3100 (Jetstream) Series Aeroplanes, with an amendment focusing on the main landing gear doors. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, this legislative instrument was introduced to address issues of structural integrity and safety in specific Jetstream models. The primary objective is to mitigate risks associated with failures in the main landing gear doors, such as rod end bearing failures, bending of rod shanks, and door loss. This was achieved by requiring compliance with specified service bulletins and ensuring regular inspections and modifications to maintain airworthiness. This legislative instrument was introduced to provide a structured response to recurrent problems in the Jetstream Series 200 and Jetstream Series 3100 aircraft. The amendment to the directive was enacted to address the revision of the requirement document for non-destructive testing of the hinges on the main landing gear doors, ensuring that safety standards are upheld through rigorous and updated inspection protocols. The compliance deadlines and intervals for inspections and modifications are clearly outlined, reflecting a commitment to maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, pertains to British Aerospace BAe 3100 (Jetstream) Series Aeroplanes. The regulation applies to HP 137 Mk 1, Jetstream Series 200, and Jetstream Series 3100 aircraft, specifically those with constructors' numbers ranging from 601 to 695. The directive mandates compliance with Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin 32-A-JA840318 Revision 2, requiring corrective actions within 200 landings after 30 November 1986, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 1000 landings, until the aircraft are modified according to Jetstream Service Bulletin 32-JM5280. This amendment, effective from 22 June 1995, follows reported issues such as rod end bearing failures, bending of rod shanks, cracking of rod threads, door hinge cracking, and door loss. The directive remains jurisdictional throughout Australia, enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, with no stated exclusions or exemptions in this context.

Key Provisions

The main sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, include AD/JETSTREAM/16, which pertains to the British Aerospace BAe 3100 (Jetstream) Series Aeroplanes, and its amendment 2 (AD/JETSTREAM/16Amdt 2). Section 105 sets out the requirements and applicability of airworthiness directives for specific aircraft models, such as the HP 137 Mk 1, Jetstream Series 200, and Jetstream Series 3100. The regulation mandates actions in accordance with the Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin 32-A-JA840318 Revision 2 to address the failure of rod end bearings, bending of rod shanks, cracking of rod threads, cracking of door hinges, and door loss. The Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin specifies compliance measures that must be adhered to within 200 landings following the date of 30 November 1986 and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 1000 landings. The directive requires aircraft to be modified in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin 32-JM5280. The compliance of the previous version of this directive remains unchanged, and the amendment is effective from 22 June 1995. The regulations ensure the safety of the aircraft by addressing potential structural failures and ensuring that any necessary repairs or modifications are implemented in a timely manner. The obligations imposed by the regulations are clear and specific. Operators of the affected aircraft must ensure that the Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin 32-A-JA840318 Revision 2 is followed, which includes conducting inspections and performing any necessary modifications or repairs. The operators must also ensure that these actions are taken within the specified timeframes—within 200 landings post-30 November 1986 and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 1000 landings. Failure to comply with these obligations could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, potentially leading to operational disruptions and safety risks. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 also outline the consequences for non-compliance. If an operator fails to adhere to the requirements set forth in AD/JETSTREAM/16Amdt 2, they may face legal repercussions. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the text, the general penalty provisions of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 apply. Under this Act, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to civil penalties, including fines up to $21,000 for individuals and $105,000 for corporations, as well as criminal penalties, which may include imprisonment for up to five years. These stringent measures are in place to ensure that all operators comply with the regulations and maintain the safety standards required by CASA.