AD/LA-4/22 - Engine Mount Tie Rod Ends

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, was enacted to establish and maintain standards of airworthiness, safety, and efficiency in civil aviation. This legislative instrument, AD/LA-4/22, was introduced to address the identified risk of exceeding allowable loads on engine mount tie rod ends in Consolidated Aeronautics, Colonial, and LA-4 Series Aeroplanes, particularly for model 250 with serial numbers 2 to 43. The regulation mandates compliance with REVO Inc Service Bulletin SB B-69, requiring action to be taken within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1987, or before the issue of the next Maintenance Release after that date, whichever is later. The policy objective is to enhance safety by ensuring that these components are maintained and inspected to prevent potential failures that could compromise the aircraft's structural integrity. The regulation was enacted by the Australian Parliament and administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, reflecting a commitment to maintaining stringent safety standards in the aviation industry. The directive is a response to in-service experience highlighting the potential for exceeding the allowable loads on the specified engine mount tie rod ends, thereby necessitating a proactive approach to mitigate this risk.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, governs the airworthiness directives pertinent to the maintenance and operation of certain aircraft in Australian airspace. One such directive, AD/LA-4/22, applies to Consolidated Aeronautics, Colonial, and LA-4 Series Aeroplanes, particularly model 250 with serial numbers 2 to 43. This directive mandates compliance with REVO Inc Service Bulletin B-69 to address the potential risk of exceeding allowable loads on the engine mount tie rod ends. The requirement necessitates action within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1987 or before the issuance of the next Maintenance Release following that date, whichever is later. The directive ensures that these aircraft maintain their airworthiness and safety standards, applying uniformly across the Commonwealth of Australia to all relevant operators and aircraft within its jurisdiction. The application of this directive is direct and does not allow for exclusions or exemptions, underscoring the importance of adherence to the specified safety measures.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically AD/LA-4/22 concerning Consolidated Aeronautics, Colonial and LA-4 Series Aeroplanes, mandate the inspection and action required for engine mount tie rod ends. Section 39-105 of the Act outlines the applicability of this directive to all model 250 with serial numbers 2 to 43. The requirement, as stipulated in the document, mandates that actions must be taken in accordance with REVO Inc Service Bulletin B-69. This means that operators must follow the specific procedures and guidelines provided in this bulletin to ensure compliance. The Civil Aviation Regulations impose several obligations on the parties governed by this directive. Operators of the specified model aeroplanes are required to ensure that the inspection and necessary actions regarding the engine mount tie rod ends are carried out within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1987, or before the issuance of the next maintenance release after 31 July 1987, whichever comes later. This timeline is crucial for maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and preventing any potential safety issues that could arise from the identified problem. Non-compliance with the provisions outlined in AD/LA-4/22 can result in serious consequences. The Act does not explicitly detail offences or penalties in this specific legislative instrument. However, general provisions within the Civil Aviation Regulations may apply. For instance, failure to comply with airworthiness directives can lead to enforcement actions, which may include civil penalties and, in severe cases, criminal charges. The maximum penalties for breaches of these regulations can be significant, reflecting the critical importance of adhering to safety directives to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all individuals involved in aviation activities.