AD/LEARJET/27 - Horizontal Stabiliser Hinge Pin Bushing Installation - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, aim to regulate and ensure the safety of civil aviation within Australia. One of the key instruments within this regulatory framework is Part 39, which focuses on the safety of specific aircraft, such as the Gates Learjet 24 & 25 series aeroplanes. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued Airworthiness Directives (AD) under this part to address specific safety concerns. The AD/LEARJET/27, for instance, pertains to the inspection of horizontal stabiliser hinge pin bushings in Gates Learjet 24 and 25 series aeroplanes, aiming to prevent potential safety hazards that could arise from these bushings moving out of their fittings during normal operation. The directive was introduced to address the identified risk, ensuring compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1981, as referenced in Gates Learjet Service Bulletin No. 23/24/25-311. The policy objective behind these regulations is to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety, ensuring that aircraft operations within Australia adhere to stringent safety protocols. By implementing specific directives such as AD/LEARJET/27, CASA aims to mitigate risks associated with aircraft components, thereby safeguarding the lives of passengers and crew, as well as maintaining public confidence in the safety of civil aviation. This legislative approach underscores the commitment to continuous improvement and vigilance in aviation safety standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulates the maintenance and safety of aircraft within Australian airspace through various regulatory instruments, including the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. Part 39, specifically, pertains to Airworthiness Directives, with the regulation in question, AD/LEARJET/27, addressing a critical safety issue with the Gates Learjet 24 and 25 Series aeroplanes. This directive applies to all Gates Learjet models 24 and 25 with serial numbers referenced in Gates Learjet Service Bulletin No. 23/24/25-311 or subsequent issues of that bulletin. The requirement is that inspections and necessary installations be conducted within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1981, to ensure the horizontal stabiliser hinge pin bushings do not move out of their mating fittings, thereby preventing potential safety hazards. The legislation is comprehensive in its application to specific aircraft models and serial numbers, ensuring that any affected aircraft are subject to these safety directives within the specified timeframe.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes Airworthiness Directives (AD) that mandate certain safety measures for various aircraft types. One such directive, AD/LEARJET/27, pertains to the Gates Learjet 24 and 25 series aeroplanes (sections 1 and 2). This directive requires the installation and inspection of horizontal stabiliser hinge pin bushings to prevent them from moving out of their mating fittings during normal service (section 2). This directive applies to all Gates Learjet models 24 and 25 with serial numbers referenced in Gates Learjet Service Bulletin No. 23/24/25-311 or subsequent issues of that bulletin (section 3). Compliance with this directive must occur within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1981 (section 4). The obligations imposed by this Act on the parties or entities it governs are clear and specific. Aircraft operators and owners must ensure that the horizontal stabiliser hinge pin bushings are installed and inspected in accordance with the directive. This involves closely following the guidance provided in Gates Learjet Service Bulletin No. 23/24/25-311, which details the necessary procedures for inspection and installation. These obligations ensure that the aircraft remains airworthy and safe for operation, mitigating the risk of in-flight issues due to loose bushings. Failure to comply with this directive can lead to serious consequences. While the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly state the penalties for non-compliance in this directive, general provisions within the Act provide for potential civil or criminal penalties. Non-compliance could result in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), including fines or other sanctions. In severe cases, continued non-compliance might lead to the suspension or revocation of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness, which would prevent the aircraft from being flown until the issues are rectified. These potential consequences underscore the importance of adhering to the directive to maintain safety standards in aviation.