AD/LEARJET 35/4 - Upper Wing Skin Fasteners - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, form a crucial part of the legislative framework governing civil aviation safety within the country. This particular regulation, AD/LEARJET 35/4, targets the inspection of upper wing skin fasteners on Gates Learjet 35 and 36 series aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to address the need for ensuring the airworthiness of these specific aircraft models by mandating regular inspections to maintain structural integrity and safety. The policy objective is to enhance aviation safety by enforcing timely and consistent inspections, thereby mitigating potential risks associated with fastener failure. The regulation applies to all model 35 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 35-001 to 35-054 and model 36 aircraft with serial numbers from 36-001 to 36-017, requiring compliance within 150 hours of time in service after 29 October 1976, unless modified in accordance with the specified service bulletin.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, apply to all Gates Learjet 35 and 36 series aeroplanes with specific serial numbers, namely model 35 with serial numbers 35-001 to 35-054 and model 36 with serial numbers 36-001 to 36-017. These regulations mandate an inspection of the upper wing skin fasteners for compliance with the specified airworthiness directives. The regulations are enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and are applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that all relevant aircraft within the specified serial number range adhere to the stipulated safety standards. The compliance period requires an inspection within 150 hours of time in service after 29 October 1976, unless modifications have been made in accordance with Gates Learjet Service Bulletin 35/36-57-1. The Act does not explicitly detail any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, but the application of the regulations may be further extended or restricted through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this regulation, specifically AD/LEARJET 35/4, pertain to the inspection of upper wing skin fasteners on Gates Learjet 35 and 36 series aeroplanes (section 10/76). This directive applies to all model 35 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 35-001 to 35-054 and all model 36 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 36-001 to 36-017. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, and it must be carried out within 150 hours of time in service after 29 October 1976, unless the aeroplane has been modified according to Gates Learjet Service Bulletin (SB) 35/36-57-1. The compliance document referenced is Gates Learjet SB 35/36-57-1A. The obligations and requirements imposed by this regulation are clear and specific. Operators of the specified Gates Learjet 35 and 36 series aeroplanes must ensure that the upper wing skin fasteners are inspected within the stipulated timeframe. If the aeroplane has been modified in accordance with the referenced service bulletin, the inspection might not be necessary. The regulation underscores the importance of adhering to the compliance document, Gates Learjet SB 35/36-57-1A, which provides detailed instructions on how the inspection should be conducted and what standards should be met. The legislation outlines potential consequences for non-compliance with the specified requirements. Although the regulation does not explicitly state the penalties for breaching this directive, it falls under the broader framework of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. Non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations could result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce these regulations, and persistent non-compliance could also lead to the grounding of the aircraft in question. In summary, AD/LEARJET 35/4 mandates the inspection of upper wing skin fasteners on certain Gates Learjet 35 and 36 series aeroplanes within a specific timeframe. Compliance with this directive is critical, and operators must refer to the provided service bulletin for detailed inspection procedures. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in significant legal and operational consequences, underscoring the importance of adhering to the stipulated requirements.