COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Gates Learjet 24 & 25 Series Aeroplanes
AD/LEARJET/37 Outflow/Safety Valve 3/96
Applicability: Learjet 24/25 series aircraft as identified in Learjet Service Bulletin SB 24/25-21-4.
Requirement: 1. Unless previously carried out, revise the Aircraft Flight Manual to amend the aircraft maximum operating altitude to 41,000 feet by;
(a) inserting a CASA 'green page' amendment issued under CASA approval number "24 Initial" or "25 Initial" or,
(b) inserting Learjet Temporary Flight Manual Change 94-15 dated 9 January 1995.
2. Unless previously carried out, action in accordance with paragraph 2B and 2C of Learjet Service Bulletin 24/25-21-4 dated 3 January 1995.
3. Remove the aircraft flight manual change introduced in Requirement 1 by application through the CASA District Airworthiness Office responsible for the aircraft.
Note: FAA AD 95-20-03 Amdt 39-9381 refers and supersedes FAA AD 94-26-01 Amdt 39-9097.
Compliance: Requirement 1. Prior to 1 April 1996.
Requirement 2. Prior to 28 February 1997. Requirement 3. On compliance with Requirement 2.
Background: The manufacturer has advised that valves identified in Allied Signal Service Bulletin 130406-21-A4011 Revision 3 or 102850-21-4021 Revision 2 may experience fracture or cracking of the poppet valve which could cause rapid decompression of the aircraft. Until affected valves can be replaced a flight manual amendment has been inserted in the Australian flight manual.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth) were enacted to regulate civil aviation safety in Australia, providing a comprehensive framework to ensure the safe operation of aircraft. Part 39, specifically, pertains to airworthiness directives that aim to address safety issues and ensure compliance with safety standards. The regulation under review here, AD/LEARJET/37, was introduced to address a specific safety concern related to Gates Learjet 24 and 25 series aeroplanes. The problem it sought to resolve was the potential for the outflow/safety valve to fracture or crack, which could result in rapid decompression of the aircraft, posing a significant safety risk. This legislative instrument was issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and aims to mitigate this risk through specified amendments to the aircraft flight manual and the implementation of service bulletins.
The policy objective behind AD/LEARJET/37 is to ensure that affected Learjet 24/25 series aircraft are operated safely until the outflow/safety valve issue is fully resolved. The regulation mandates specific actions, including the amendment of the aircraft flight manual to set a maximum operating altitude of 41,000 feet and the removal of a temporary flight manual change once the permanent fix is applied. Compliance deadlines are set for these actions to ensure timely implementation and to maintain the highest safety standards in Australian civil aviation.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), addresses the Airworthiness Directives for Gates Learjet 24 & 25 Series Aeroplanes through AD/LEARJET/37. This legislation mandates specific actions for aircraft identified in Learjet Service Bulletin SB 24/25-21-4, focusing on the outflow/safety valve to mitigate risks associated with potential valve fractures. The directive applies to all Learjet 24/25 series aircraft, ensuring compliance with stringent safety standards to prevent rapid decompression during flight. Compliance with the directive requires amendments to the Aircraft Flight Manual, including adjustments to the maximum operating altitude to 41,000 feet and adherence to specific service bulletins. Failure to comply with these directives within the specified timeframes, such as revising the flight manual before 1 April 1996 and implementing further actions by 28 February 1997, may result in non-compliance with Australian aviation safety regulations. This Act extends its application through subordinate instruments, ensuring that all relevant aircraft are subject to the safety measures outlined.
Key Provisions
The primary sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR) pertaining to this Airworthiness Directive (AD) for the Gates Learjet 24 & 25 series aeroplanes, as outlined in AD/LEARJET/37, involve updating the Aircraft Flight Manual and implementing specific service bulletin actions. Section 1 of the AD mandates that the Aircraft Flight Manual be revised to set the maximum operating altitude to 41,000 feet, either by inserting a CASA 'green page' amendment or a specific temporary flight manual change. Section 2 of the AD requires compliance with paragraphs 2B and 2C of Learjet Service Bulletin 24/25-21-4 dated 3 January 1995. Once these actions are completed, Section 3 requires the removal of the flight manual amendment introduced in Section 1.
The obligations imposed on the parties governed by this legislation include ensuring that the Aircraft Flight Manual is updated in accordance with the requirements of Section 1 of the AD, specifically by inserting the CASA 'green page' amendment or the specified temporary flight manual change. Additionally, the entities must comply with the actions detailed in paragraphs 2B and 2C of the Learjet Service Bulletin 24/25-21-4. After the implementation of these actions, they must also ensure that the flight manual amendment is removed as per Section 3 of the AD. Compliance deadlines are strict, with Requirement 1 needing to be completed by 1 April 1996, Requirement 2 by 28 February 1997, and Requirement 3 to follow the completion of Requirement 2.
Failure to comply with these provisions can result in significant consequences. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the AD, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations can generally lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Such actions may include fines, the imposition of restrictions on aircraft operations, or other regulatory measures. It is essential for the entities involved to adhere to these requirements to ensure the safety of the aircraft and its passengers.