AD/LEARJET/6 - Wing Flap System - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, form a comprehensive set of rules governing all aspects of civil aviation within Australia. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 of these regulations pertains to airworthiness directives, establishing mandatory requirements to ensure the safety of aircraft operations. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, such as AD/LEARJET/6 for Gates Learjet 24 & 25 Series Aeroplanes, was introduced to address safety concerns and ensure the continued airworthiness of specific aircraft models. These directives, which are legally binding, were established to mitigate risks associated with identified issues, thereby safeguarding the public and promoting the safe operation of civil aircraft. The policy objective is to maintain high safety standards within Australia's civil aviation sector, ensuring that aircraft meet necessary safety criteria through regular inspections and compliance measures.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, apply to the Gates Learjet 24 and 25 Series Aeroplanes, specifically those within serial number ranges 24-100 to 24-296 for the Learjet 24 models and 25-003 to 25-175 for the Learjet 25 models. The regulation mandates inspections of the wing flap system to ensure compliance with the Airworthiness Directive AD/LEARJET/6. This directive requires that the specified inspection be conducted within 25 hours of time in service following the date of the directive, 27 August 1974. The legislation applies to all relevant aircraft operating within Australia, falling under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The scope of this legislation includes all entities and individuals who own, operate, or maintain the specified models of Gates Learjet aeroplanes, ensuring adherence to the outlined safety standards. The regulation does not provide specific exclusions or exemptions within the text, implying that all affected aircraft must comply with the directive. The application and enforcement of this regulation may be further detailed or extended through subordinate instruments issued by CASA.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39, include a schedule of airworthiness directives that are critical for ensuring the safe operation of aircraft. One such directive, AD/LEARJET/6, pertains specifically to Gates Learjet 24 and 25 series aeroplanes, focusing on the wing flap system. This directive mandates an inspection of the wing flap system on these aircraft to ensure their airworthiness (Section 105). The directive applies to all Gates Learjet 24 models with serial numbers ranging from 24-100 to 24-296 and Gates Learjet 25 models with serial numbers from 25-003 to 25-175. Compliance with this directive is to be achieved within 25 hours of time in service after the directive was issued on 27 August 1974, as outlined in Gates Learjet Service Bulletin No. 23/24/25-257. Operators and owners of the affected Gates Learjet 24 and 25 aeroplanes are obligated to conduct the required inspections in accordance with the directive. These inspections must be performed by certified personnel, ensuring that the wing flap system is free from any defects or wear that could compromise the aircraft's safety. The directive underscores the importance of regular maintenance and checks to prevent any potential issues that might arise from the wing flap system. Operators must also keep detailed records of all inspections performed, including the date, the person who performed the inspection, and any actions taken in response to findings. Failure to comply with AD/LEARJET/6 could result in serious safety implications, including potential airworthiness issues that could lead to accidents. The regulations do not specify particular offences under this directive but imply severe consequences for non-compliance. In broader terms, any non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These actions could include fines, penalties, or even grounding of the aircraft until the necessary inspections and repairs are completed. The exact penalties for non-compliance with such directives are not explicitly stated in this particular directive but are subject to the general enforcement provisions of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and associated regulations.