Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued Airworthiness Directive (AD) LJ45/2 on 10 March 2002 to address an unsafe condition identified in Learjet 45 series aeroplanes not fitted with specific Crane Hydro-Aire Brake Control Units. This directive was introduced in response to an incident where an aircraft experienced a dragging brake after the pilot released the parking brake, resulting in a rejected take-off and a brake oil fire due to failed brake unit pistons. The AD aims to mitigate the risk of wheel/brake fires and high-speed rejected take-offs by implementing specific requirements for aircraft with pre-modification Brake Control Units. The directive mandates the incorporation of certain Temporary Flight Manual changes into the Flight Manual and the removal of these changes once the specified Brake Control Unit is installed. Compliance with these requirements must be achieved within 10 days of the AD's effective date, 18 April 2002, and the AD was subsequently notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 27 March 2002.

Scope and Application

This Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 applies specifically to all Learjet 45 series aeroplanes that are not fitted with Crane Hydro-Aire Brake Control Units Part Number 42-933-03. The directive mandates the incorporation of Learjet Temporary Flight Manual (TFM) changes 2000-01 to 2000-08 into the Limitations and Normal Procedures Sections of the Flight Manual, in accordance with FAA AD 2000-08-13, and the removal of these same TFM changes when the aircraft is fitted with the specified post-modification Brake Control Unit. The directive is intended to address safety concerns related to uncommanded brake application conditions that could lead to a wheel/brake fire or a high-speed rejected take-off. The AD becomes effective on 18 April 2002, with compliance deadlines specified for the implementation of each requirement. The AD extends across the Commonwealth of Australia and is published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette to ensure wide dissemination and adherence by the relevant aviation entities and operators.

Key Provisions

This Airworthiness Directive (AD) applies to all model Learjet 45 series aeroplanes that have not been fitted with Crane Hydro-Aire Brake Control Units with Part Number 42-933-03. The AD mandates specific actions to address an identified unsafe condition related to brake control units. In particular, Requirement 1 necessitates the insertion of Learjet Temporary Flight Manual (TFM) changes 2000-01 to 2000-08 into the Limitations and Normal Procedures sections of the Flight Manual, in accordance with FAA Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2000-08-13. Conversely, Requirement 2 requires the removal of Learjet TFM changes 2000-01 to 2000-08 once the aircraft is equipped with Crane Hydro-Aire Brake Control Unit Part Number 42-933-03. Compliance with these requirements must be achieved within 10 days of the AD's effective date for Requirement 1, and at the time of fitting the specified brake control unit for Requirement 2. The AD became effective on 18 April 2002. The AD imposes several obligations on the parties and entities governed by it. Firstly, the owner or operator of the Learjet 45 series aeroplane must ensure that the specified TFM changes are incorporated into the Flight Manual within the stipulated timeframe. Secondly, once the aircraft is equipped with the specified Crane Hydro-Aire Brake Control Unit, the TFM changes must be removed as per the AD. Additionally, Bombardier SB 45-32-9 provides reference instructions for the implementation of these requirements. It is imperative that all parties involved adhere to these obligations to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. Failure to comply with the requirements outlined in the AD may result in various civil and criminal consequences. The AD is issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) delegate, and non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions. While the AD itself does not explicitly state penalties, breaches of airworthiness regulations in Australia can result in significant fines and potential criminal charges. The severity of the penalties may depend on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, as well as any resulting safety risks. It is therefore crucial for the parties governed by this AD to strictly adhere to its provisions to avoid any adverse legal consequences.