AD/M20/10 - Main Landing Gear Retraction Truss - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, are designed to maintain the highest standards of safety in civil aviation. Part 39 - 105 of these regulations pertains specifically to airworthiness directives, ensuring that aircraft maintain their airworthiness throughout their operational life. This legislative framework was introduced to fill the gap in comprehensive regulation of aircraft maintenance and safety, addressing concerns about the structural integrity and operational safety of specific aircraft models. One such directive, AD/M20/10, pertains to the Mooney M20 Series Aeroplanes, targeting the main landing gear retraction truss. This directive requires an inspection within 100 hours of time in service after its issuance on 7 September 1967, as outlined in Mooney SB M20-142. The policy objective behind this specific directive is to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of affected aircraft models, thereby protecting both passengers and crew.

Scope and Application

The Mooney M20 Series Aeroplanes Airworthiness Directive AD/M20/10 applies specifically to certain Mooney M20 aircraft models. It mandates a comprehensive inspection of the main landing gear retraction truss for Mooney M20C aircraft with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 3351 to 3466 and 470001, Mooney M20E aircraft with S/Nos. 1050 to 1308 and 670001, and Mooney M20F aircraft with S/Nos. 660003, 670001 to 670040. This directive is issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Compliance with this directive is required within 100 hours of time in service after 7 September 1967, with reference to Mooney Service Bulletin M20-142 for the inspection procedures. The directive does not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, but it is applicable to the specified aircraft models within the Commonwealth of Australia, extending to all relevant aircraft operating under Australian jurisdiction.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislation (AD/M20/10) require that specific Mooney M20 Series Aeroplanes undergo a particular inspection of their main landing gear retraction truss. Section 9/67 mandates that the inspection be performed on all model M20C with serial numbers ranging from 3351 to 3466 and 470001; model M20E with serial numbers between 1050 to 1308 and 670001; and model M20F with serial numbers 660003, 670001 to 670040. The compliance period for this inspection is within 100 hours of time in service after 7 September 1967. The document referenced for this inspection is Mooney SB M20-142. The obligations imposed by this legislation on the parties or entities it governs include ensuring that the specified aircraft models receive the required inspection. This inspection must be conducted according to the guidelines provided in Mooney SB M20-142. The entities responsible for these aircraft, typically the aircraft owners or operators, must ensure that the inspections are carried out within the stipulated timeframe of 100 hours after the specified date. Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/M20/10 could lead to severe consequences. Although the specific penalties for breach are not detailed within the text provided, it is clear that non-compliance with Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) directives can result in significant civil and criminal penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and associated regulations. These penalties can include fines and, in severe cases, the grounding of the aircraft or legal action against the responsible parties. The exact penalties would depend on the severity of the breach and the discretion of the court or CASA in enforcing the regulations.