AD/M20/11 - Main Landing Gear Retraction Truss - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth Parliament, provide a comprehensive regulatory framework for civil aviation in Australia. Within this framework, the 1998 Regulations include specific directives to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. Part 39, which focuses on airworthiness directives, addresses issues such as modifications and maintenance required to ensure aircraft meet safety standards. One such directive, AD/M20/11, concerns the main landing gear retraction truss for Mooney M20 Series aeroplanes, specifically models M20C with serial numbers 2807 to 3466 and M20E with serial numbers 470 to 1270. This directive was introduced to address a specific safety issue identified in these models, requiring compliance within 100 hours of time in service after the directive's issuance on 7 September 1967. The policy objective behind these regulations is to maintain high safety standards in civil aviation, ensuring that aircraft are maintained and modified as necessary to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of passengers and crew.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued Airworthiness Directive AD/M20/11, which applies to all Mooney M20C aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 2807 to 3466, as well as all Mooney M20E aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 470 to 1270. This directive pertains specifically to modifications required for the main landing gear retraction truss, as outlined in Mooney Service Bulletin M20-143. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, with the modifications required to be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 7 September 1967. The directive applies within the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia, enforced by CASA, and its scope is confined to the specified model series and serial numbers of the Mooney M20 aeroplanes. No exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds are mentioned in the directive itself, although the application and enforcement may be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments as required by CASA.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly in PART 39 - 105, cover a range of directives including those for airworthiness, one of which is AD/M20/11. This directive pertains specifically to the Mooney M20 Series aeroplanes and mandates modifications to the main landing gear retraction truss (paragraph 9/67). The directive applies to all model M20C aircraft with serial numbers (S/Nos.) between 2807 and 3466, and model M20E aircraft with S/Nos. between 470 and 1270. Compliance with this directive must occur within 100 hours of time in service after 7 September 1967, as documented in Mooney SB M20-143. Entities and individuals governed by this directive must ensure that the specified modifications to the main landing gear retraction truss are implemented within the stipulated timeframe. Failure to comply with these modifications may result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, thereby preventing it from operating legally. The directive outlines specific technical requirements and procedures that must be followed to meet airworthiness standards, which include detailed inspection, repair, or replacement of components as necessary. Failure to adhere to the provisions of AD/M20/11 can result in significant legal consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance may lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Potential penalties for breach of these directives include fines, suspension or revocation of aircraft operating certificates, and possibly criminal charges for individuals responsible for the oversight of the aircraft. The exact penalties can vary depending on the severity and frequency of the breach but are designed to ensure strict compliance with safety standards to protect public safety and maintain the integrity of the aviation system.