COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Mooney M20 Series Aeroplanes
AD/M20/18 Nose Gear Steering Horn Assembly Steering Shaft - Replacement
10/72
Applicability: Model M20C with S/Nos. 690002 to 690021. Model M20E with S/Nos. 690002 to 690027. Model M20F with S/Nos. 690002 to 690032. Model M20G with S/Nos. 690004 to 690008.
Document: Mooney SB M20-172.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 31 October 1972.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted to provide a comprehensive legal framework governing all aspects of civil aviation within Australia. The specific legislative instrument F2006B11225 under this Act focuses on airworthiness directives, aiming to ensure that aircraft meet the required safety standards. This instrument is part of the broader effort to maintain the safety and efficiency of the Australian aviation industry, ensuring that aircraft operations are conducted in a manner that safeguards the public and the environment. The policy objective behind these regulations is to prevent accidents and incidents by enforcing stringent safety standards and compliance measures on aircraft operators.
The Mooney M20 Series Aeroplanes Nose Gear Steering Horn Assembly Steering Shaft Replacement directive, specifically AD/M20/18, was introduced to address safety concerns identified in certain models of the Mooney M20 series aeroplanes. The directive mandates the replacement of the nose gear steering horn assembly steering shaft within specified timeframes to mitigate risks associated with potential mechanical failures. This legislative action by the Commonwealth of Australia is intended to enhance the operational safety of these aircraft models, thereby contributing to the overall safety of the national airspace.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Airworthiness Directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and applies to specified aircraft models and serial numbers within the Mooney M20 Series. The regulation AD/M20/18 mandates the replacement of the nose gear steering horn assembly steering shaft on specific Mooney M20 models with particular serial numbers. These models include the M20C, M20E, M20F, and M20G, each with their respective serial number ranges. The requirement to comply with this directive must be fulfilled within 100 hours of time in service following the issuance date of 31 October 1972. The geographic reach of this regulation is national, applying across all jurisdictions within Australia, as it is a Commonwealth legislation administered by CASA. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions mentioned in the directive, implying that the requirement applies universally to the specified aircraft models and serial numbers. The directive's application may be extended or further detailed through subordinate instruments issued by CASA.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), specifically Part 39, Section 105, contains Airworthiness Directives that govern the maintenance and safety standards of aircraft. One such directive, AD/M20/18, pertains to the nose gear steering horn assembly steering shaft replacement for Mooney M20 series aeroplanes. This directive applies to specific models and serial numbers, ensuring that these aircraft meet safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Compliance with this directive is mandatory for the specified Mooney M20 models, requiring that the nose gear steering horn assembly steering shaft be replaced within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1972.
The Civil Aviation Regulations impose specific obligations on the operators and owners of Mooney M20 series aeroplanes. These obligations include ensuring that the aircraft meet the safety standards outlined in AD/M20/18. This involves carrying out the required replacement of the nose gear steering horn assembly steering shaft within the stipulated timeframe, as well as maintaining records of compliance. Failure to adhere to these directives can result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, which in turn can lead to grounding and potential legal consequences.
Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in AD/M20/18 can result in serious consequences. Operators and owners who do not replace the nose gear steering horn assembly steering shaft within the required timeframe risk facing penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cth). The potential penalties include fines and, in severe cases, criminal charges. The exact penalties can vary depending on the nature and severity of the breach, but the potential for significant financial and reputational damage exists for those found in non-compliance.
In summary, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), through AD/M20/18, mandate specific maintenance actions for certain Mooney M20 series aeroplanes. These requirements are intended to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. Operators and owners must adhere to these provisions, with potential penalties for non-compliance including fines and criminal charges. Ensuring timely compliance is essential for maintaining the operational legality and safety of the affected aircraft.