AD/M20/22 Amdt 1 - Empennage Attach Brackets

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes Airworthiness Directives such as AD/M20/22 Amendment 1, which was introduced to address safety concerns related to the Mooney M20 Series aeroplanes. This legislative instrument, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, aims to ensure the airworthiness of these aircraft by mandating specific maintenance actions. The directive addresses the issue of decreased rigidity of the empennage attachment to the tailplane, which could be caused by an accumulation of assembly tolerances. This was identified by the manufacturer, leading to the requirement for actions as per Mooney Service Instruction M20-35. The amendment narrows the applicability of the directive to only those aircraft affected, ensuring that the necessary safety measures are applied efficiently and effectively. The policy objective behind these regulations is to maintain and enhance the safety standards of civil aviation by ensuring that aircraft comply with specific maintenance and operational requirements. This is achieved through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority issuing airworthiness directives that must be adhered to by aircraft operators. The compliance requirement must be met within 100 hours of time in service after 30 April 1976, reflecting a commitment to proactive safety management in aviation. The amendment to the directive, effective from 12 October 1995, highlights the continuous effort to address and mitigate potential safety risks in civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which are legally binding instructions aimed at ensuring the continued airworthiness of aircraft. In this instance, the focus is on the Mooney M20 series aeroplanes, as outlined in AD/M20/22 Amendment 1 concerning the empennage attach brackets. This directive applies to M20 models with specific serial numbers detailed in the Requirement Document and mandates compliance with Mooney Service Instruction M20-35. The requirement is to address the issue within 100 hours of time in service after 30 April 1976, ensuring that any deficiencies are rectified to maintain safety standards. The amendment, effective from 12 October 1995, narrows the applicability to only those aircraft identified as affected by the manufacturer’s advisory, which noted that accumulated assembly tolerances could compromise the rigidity of the empennage attachment to the tailplane. The directive does not specify any exclusions or exemptions, and compliance is critical for the continued airworthiness of the affected aircraft.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, governs the airworthiness directives concerning Mooney M20 Series Aeroplanes. A notable section within this legislation is AD/M20/22 Amendment 1, which pertains to the empennage attach brackets (Section 11/95). This section applies to M20 models with specific serial numbers listed in the Requirement Document and mandates actions in accordance with Mooney Service Instruction M20-35. The compliance requirement dictates that the specified action must be taken within 100 hours of time in service after 30 April 1976. This directive highlights that the compliance of the initial issue remains unchanged, with the amendment becoming effective from 12 October 1995. The Civil Aviation Regulations impose several obligations on parties and entities governed by this Act. For Mooney M20 Series Aeroplanes, the primary obligation is to adhere to the specific requirements outlined in AD/M20/22 Amendment 1, particularly concerning the empennage attach brackets. Owners and operators of these aircraft must ensure compliance with the actions stipulated in Mooney Service Instruction M20-35. This includes completing the necessary modifications or inspections within the specified timeframe of 100 hours of service post 30 April 1976. Compliance with these directives is critical to maintaining the aircraft's airworthiness. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directives can result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations outline various penalties and legal ramifications for non-compliance. Civil penalties may include fines, and in more severe cases, the aircraft may be grounded or its airworthiness certification revoked. Criminal penalties can also apply, potentially resulting in imprisonment, particularly if non-compliance leads to accidents or safety breaches. The specific maximum penalties are not detailed in this excerpt but are typically outlined in subsequent sections of the Civil Aviation Act or associated regulations. Non-compliance not only risks these penalties but also poses significant safety hazards to passengers and crew.