AD/M20/42 - Autopilot Servo Cable Guards

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted to provide comprehensive safety standards and regulatory oversight in the field of civil aviation. This legislation was introduced to address the need for stringent safety measures in the aviation industry, ensuring that all operations comply with internationally recognised safety standards. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were established by the Australian Government under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, with the primary policy objective of safeguarding the public by enforcing strict safety protocols in the aviation sector. The legislation provides the Civil Aviation Safety Authority with the necessary powers to issue directives and regulations that maintain the highest safety standards for aircraft operations in Australia. One such directive, AD/M20/42, pertains to Mooney M20 Series Aeroplanes, specifically addressing the issue of autopilot servo cable guards. This directive was introduced in response to identified installation problems that could lead to the jamming of primary pitch and roll controls, a condition that has manifested in actual service. The policy objective behind this directive is to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of affected aircraft by requiring compliance within a specified timeframe, thereby preventing potential hazards that could compromise flight safety.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105 and the Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/M20/42, mandates specific maintenance actions for Mooney M20 Series aeroplanes equipped with certain autopilot systems. This directive applies to all model M20J and M20K aeroplanes that have a KAP 100/150/KFC 150 autopilot certified under STC SA 1561CE-D, or a KFC 200 autopilot certified under STC SA 1771CE-D. The directive requires compliance with King SB KS 177/178-3, referencing FAA AD 85-25-02, and necessitates that the specified maintenance be completed within 10 hours of time in service after 16 January 1986. The regulation addresses a known issue where an installation problem can lead to jamming of primary pitch and/or roll control, a condition that has been observed in operational environments. The directive is applicable nationwide, governing the maintenance and airworthiness of these aircraft within the Australian jurisdiction.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105, focus on the requirements for maintaining the airworthiness of Mooney M20 Series aeroplanes. Section 39.105 outlines the application of airworthiness directives to ensure compliance with safety standards. AD/M20/42, which pertains to autopilot servo cable guards, mandates specific modifications to prevent potential control jamming (s. 39.105(1)). This directive applies to all model M20J and M20K aeroplanes equipped with a KAP 100/150/KFC 150 autopilot to STC SA 1561CE-D or a KFC 200 autopilot to STC SA 1771CE-D (s. 39.105(2)). The requirement is to follow the instructions set forth in King SB KS 177/178-3, with reference to FAA AD 85-25-02 (s. 39.105(3)). The obligations imposed by these regulations are clear and specific. Operators and owners of the affected Mooney M20 Series aeroplanes must ensure that the autopilot servo cable guards are installed as per the instructions in King SB KS 177/178-3. Compliance must be achieved within 10 hours of the aeroplane's time in service after 16 January 1986 (s. 39.105(4)). This requirement is critical to prevent the identified issue of primary pitch and/or roll control jamming, which has already occurred in service. The directive aims to enhance safety by addressing a known installation problem that could compromise the aeroplane's control mechanisms. Failure to comply with the provisions set out in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can result in significant consequences. Under Section 97 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with an airworthiness directive is an offence, potentially leading to criminal penalties. For corporations, the maximum penalty includes fines up to $2,100,000 (s. 97(1)). Individuals responsible for the oversight of the aeroplane's maintenance may also face personal criminal liability, with maximum penalties including fines up to $420,000 and imprisonment for up to five years (s. 97(2)). Additionally, civil penalties can be imposed, including fines and corrective measures to ensure compliance with the airworthiness standards (s. 97(3)). These provisions underscore the importance of adhering to the stipulated safety requirements to prevent potential hazards and ensure the safe operation of the aircraft.