AD/MSR/22 - Rear Fuselage Structure - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by the legislative instrument F2006B11321, introduces specific airworthiness directives to address safety concerns related to the structural integrity of certain aircraft. Enacted by the Australian Parliament, this regulation focuses on the Aerospatiale Rallye Series Aeroplanes, requiring mandatory inspections of the rear fuselage structure to detect and mitigate corrosion. This directive is crucial in ensuring the ongoing airworthiness of these aircraft, thereby enhancing safety standards and minimising potential risks associated with structural failures. The policy objective is clearly stated as maintaining and improving aviation safety through regular and rigorous inspection protocols. The regulation applies to all models of Aerospatiale Rallye Series Aeroplanes and mandates that inspections must be performed before 15 July 1976 and subsequently at intervals not exceeding three years. The inspection process involves removing the fuselage tail-cone and fin dorsal fairing to visually assess both the internal and external stringers for corrosion. If corrosion is detected, further detailed inspections of the rear fuselage structure are required, including the removal of empennage components. This systematic approach ensures that any potential structural issues are identified and addressed promptly, thereby upholding the high safety standards required in civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, mandate that the Airworthiness Directives apply to the Aerospatiale Rallye Series Aeroplanes, ensuring compliance with the AD/MSR/22 concerning the rear fuselage structure. This Act applies to all models of the specified aeroplanes, requiring a stringent inspection process for corrosion detection and remediation. The geographic reach of this legislation is national, encompassing all operations within Australia's jurisdiction. The requirement involves a thorough visual inspection of the fuselage internal and external stringers, necessitating the removal of the fuselage tail-cone and fin dorsal fairing using a torch. If corrosion is detected, further inspection involving the removal of empennage components is mandated to evaluate the rear fuselage structure comprehensively. Compliance with these directives must occur before 15 July 1976 and subsequently at intervals not exceeding three years. No exclusions or exemptions are stated within the provided text, implying that all relevant aircraft must adhere to these safety standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), specifically Part 39 - 105, include detailed provisions for maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. One such directive, AD/MSR/22, pertains to the inspection of the rear fuselage structure for Aerospatiale Rallye Series aeroplanes. Section 1 of AD/MSR/22 requires operators to remove the fuselage tail-cone and fin dorsal fairing, then visually inspect the internal and external stringers for any signs of corrosion using a torch. If corrosion is detected during this initial inspection, the directive mandates a more thorough examination, which involves the removal of the empennage components to inspect the rear fuselage structure in detail for corrosion damage (AD/MSR/22, s 1). Operators of Aerospatiale Rallye Series aeroplanes must adhere to these stringent inspection requirements to ensure the continued airworthiness of their aircraft. This involves meticulous visual inspections both initially and upon removal of the empennage components, with the goal of identifying and addressing any corrosion issues that may compromise the structural integrity of the rear fuselage (AD/MSR/22, s 1). Compliance with these provisions is mandatory and must be achieved before 15 July 1976 and subsequently at intervals not exceeding three years (AD/MSR/22, s 6/76). Failure to comply with the airworthiness directives outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth) can lead to severe consequences. Regulatory non-compliance may result in enforcement actions by CASA, which can include civil penalties for breaches of the regulations. Additionally, if the non-compliance leads to an aircraft being operated in an unsafe condition, this can result in criminal charges against the operator or responsible individuals. The potential penalties for such offences can be substantial, with fines and imprisonment being possible outcomes, depending on the severity and impact of the non-compliance (AD/MSR/22, s 105).