AD/MSR/31 - Nose Landing Gear - Yoke Pivot Assembly

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, form a comprehensive set of rules governing all aspects of civil aviation within Australia. One specific legislative instrument under these regulations, F2006B11331, was introduced to address safety concerns related to the Aerospatiale Rallye Series aeroplanes. This particular directive, AD/MSR/31, pertains to the nose landing gear yoke pivot assembly, responding to reports of potential fatigue cracks due to a manufacturing defect. The policy objective of this directive is to ensure the ongoing airworthiness of these aircraft by mandating a one-time inspection of the yoke pivot assembly to detect any cracks using dye penetrant inspection methods, as outlined in Socata Service Bulletin 151. Compliance with this directive is required within 50 hours of the aeroplanes' time in service from 27 April 1995.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/MSR/31 concerning the Aerospatiale Rallye Series Aeroplanes, applies to all models and serial numbers of Morane Saulnier and Rallye aeroplanes, with the exception of the Rallye 235F model. This legislation mandates that the yoke pivot assembly of the nose landing gear be inspected for any signs of cracks using dye penetrant inspection methods as outlined in Socata Service Bulletin 151, with reference to DGAC AD 93-143(A). The requirement necessitates that this inspection be carried out within 50 hours of time in service from 27 April 1995, reflecting a response to reports indicating potential fatigue cracks in the yoke pivot assembly due to a manufacturing defect. This AD is a Commonwealth regulation, thereby extending its jurisdictional reach across the entirety of Australia, ensuring compliance with civil aviation safety standards within the national airspace.

Key Provisions

The key provision of this legislative instrument is AD/MSR/31, which mandates a specific inspection requirement for the yoke pivot assembly of Aerospatiale Rallye series aeroplanes. This requirement applies to all models and serial numbers of Morane Saulnier and Rallye aeroplanes, with the exception of the Rallye 235F model. According to the regulation, it is mandatory to inspect the yoke pivot assembly for any cracks using dye penetrant (section 5/95). The inspection must be conducted in accordance with Socata Service Bulletin 151, and it is referenced by DGAC AD 93-143(A). The compliance timeline stipulates that the inspection must be carried out within 50 hours of the aeroplane being in service after 27 April 1995. The obligations imposed by this Act are centred around the inspection of the yoke pivot assembly. Operators of Aerospatiale Rallye series aeroplanes must ensure that the specified inspection is conducted as per the stipulated requirements. This involves using dye penetrant to detect any cracks in the yoke pivot assembly and following the inspection procedures outlined in Socata Service Bulletin 151. The inspection must be completed within the prescribed timeframe to ensure the continued airworthiness of the aircraft. Failure to comply with these obligations may result in the aircraft being deemed non-compliant with safety standards, potentially leading to operational restrictions or grounding. In terms of consequences for non-compliance, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 outline that failure to adhere to Airworthiness Directives can lead to various civil and criminal penalties. Specifically, under section 84 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, an individual or corporation found guilty of contravening any regulation can be subject to fines and imprisonment. The exact penalties can vary based on the severity and circumstances of the breach, but they can include substantial financial penalties and imprisonment for up to five years for serious offences. Additionally, non-compliance can result in the suspension or revocation of an operator’s licence, which can have significant operational and financial repercussions.