AD/MU-2/10 Amdt 1 - Flap Control System Flexible Shafts - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, encompass various safety directives to ensure the airworthiness of aircraft. One such directive, F2006B11338, specifically pertains to the Mitsubishi MU-2 series aeroplanes. This legislative instrument was introduced to address the need for regular inspection of the flap control system flexible shafts on MU-2B models to maintain safety standards and prevent mechanical failures. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is responsible for enacting such regulations, with the policy objective of enhancing aviation safety by mandating periodic inspections at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service after 28 February 1975. This directive aims to ensure that all applicable aircraft adhere to the specified safety measures, thereby protecting both passengers and crew.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39, section 105, outline the Airworthiness Directives applicable to the Mitsubishi MU-2 Series Aeroplanes, with a particular focus on the flap control system flexible shafts inspection in AD/MU-2/10 Amendment 1. This directive applies to all MU-2B aircraft models and mandates that inspections of the flexible shafts in the flap control system must be conducted at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service, following the date of 28 February 1975. The directive ensures compliance with the requirement document Mitsubishi MU-2 S.B. No. 162 Rev. A, which provides detailed instructions on the inspection procedures and standards. The scope of this regulation is confined to the specified aircraft models and their respective flap control systems, ensuring that these aircraft maintain the necessary safety standards for operation. The directive extends its applicability nationally, enforcing compliance across all relevant operators within the Commonwealth of Australia.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for the Mitsubishi MU-2 Series Aeroplanes, include AD/MU-2/10 Amendment 1. This directive pertains to the inspection of flap control system flexible shafts (section 12/84). It applies to all models of MU-2B aircraft as specified in the requirement document, Mitsubishi MU-2 Service Bulletin No. 162 Revision A. The directive mandates compliance with inspection intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service following 28 February 1975. The obligations and requirements imposed by this directive on the relevant parties are stringent. Operators and owners of MU-2B aircraft must ensure that the flap control system flexible shafts are inspected as per the specified intervals. This entails adherence to the guidelines and procedures outlined in the Mitsubishi MU-2 Service Bulletin No. 162 Revision A. The directive aims to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft by preventing potential mechanical failures related to the flexible shafts in the flap control system. Failure to comply with these inspection intervals may result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy. Breaching the requirements of this airworthiness directive can lead to serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority may take enforcement actions against operators and owners who fail to comply with the stipulated inspection intervals. Such actions can include grounding the aircraft, fines, and other administrative penalties. While the specific penalties are not detailed within the directive itself, they are generally in line with the broader provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which can include substantial financial penalties and, in severe cases, criminal charges against responsible individuals. Ensuring compliance with these directives is crucial for maintaining safety standards in civil aviation.