COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Mitsubishi MU-2 Series Aeroplanes
AD/MU-2/27 Engine Control System Cable Pulleys - Replacement 12/83
Applicability: MU-2B-25/-26A If any MS20219-3 pulleys on the engine control system have been replaced. S/N 313SA & 32ISA MU-2B-26/-26A/-40. S/N 348SA thru 448SA. MU-
2B-35/-36A/-60 If any MS20219-3 pulleys on the engine control system have been replaced. S/N 652SA, 661SA, 697SA thru 710SA MU-2B-36A/-60 S/N 711SA thru 799SA and 1501SA thru 1529SA.
Document: Mitsubishi SB No. 035/27-006
Compliance: Unless already accomplished within 100 hrs time in service after 30 November 1983.
Background: The manufacturer advises that cracks have occurred in a batch of engine control pulleys’ manufactured in 1975 by the Tansey Co., or Arvan Inc. Regardless of condition, these pulleys must be replaced.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, serve as the primary legislative framework governing civil aviation safety in Australia. Among the various regulations, Part 39 - 105, specifically the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses safety concerns and operational standards for aircraft, including the Mitsubishi MU-2 series aeroplanes. This particular directive, AD/MU-2/27, was introduced to tackle the issue of cracks in engine control system pulleys, which had been identified in a batch manufactured in 1975 by Tansey Co. or Arvan Inc. The directive mandates the replacement of these pulleys regardless of their condition, aiming to prevent potential failures and ensure the continued airworthiness of the affected aircraft.
The policy objective behind this directive is to maintain the highest safety standards in civil aviation, ensuring that all aircraft are operated under conditions that minimise the risk of in-flight failures. Compliance with AD/MU-2/27 is crucial, as it requires that the specified pulleys be replaced unless this has already been accomplished within 100 hours of time in service after 30 November 1983. This directive underscores the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's commitment to proactive safety measures and its role in enforcing stringent airworthiness standards across the aviation industry.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, sets forth the Airworthiness Directives applicable to certain Mitsubishi MU-2 Series aeroplanes. This legislation mandates the replacement of engine control system cable pulleys in specified MU-2 models, particularly those identified by their serial numbers. The directive applies to aeroplanes with serial numbers 313SA and 32ISA for the MU-2B-25/-26A models, 348SA through 448SA for the MU-2B-26/-26A/-40 models, 652SA, 661SA, and 697SA through 710SA for the MU-2B-35/-36A/-60 models, and 711SA through 799SA and 1501SA through 1529SA for the MU-2B-36A/-60 models. The directive applies irrespective of whether the affected pulleys have already been replaced, provided it is done within 100 hours of time in service after 30 November 1983. This regulation is grounded on the manufacturer's advisory regarding cracks in a batch of pulleys manufactured in 1975 by Tansey Co. or Arvan Inc., which necessitates their replacement regardless of their current condition. This regulation encompasses the specified models within the Australian jurisdiction, ensuring compliance with safety standards established by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Key Provisions
The primary operative sections of this legislation, specifically AD/MU-2/27, mandate that certain Mitsubishi MU-2 series aeroplanes must have their engine control system cable pulleys replaced if they belong to the specified serial numbers and have had any MS20219-3 pulleys replaced. The compliance requirement is to replace these pulleys unless they have already been replaced within 100 hours of time in service after 30 November 1983. This directive is based on a safety advisory issued by the manufacturer, Mitsubishi, due to the occurrence of cracks in a batch of engine control pulleys manufactured by Tansey Co. or Arvan Inc. in 1975. The safety directive explicitly states that regardless of the condition of the pulleys, they must be replaced to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the aircraft.
The obligations imposed by this Act are clear and direct. Owners and operators of the affected Mitsubishi MU-2 series aeroplanes must ensure that the specified engine control system cable pulleys are replaced if they have had any MS20219-3 pulleys replaced and fall within the specified serial number ranges. The replacement must be carried out unless it has already been completed within 100 hours of time in service after 30 November 1983. This requirement is non-negotiable and must be adhered to strictly to maintain compliance with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA) regulations. Failure to comply with this directive could result in the aeroplane being deemed unairworthy and potentially lead to enforcement actions by CASA.
The consequences for non-compliance with this legislation are significant. The primary concern is the potential for unsafe conditions that could lead to in-flight failures, which could endanger the lives of passengers and crew. Civil penalties for non-compliance may include fines up to a specified amount determined by CASA, depending on the severity and impact of the non-compliance. Additionally, criminal penalties may apply, including imprisonment, if the non-compliance results in serious harm or loss of life. The exact penalties are not explicitly stated in the legislative instrument but are governed by broader civil aviation legislation, which can impose substantial financial and criminal penalties for serious breaches.