AD/MU-2/29 - Avionic Equipment Mounting Shelf - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes an Airworthiness Directive (AD) addressing the safety of Mitsubishi MU-2 Series Aeroplanes. This legislation was enacted to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of these aircraft, specifically targeting the modification of the avionics equipment mounting shelf to ensure a reliable attitude reference. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued this directive to mitigate potential risks associated with the specified equipment mounting shelf, ensuring compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31st January 1984. The policy objective behind this directive is to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety by addressing specific technical issues that could affect aircraft performance and flight safety. The directive applies to a particular series of Mitsubishi MU-2 aircraft, identified by their serial numbers, and references the Mitsubishi Service Bulletin 015/53-001 Rev. A. Compliance with this AD is crucial to ensure that these aircraft meet the necessary safety standards set forth by CASA, thereby protecting the interests of both the operators and the passengers.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 – 105, mandate the Mitsubishi MU-2 Series Aeroplanes Airworthiness Directive AD/MU-2/29 which concerns the modification of the Avionic Equipment Mounting Shelf. This directive applies to specific MU-2B-36A/-60 serial numbers, including those ranging from S/N 697SA to 765SA, as listed in Mitsubishi Service Bulletin 015/53-001 Rev. A. The directive is designed to ensure a reliable attitude reference for these aircraft and requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31st January 1984. The regulation extends to all aircraft fitting the specified serial numbers and operating within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring safety standards are uniformly upheld. The directive does not specify any exclusions or exemptions, thereby mandating that all qualifying aircraft must comply with the stated modifications to maintain airworthiness. The scope of the regulation is explicitly tied to the specified serial numbers of the Mitsubishi MU-2 Series Aeroplanes and their operational status within Australia. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority oversees the enforcement of these directives, and compliance is mandatory for the specified aircraft. The regulation may be further elaborated or amended through subordinate instruments, allowing for the incorporation of additional requirements or clarifications as necessary to ensure ongoing safety and compliance within the civil aviation sector.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, detail the requirements for ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft. Section 39.105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 addresses the Airworthiness Directives, which include specific modifications to ensure safety and compliance with aviation standards. One such directive is AD/MU-2/29, which pertains to the Mitsubishi MU-2 Series Aeroplanes and mandates a modification to the avionics equipment mounting shelf. This directive applies to a range of serial numbers of the MU-2B-36A/-60 model, specifically those within the range 697SA to 765SA, as detailed in the document Mitsubishi S.B. 015/53-001 Rev. A. Compliance with this directive is critical to ensure the reliability of the attitude reference systems on these aircraft. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and specific. Operators of the affected Mitsubishi MU-2 Series Aeroplanes must ensure that the avionics equipment mounting shelf is modified as per the specifications outlined in the Mitsubishi S.B. 015/53-001 Rev. A. This modification must be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 31st January 1984. Failure to adhere to these requirements can result in significant safety risks, as the directive aims to address an identified issue that could compromise the aircraft's ability to maintain a reliable attitude reference. The directive references FAA AD 80-04-01 Amendment 39-3686, which further elucidates the technical specifications and compliance measures necessary for the modification. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/MU-2/29 can lead to serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) enforces these regulations rigorously, and non-compliance can result in penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The maximum penalty for non-compliance with airworthiness directives can include substantial fines and potential grounding of the aircraft until the required modifications are completed. Such penalties are intended to ensure that all operators prioritise safety and adhere to the regulatory standards set forth to maintain the airworthiness of their aircraft. It is imperative for operators to ensure that all mandated modifications are carried out within the stipulated timeframe to avoid these serious repercussions.