AD/MU-2/47 - Elevator and Rudder Trim Tab Spar

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, are designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within the country. This legislative instrument, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the critical issue of maintaining airworthiness through the issuance of Airworthiness Directives. One such directive, AD/MU-2/47, focuses on Mitsubishi MU-2 series aeroplanes, targeting a particular safety concern related to elevator and rudder trim tab spars. This directive was introduced to mitigate risks associated with structural failures, as evidenced by reported incidents of cracks leading to inflight rudder oscillations. The policy objective is to ensure the compliance of these aircraft with specified maintenance requirements to uphold the highest safety standards in civil aviation. The authority to enforce these regulations is vested in the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, as outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. The directive mandates compliance within a defined timeframe and at regular intervals, ensuring that any identified issues are addressed promptly. This approach underscores the commitment to maintaining airworthiness and preventing potential hazards that could compromise flight safety. By adhering to these directives, operators of Mitsubishi MU-2 series aeroplanes can ensure the continued safety and reliability of their aircraft in compliance with Australian civil aviation standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Regulations, specifically Part 39 - 105, encompasses Airworthiness Directives (AD) for aircraft, including the Mitsubishi MU-2 Series Aeroplanes, as detailed in AD/MU-2/47 concerning the elevator and rudder trim tab spar. This regulation applies to all models of Mitsubishi MU-2 aeroplanes as specified in the Requirement documents. The directive mandates compliance with actions outlined in Mitsubishi Service Bulletin MU-2 No 207 dated 20 May 1988, or Mitsubishi Service Bulletin MU-2 No 068/27-009 dated 12 December 1988. The requirement necessitates adherence within 100 hours of time in service after 1 November 1990 and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 300 hours of time in service. This directive is a direct response to incidents where two 8.2-inch cracks originating from the spar radius led to the separation of the rudder trim tab skin, resulting in inflight oscillations of the rudder.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, specifically concerning Mitsubishi MU-2 Series Aeroplanes, include Section 39.105 which outlines the applicability and requirements for the AD/MU-2/47 Elevator and Rudder Trim Tab Spar (paragraph 1). This section mandates compliance with either Mitsubishi Service Bulletin MU-2 No 207, dated 20 May 1988, or Mitsubishi Service Bulletin MU-2 No 068/27-009, dated 12 December 1988, for all models as detailed in the requirement documents. The action must be taken within 100 hours time in service after 1 November 1990, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 300 hours time in service. This directive was issued due to reported cracks in the elevator and rudder trim tab spar, which have led to inflight oscillation of the rudder. The obligations imposed by this Act on the operators and maintenance personnel of Mitsubishi MU-2 Series Aeroplanes include ensuring that the specified action is carried out in accordance with the prescribed Mitsubishi Service Bulletins. Operators must ensure that the required inspections and repairs are performed within the stipulated timeframes. This involves meticulous record-keeping to demonstrate compliance with the mandated intervals and ensuring that the aircraft remains airworthy according to the directives provided by Mitsubishi. Maintenance personnel must be adequately trained and authorised to perform these inspections and repairs, and the aircraft must be grounded if the specified actions are not completed within the required timeframes. Failure to comply with the AD/MU-2/47 requirements can result in serious civil and criminal consequences. The Act does not explicitly state penalties within the provided text, but non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations can lead to significant fines and potential criminal charges under Australian aviation law. The severity of the consequences can depend on the extent of the non-compliance and whether it led to any safety incidents. Operators and maintenance personnel must take these obligations seriously to avoid legal repercussions and to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the Mitsubishi MU-2 Series Aeroplanes.