AD/MU-2/58 - Wing Tip Tank Attachment

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which were enacted by the Parliament of Australia, form a comprehensive framework designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. A specific legislative instrument within this framework, F2006B11388, pertains to Airworthiness Directives for Mitsubishi MU-2 Series Aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to address a critical safety concern related to the attachment of wing tip tanks, which if left unaddressed, could potentially result in the separation of the wing tip tank from the aircraft due to corroded bolts. The policy objective behind this directive is to mandate regular inspections and ensure the integrity of the wing tip tank attachments to prevent in-flight failures and enhance overall aviation safety. This directive specifically applies to certain models and serial numbers of Mitsubishi MU-2 aeroplanes, demanding that the wing tip tank fitting attachment bolts be inspected in accordance with Mitsubishi Heavy Industry's Service Bulletin 225. Compliance with this directive is required within 100 hours of time in service after 18 July 1996. The directive underscores the importance of rigorous safety standards in civil aviation to protect both the aircraft and its occupants.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, outlines the application of Airworthiness Directives (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure the safety of civil aviation. This particular AD, AD/MU-2/58, pertains to the Mitsubishi MU-2 series aeroplanes, including models MU-2B-10, -15, -20, -25, -26, and MU-2B-30, -35, -36, with certain serial numbers, excluding specified aircraft with serial numbers 313, 321, 652, and 661. The directive applies to these specific models to address the issue of incorrect wing tip tank attachment bolts which have been found to be corroded, potentially leading to the separation of the wing tip tank from the aircraft. Operators and owners of the affected aircraft must inspect the wing tip tank fitting attachment bolts as per Mitsubishi Heavy Industry MU-2 Service Bulletin 225 within 100 hours of time in service after 18 July 1996, as referenced by JCAB TCD-4310-96, to ensure compliance and maintain airworthiness. The regulations do not specify any exclusions or exemptions in this context.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, specifically AD/MU-2/58, pertain to the inspection requirements for Mitsubishi MU-2 series aeroplanes. Section 39.105 details the applicability of the Airworthiness Directive (AD) to specific models and serial numbers of the MU-2 aeroplanes (section 39.105.1). The regulation mandates that the wing tip tank fitting attachment bolts be inspected in accordance with the Mitsubishi Heavy Industry MU-2 Service Bulletin 225 (section 39.105.2). This inspection is crucial to ensure the integrity of the wing tip tank attachment, which is vital for the overall airworthiness of the aircraft. The obligations imposed by this Act on the parties and entities it governs include the requirement for specific maintenance and inspection procedures to be adhered to. Operators of the affected MU-2 models must ensure that the wing tip tank fitting attachment bolts are inspected within 100 hours of time in service after 18 July 1996. This inspection must be conducted in accordance with the specified Mitsubishi Service Bulletin 225, which outlines the necessary procedures and checks to be performed (section 39.105.3). Failure to comply with these inspection requirements could result in serious safety issues, including the potential separation of the wing tip tank from the aircraft. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 also stipulate the consequences of non-compliance with the AD/MU-2/58 directive. Any breach of the specified inspection requirements can lead to serious safety risks, potentially resulting in the separation of the wing tip tank from the aircraft. Such a failure could compromise the structural integrity and flight safety of the aeroplane. While the regulations do not explicitly state civil or criminal penalties, the consequences of non-compliance could include grounding of the aircraft until the required inspections are completed and any necessary repairs are made. The severity of the consequences underscores the importance of adhering to the stipulated inspection procedures to ensure the continued airworthiness of the Mitsubishi MU-2 series aeroplanes.