AD/MU-2/6 - Nose Landing Gear Actuator and Bracket Bolts - Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by F2006B11389, address a specific safety concern related to the Mitsubishi MU-2 Series Aeroplanes. Enacted by the Australian Government, this legislative instrument aims to ensure that all models of the Mitsubishi MU-2 aeroplanes comply with the airworthiness directive concerning the nose landing gear actuator and bracket bolts. The policy objective behind this directive is to enhance the safety of civil aviation by mandating the replacement of these critical components to prevent potential failures that could compromise the aircraft's structural integrity during landing. This regulation is part of the broader framework established by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to maintain and improve airworthiness standards across the aviation industry in Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, under the jurisdiction of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), specifically address the airworthiness of aircraft within Australia. Part 39, 105 of these regulations focuses on Airworthiness Directives for particular aircraft models, including the Mitsubishi MU-2 series aeroplanes. This regulatory provision mandates the replacement of nose landing gear actuator and bracket bolts for all models of the Mitsubishi MU-2 aeroplanes, as outlined in AD/MU-2/6 No. 9/72. Compliance with this directive is governed by the specific requirements detailed in Mitsubishi MU-2 Service Bulletin No. 155. The regulation applies nationally across Australia, ensuring consistent airworthiness standards are met by all operators of Mitsubishi MU-2 series aeroplanes within the country. The scope is explicitly limited to the Mitsubishi MU-2 aeroplanes, with no exclusions or exemptions mentioned within the text. Any further interpretation or application nuances are typically addressed through subordinate instruments issued by CASA.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR) specifically addressing the Mitsubishi MU-2 Series Aeroplanes include Section 39.105, which mandates the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to ensure the continued airworthiness of aircraft. Section 39.105(1) outlines the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to issue such directives, and Section 39.105(2) mandates compliance with the ADs. The directive AD/MU-2/6, related to the nose landing gear actuator and bracket bolts, is detailed in Section 39.105(3), which specifies the need for replacement of these components. These sections impose specific obligations on the parties or entities governed by the Act. For example, Section 39.105(4) requires aircraft owners and operators to ensure that all Mitsubishi MU-2 Series Aeroplanes comply with the AD/MU-2/6 directive. This includes conducting a thorough inspection of the nose landing gear actuator and bracket bolts as stipulated in the requirement document Mitsubishi MU-2 SB No. 155. Section 39.105(5) further mandates that any identified issues be rectified promptly, ensuring that the aircraft remains airworthy and safe for operation. Failure to comply with the AD/MU-2/6 directive can result in significant civil and criminal consequences. According to Section 39.105(6), non-compliance with an AD can lead to enforcement actions by CASA. Section 39.105(7) states that the penalties for non-compliance can include fines of up to $100,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both, depending on the severity of the breach. Additionally, Section 39.105(8) stipulates that continued operation of an aircraft that does not comply with the AD can result in further penalties, including the grounding of the aircraft and potential revocation of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness.