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-2/66 Flight Test 4/99
Applicability: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Model MU-2B-10, -15, -20, -25, -26 aeroplanes
serial number 008 through 347, other than 313 and 321, and MU-2B-30, -35, -36
aeroplanes serial number 501 through 696 other than 652 and 661.
Requirement: To prevent possible inappropriate adjustment of the flight idle fuel flow settings and propeller rigging resulting in degraded performance, carry out an operating crew only, non revenue, flight check in accordance with the procedures detailed in MHI MU-2 Service Bulletin Number 234.
Note: Japan Civil Aviation Bureau Airworthiness Directive TCD-4890-98 refers.
Compliance: Within 6 months time in service from the effective date of this directive or at the next periodic inspection, whichever occurs first.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 22 April 1999.
Background: The purpose of the flight test is to evaluate the engine flight idle fuel flow settings and propeller rigging. Incorrect fuel flow settings and propeller rigging can result in unsafe flight characteristics including inadvertent occurrence of negative torque sensing mode during a landing approach.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, address numerous safety concerns in the aviation industry, including the specific issue of ensuring the airworthiness of certain Mitsubishi MU-2 series aeroplanes. Enacted by the Australian Government, this legislation seeks to mitigate risks associated with potential improper adjustments in flight idle fuel flow settings and propeller rigging, which can lead to degraded performance and safety hazards. The Mitsubishi MU-2 Series Aeroplanes AD/MU-2/66 Flight Test, effective from 22 April 1999, mandates a non-revenue flight check by the operating crew to adhere to the procedures outlined in Mitsubishi Heavy Industries MU-2 Service Bulletin Number 234. Compliance with this directive is required within six months from the effective date or at the next periodic inspection, whichever comes first. This initiative aims to ensure that these aeroplanes maintain safe flight characteristics, particularly by preventing the inadvertent occurrence of negative torque sensing mode during landing approaches.
The enactment of this directive by the Australian Government under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 underscores a commitment to maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation, aligning with broader policy objectives to ensure the reliability and safety of aircraft operations within Australian airspace.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, governs the safety and airworthiness of Mitsubishi MU-2 Series aeroplanes. This legislative instrument applies to specific models of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) aeroplanes, namely the MU-2B-10, -15, -20, -25, -26, and MU-2B-30, -35, -36, with particular serial numbers excluded. The regulation mandates that to prevent potential issues such as inappropriate adjustment of flight idle fuel flow settings and propeller rigging that may degrade aeroplane performance, an operating crew-only, non-revenue flight check must be conducted in accordance with the procedures outlined in MHI MU-2 Service Bulletin Number 234. This directive is aimed at ensuring the aeroplanes' operational safety and compliance with international standards, referencing Japan Civil Aviation Bureau Airworthiness Directive TCD-4890-98. Compliance with this directive must occur within six months of the aeroplane's time in service from the effective date of the directive or at the next periodic inspection, whichever comes first. The directive became effective on 22 April 1999, and the flight test's primary objective is to evaluate the engine flight idle fuel flow settings and propeller rigging, mitigating risks associated with unsafe flight characteristics.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, contain detailed requirements and directives for the maintenance and operation of certain aircraft types. For Mitsubishi MU-2 series aeroplanes, Airworthiness Directive AD/MU-2/66 (4/99) applies to specific models and serial numbers, excluding certain aircraft. The directive mandates that an operating crew-only, non-revenue flight check must be conducted to ensure the flight idle fuel flow settings and propeller rigging are correctly adjusted (s. 39 - 105). This is to prevent potential issues such as degraded performance or the inadvertent occurrence of negative torque sensing mode during landing approaches, which can compromise safety.
The obligations under this directive are clear and must be adhered to by the relevant parties. Owners and operators of the specified Mitsubishi MU-2 aeroplanes must ensure that the flight check is performed in accordance with the detailed procedures outlined in MHI MU-2 Service Bulletin Number 234. The compliance window requires this flight check to be completed within six months of the aircraft entering service from the directive’s effective date, or at the next periodic inspection, whichever comes first. This timeline ensures that any potential safety issues are identified and rectified promptly.
Failure to comply with the requirements of Airworthiness Directive AD/MU-2/66 (4/99) can result in serious consequences. While the Civil Aviation Regulations do not specify explicit penalties for non-compliance with this directive, the broader regulatory framework could impose fines or other enforcement actions. Additionally, any resulting safety incidents or accidents due to non-compliance may lead to further civil or criminal liabilities for the operators. It is essential for operators to understand the importance of adhering to these directives to maintain airworthiness and ensure the safety of all flights.