COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Pilatus PC-12 Series Aeroplanes
AD/PC-12/1 Nose Landing Gear Forged Main Fitting 6/95
Applicability: All PC-12 fitted with nose landing gear P/N 532.20.12.036
Requirement: Locally strip paint and inspect the nose landing gear forged main fitting using the fluorescent penetrant inspection method in accordance with CAO 108.10. Inspect the areas defined in Pilatus Service Bulletin PC-12 32-001, figure 1. Re-protect bare metal with a single coat of primer.
Alternatively a high frequency eddy current inspection method, approved by the Authority may be used, in which case it is not necessary to strip the paint.
Compliance: Initially inspect before 50 hours time in service or before 25 hours time in service after 25 May 1995, whichever occurs later.
Re-inspect at intervals not to exceed 200 hours time in service.
Background: An operator has reported finding cracks in the upper portion of the nose landing gear main forging. This directive requires removal of the paint and a fluorescent penetrant inspection since the cracks in the forging may be tight and difficult to detect visually. The use of fluorescent penetrant or eddy current increases the reliability of detection and consequently allows an increased inspection interval.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, introduced the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives to address safety issues and ensure the continued airworthiness of aircraft. The legislative instrument F2006B06072, AD/PC-12/1, pertains to the Pilatus PC-12 Series Aeroplanes and mandates specific inspections for the nose landing gear forged main fitting. This directive was enacted to respond to reports of cracks in the upper portion of the nose landing gear main forging, which could potentially compromise the aircraft's structural integrity. The policy objective of this directive is to enhance safety by ensuring that these critical components are regularly inspected using reliable methods such as fluorescent penetrant or eddy current inspection techniques.
The requirement under this directive is for operators to either strip the paint and inspect using the fluorescent penetrant method or alternatively use an approved high-frequency eddy current inspection method. Compliance necessitates an initial inspection before 50 hours of time in service or before 25 hours of time in service after 25 May 1995, whichever is later, and subsequent re-inspections at intervals not exceeding 200 hours of time in service. This regulation aims to mitigate the risk of undetected cracks, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the Pilatus PC-12 aircraft.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to all Pilatus PC-12 series aeroplanes equipped with nose landing gear part number 532.20.12.036. The directive mandates that the nose landing gear forged main fitting be locally stripped of paint and inspected using the fluorescent penetrant inspection method in accordance with Civil Aviation Order 108.10, focusing on the areas defined in Pilatus Service Bulletin PC-12 32-001, figure 1. After inspection, the bare metal must be re-protected with a single coat of primer. Alternatively, a high-frequency eddy current inspection method approved by the Authority may be used, in which case paint removal is not necessary. Compliance with this directive requires an initial inspection before 50 hours of time in service or before 25 hours of time in service after 25 May 1995, whichever is later. Subsequent inspections must occur at intervals not exceeding 200 hours of time in service. This directive aims to enhance the reliability of detecting potential cracks in the nose landing gear forging, which might otherwise be difficult to detect visually, thereby ensuring the continued airworthiness of the affected aircraft.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in PART 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) schedule of Airworthiness Directives for the Pilatus PC-12 Series Aeroplanes, includes AD/PC-12/1, which addresses the nose landing gear forged main fitting (Section 6/95). This directive applies to all PC-12 aircraft equipped with nose landing gear part number 532.20.12.036. The primary requirement is to locally strip the paint from the nose landing gear forged main fitting and perform an inspection using the fluorescent penetrant inspection method in accordance with Civil Aviation Order (CAO) 108.10. Alternatively, an approved high-frequency eddy current inspection method may be used if the paint is not stripped. The inspection should cover the areas defined in Pilatus Service Bulletin PC-12 32-001, figure 1. After inspection, any bare metal must be re-protected with a single coat of primer if the paint was stripped.
Compliance with AD/PC-12/1 involves two main inspection phases. The initial inspection must occur before the aircraft accumulates 50 hours of time in service, or before 25 hours of time in service after 25 May 1995, whichever is later. Subsequent inspections are mandated at intervals not exceeding 200 hours of time in service. This regular inspection schedule is intended to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the aircraft by detecting and addressing potential issues in the nose landing gear forged main fitting.
The obligations imposed by this directive on aircraft operators are stringent and must be adhered to rigorously. Operators must ensure that the specified inspections are performed using the appropriate methods and within the stipulated timeframes. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to significant safety risks and may result in severe consequences for the operator and the aircraft's airworthiness.
Breach of the requirements set forth in AD/PC-12/1 can lead to serious consequences. Civil penalties may be imposed for non-compliance, and the aircraft may be grounded until the required inspections and repairs are completed. Additionally, the operator may face legal action, which could include fines and other penalties. The specific maximum penalties are not detailed in the provided text but can be found in the broader Civil Aviation Regulations and related CASA guidelines. It is crucial for operators to maintain strict compliance to avoid these repercussions.