AD/PL 12/15 Amdt 1 - Landing Gear Lower Pivot Lug

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), were enacted to ensure the safety of civil aviation in Australia. One aspect of this regulatory framework is found in Part 39, which includes Airworthiness Directives (ADs) aimed at addressing specific safety concerns associated with particular aircraft types. The AD/PL 12/15 Amendment 1, concerning the Transavia PL 12 Series Aeroplanes, was introduced to address potential structural weaknesses in the landing gear lower pivot lugs. The policy objective is to enhance aircraft safety by requiring inspections and, where necessary, reinforcement of these critical components to prevent in-flight failures. This particular amendment updates the applicability to align with design and manufacturing improvements in later model aircraft, ensuring that safety measures are effectively targeted at aircraft with identified vulnerabilities.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to the Transavia PL 12 Series Aeroplanes. The regulations are applicable to aircraft with serial numbers ranging from G350 to G465 for specific inspection requirements and to all serial numbers prior to G466 for other inspection intervals. The directive mandates a visual inspection of the outer faces of the landing gear lower pivot lug near the weld that joins the reinforcing washer to the lug, and further inspections must be conducted in accordance with Transavia Service Bulletin No. 20. Additionally, each lower pivot lug must be reinforced following Transavia Service Bulletin No. 25 or an alternative scheme approved by the Authority. Compliance timelines are set, with daily inspections required for certain serial numbers until modifications are made, while others necessitate inspections at intervals not exceeding 75 hours of time in service until modifications are completed. These regulations are integral to ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the specified aircraft models within Australia’s aviation industry.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate inspections and modifications for the Transavia PL 12 Series Aeroplanes. Section 105.001 addresses the visual inspection of the outer faces of the landing gear lower pivot lug in the vicinity of the weld joining the reinforcing washer to the lug (Section 105.001(1)). Section 105.002 requires that these inspections must be conducted in accordance with Transavia Service Bulletin No. 20 (Section 105.002(1)). Additionally, Section 105.003 requires reinforcement of each lower pivot lug as per Transavia Service Bulletin No. 25 or an equivalent scheme approved by the Authority (Section 105.003(1)). The applicability of these sections varies: for serial numbers G350 to G465, daily inspections are required until modifications are made (Section 105.001(2)), for all serial numbers prior to G466, inspections must occur at intervals not exceeding 75 hours of time in service until modifications are made (Section 105.002(2)), and all lower pivot lugs must be reinforced before 1 September 1974 (Section 105.003(2)). The obligations imposed on the parties governed by these sections are stringent and specific. Operators of Transavia PL 12 Series Aeroplanes must ensure that the outer faces of the landing gear lower pivot lug are visually inspected daily until modifications are made. This inspection must be detailed and follow the procedures outlined in Transavia Service Bulletin No. 20. Furthermore, operators must reinforce each lower pivot lug according to Transavia Service Bulletin No. 25 or an approved alternative scheme. For aircraft with serial numbers G350 to G465, these inspections must occur daily until modifications are completed, while for aircraft with serial numbers prior to G466, inspections must occur at intervals not exceeding 75 hours of time in service. All reinforcement must be completed before 1 September 1974. Failure to comply with the requirements outlined in these sections can result in severe consequences. Civil Aviation Safety Authority regulations provide for both civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, operators who fail to adhere to airworthiness directives may be subject to fines and imprisonment. The maximum penalties for these offences include substantial fines and imprisonment for up to two years for individuals, and fines up to several thousand Australian dollars for corporations. Additionally, the Authority has the power to suspend or revoke aircraft operating certificates, which can significantly impact an operator's ability to continue operations.