COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Robin Aviation Series Aeroplanes
AD/ROBIN/7
Amdt 2
Nose Landing Gear Bracket 7/93
Applicability: Models listed in Avions Pierre Robin SB No. 101 Rev. 3. Requirement: Inspect in accordance with Avions Pierre Robin SB No. 101 Rev. 3.
Note: DGAC AD 83-206(A)R3 Refers.
Compliance: 1. If the width of the lower plate is 84mm: At the next 500hr Inspection, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 500hrs time in service.
2. If the width of the lower plate is less than 84mm: At the next 100 hr Inspection, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100hrs time in service. If a crack is found in the welding area; and the crack runs along the circumference and is less than 15mm long max. and/or a radial crack is less than 8mm long max, reinspect at intervals not to exceed 25hrs time in service until repaired or replaced.
Background: The Manufacturer reports cracking of the weld securing the nose wheel steering bracket to the nose landing gear leg. Amendment 1 was issued to align this directive to the revised Country of Origin AD which required a dye penetrant inspection and a variation to the compliance.
Amendment 2 is issued in response to a revision of the Country of Origin AD which alters Applicability.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, includes a specific directive under PART 39 - 105 addressing the airworthiness of Robin Aviation Series Aeroplanes. This legislation was enacted to ensure the safety and reliability of aircraft in operation, specifically targeting the maintenance and inspection requirements for the nose landing gear bracket of these models. The amendment to the directive, AD/ROBIN/7Amdt 2, was introduced to address the issue of cracking in the weld securing the nose wheel steering bracket to the nose landing gear leg, as reported by the manufacturer. The policy objective is to mitigate potential risks by mandating regular inspections and timely repairs to ensure the continued airworthiness of these aircraft.
This legislative instrument mandates specific inspection intervals based on the width of the lower plate of the nose landing gear bracket, with additional stringent requirements if a crack is detected during inspection. The directive aligns with international standards, as referenced in DGAC AD 83-206(A)R3, ensuring consistency and safety across different jurisdictions. Compliance with these regulations is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity and operational safety of the aircraft involved.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Regulations, specifically under Part 39 - 105, govern the safety standards for aircraft operating within Australia. One such regulation pertains to the Robin Aviation series aeroplanes, specifically addressing the nose landing gear bracket as outlined in AD/ROBIN/7 Amendment 2. This legislation applies to aircraft models detailed in Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No. 101 Revision 3 and mandates inspections of the nose landing gear bracket to ensure airworthiness. The regulation's scope includes specific inspection intervals based on the width of the lower plate: if the plate is 84mm wide, inspections must occur every 500 hours; if less than 84mm, inspections are required every 100 hours. Additionally, if a crack is detected in the welding area, reinspections must be conducted more frequently, not exceeding 25 hours, until the issue is repaired or replaced. This directive applies nationally, ensuring consistent safety standards across all Australian airspace. The regulation does not specify exclusions or exemptions but is enforced through compliance with the outlined inspection protocols.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39, section 105, includes an airworthiness directive (AD) specifically for the Robin Aviation Series aeroplanes, designated as AD/ROBIN/7 Amendment 2. This directive pertains to the nose landing gear bracket and is applicable to models listed in Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No. 101, Revision 3. The directive mandates an inspection of the nose landing gear bracket in accordance with the specified service bulletin.
The AD outlines specific requirements for the inspection intervals based on the width of the lower plate of the nose landing gear bracket. If the width of the lower plate is 84mm, the inspection must occur at the next 500-hour inspection and then at intervals not exceeding 500 hours in service. If the width is less than 84mm, the inspection must occur at the next 100-hour inspection and then at intervals not exceeding 100 hours in service. In the event a crack is detected in the welding area, further specific inspection intervals are required based on the length and type of the crack.
Compliance with this directive is mandatory for all parties and entities governed by the Civil Aviation Regulations. The primary obligation is to adhere to the inspection intervals and requirements specified in the directive to ensure the airworthiness of the aircraft. Failure to comply with the inspection and maintenance requirements set forth in the AD may result in severe consequences, including potential grounding of the aircraft, as the directive is issued to address a reported issue of cracking in the weld securing the nose wheel steering bracket to the nose landing gear leg.
The AD also includes specific consequences for non-compliance. While the regulations do not explicitly state penalties, non-compliance could lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), including fines, legal action, or other regulatory penalties. The potential civil and criminal consequences underscore the importance of adhering to the specified inspection and maintenance schedules to ensure the continued safety of the aircraft. The directive is a critical component in the ongoing safety and maintenance regime for Robin Aviation Series aeroplanes.