AD/SC7/11 - Air/Ground Lever Spring Heel Block - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, establish regulations pertaining to airworthiness directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The legislative instrument F2006B06787 pertains to AD/SC7/11, which mandates the inspection of the air/ground lever spring heel block for Short SC7 (Skyvan) Series aeroplanes, including models SC7 Series 3, 3A, and 3M. This directive was introduced to address the safety risk associated with the inadvertent selection of the power lever into ground range, which could occur if the spring heel block is not secure. The policy objective is to ensure that the specified inspections are performed within 25 hours of the aeroplane's time in service after 27 August 1979, as outlined in Shorts Alert SB No. 76-A56. This measure is enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia and aims to maintain the airworthiness and safety standards of civil aviation in the country.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the application of airworthiness directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This legislative instrument, identified as AD/SC7/11, focuses on the inspection of the air/ground lever spring heel block for all models of the Shorts Series 3, 3A and 3M aeroplanes. The directive applies to these particular aircraft models to ensure compliance with safety standards as outlined in the Shorts Alert SB No. 76-A56. Operators of these aeroplanes must adhere to the requirement for an inspection within 25 hours time in service following 27 August 1979, to address potential issues such as the inadvertent selection of the power lever into ground range due to the loss of the spring heel block. This regulation applies across the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced to maintain the safety and airworthiness of the specified aircraft types.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, mandate certain airworthiness directives that must be adhered to for the safe operation of aircraft. Section AD/SC7/11 pertains to the inspection of the air/ground lever spring heel block for the SC7 Series 3, 3A and 3M aeroplanes. This directive, which came into effect on 27 August 1979, requires that the spring heel block be checked for its security within 25 hours of the aircraft being in service. This inspection is crucial to prevent the inadvertent selection of the power lever into the ground range, which could pose a significant safety hazard. Under these regulations, the entities governed by this airworthiness directive are required to ensure that the inspection of the air/ground lever spring heel block is carried out meticulously. The responsible party, typically the aircraft operator or maintenance provider, must verify that the spring heel block is securely in place and functions as intended. This involves a detailed examination of the component to confirm that it is not loose or missing, which could lead to unsafe operational conditions. The requirement is clear: compliance must be achieved within the specified timeframe to maintain the aircraft’s airworthiness. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive outlined in Section AD/SC7/11 may result in severe consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) can impose penalties on the operators or entities that fail to adhere to these safety regulations. The exact nature and severity of the penalties are determined by CASA, but non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions that may include fines, suspension of operational permits, or other regulatory sanctions. The potential risks associated with not adhering to these directives underscore the importance of prompt and thorough compliance to ensure the safety of all personnel and passengers involved in air travel.