AD/SC7/2 - Flying Controls - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, form a comprehensive legal framework for civil aviation safety and operations within Australia. The specific legislative instrument F2006B06795, which falls under Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations, aims to address safety issues pertinent to aircraft maintenance and operation. This instrument, concerning Short SC7 (Skyvan) Series Aeroplanes, was introduced to ensure that critical components such as the flying controls are regularly inspected and maintained to avoid any potential safety hazards. The policy objective is to maintain the airworthiness of aircraft, ensuring that they meet the necessary safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The regulations mandate specific inspections and modifications for certain aircraft models to enhance operational safety and reliability.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, governs the safety directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), and this particular legislative instrument applies to Short SC7 (Skyvan) Series aeroplanes, particularly those in the Series 3 models. The regulation mandates a specific inspection and, if necessary, modification to the locknuts on the ailerons control rods, located between wing station 177 and 184 at access panel W1-16. The requirement is that these locknuts must be inspected for correct wire locking and, if found unlocked, they must be locked with wire as per the instructions in Short Information Letter No. 7, with the use of "Locktite" or similar sealant being explicitly prohibited. Compliance with this directive is required within 100 hours of time in service after the directive was issued on 25 November 1969. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this regulation is national, applying across Australia under the Commonwealth's authority. The regulation does not specify any exclusions or exemptions, and its application is limited to the specified models and maintenance requirements outlined. The scope of application may be further extended or restricted through subordinate instruments issued by CASA.

Key Provisions

The primary sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly in PART 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, detail specific requirements for ensuring the safety of aircraft. In this context, AD/SC7/2 focuses on the Short SC7 (Skyvan) Series Aeroplanes and mandates inspections and modifications for flying controls (subsection 10/69). The requirement outlined in section 10/69 is that all models of the Series 3 must undergo an inspection of the locknuts on the ailerons control rods situated between wing stations 177 and 184 at access panel W1-16. The inspection must ascertain whether these locknuts are correctly secured with wire, as per the instructions provided in Short Information Letter No. 7. It is explicitly stated that the use of “Locktite” or similar sealants is not acceptable for this purpose. Compliance with this directive must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service following 25 November 1969. The obligations imposed by this regulation on the parties governed by the Act are clear and specific. Operators and maintainers of Short SC7 (Skyvan) Series 3 aeroplanes must ensure that the inspections are carried out by qualified personnel. This involves checking the specified locknuts and verifying that they are secured with wire, not sealants, as outlined in the directive. The directive requires the operators to maintain records of these inspections and any subsequent modifications made in compliance with the directive. Additionally, the maintenance personnel must be adequately trained to perform these inspections and to understand the importance of the correct procedures for securing the locknuts. Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in AD/SC7/2 may result in significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose both civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. Civil penalties can include fines and the potential grounding of the aircraft until the required inspections and modifications are completed. From a criminal perspective, operators who knowingly allow an aircraft to fly while non-compliant with an airworthiness directive may face severe penalties, including substantial fines and imprisonment. The maximum penalties can vary, but they are intended to ensure strict adherence to safety standards and to deter any non-compliance that could compromise the safety of the aircraft and its occupants.