AD/SC7/22 - Main Landing Gear Brake Flange

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended through Legislative Instrument F2006B06796, addresses specific maintenance and safety requirements for certain aircraft models within the aviation industry. This legislative instrument, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), aims to ensure the airworthiness of Skyvan MK 3, 3A, 3M, and Skyliner series aeroplanes by mandating inspections of the main landing gear brake flanges. The primary objective is to enhance safety by requiring thorough inspections using the fluorescent penetrant method, as outlined in Dowty Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) 32-10M, Revision 3. The directive also references the UK Civil Aviation Authority's AD 017-12-81 for additional context and compliance guidelines. The inspections must be completed before the specified thresholds in the Dowty MSB or before 17 September 1995, whichever is later, with subsequent re-inspections required at intervals not exceeding 1000 landings. This legislative action responds to identified safety concerns and follows a fatigue analysis conducted by Dowty, which underscored the importance of these inspections to extend the service life of the main landing gear brake flanges.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, mandates airworthiness directives that apply to specific aircraft, including Skyvan MK 3, 3A, 3M, and Skyliner series aeroplanes. These directives necessitate a detailed inspection of the main landing gear brake flanges using the fluorescent penetrant method in accordance with Dowty Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) 32-10M, Revision 3. The requirement to comply with this directive applies before the specified thresholds outlined in Dowty MSB 32-10M, Revision 3 or before 17 September 1995, whichever is later. Additionally, a re-inspection is mandated at intervals not exceeding 1000 landings. This regulation is underpinned by a fatigue analysis conducted by Dowty, which highlights the necessity for these inspections to extend the service life of the landing gear. The directive is applicable to any entity operating these specific aircraft within the Commonwealth of Australia, thereby ensuring adherence to safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically AD/SC7/22, pertain to the maintenance and inspection of the main landing gear brake flanges for Skyvan MK 3, 3A, 3M, and Skyliner series aeroplanes (Regulation 39-105). According to this directive, operators must inspect these components using the fluorescent penetrant method in line with Dowty Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) 32-10M, Revision 3 (AD/SC7/22.1). This inspection must be carried out before the operational thresholds specified in the Dowty MSB or before 17 September 1995, whichever comes later. Additionally, re-inspection is mandated at intervals not exceeding 1000 landings (AD/SC7/22.2). This regulation is grounded in a fatigue analysis by Dowty, which identified the need for these inspections to ensure the integrity and extended service life of the landing gear. The obligations imposed by this Act on the parties it governs, particularly aircraft operators, are stringent and specific. Operators of the affected Skyvan aeroplanes must adhere to the inspection protocols as detailed in Dowty MSB 32-10M, Revision 3. This involves utilising the fluorescent penetrant method to thoroughly inspect the main landing gear brake flanges. The inspections should be conducted before reaching the operational limits outlined in the Dowty MSB or the specified date of 17 September 1995. Furthermore, operators must ensure that re-inspections are performed at intervals not exceeding 1000 landings. This requirement is integral to maintaining the airworthiness and safety standards mandated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Failure to comply with the provisions set forth in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can result in significant consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the legislative instrument, non-compliance with airworthiness directives typically results in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. These actions may include fines, suspension or revocation of air operator certificates, and other regulatory penalties. In severe cases, continued non-compliance could lead to criminal charges, particularly if the failure to adhere to these directives results in an aviation accident or incident. The potential civil and criminal repercussions underscore the importance of strict adherence to these safety mandates.