COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Short SD3-30 Series Aeroplanes
AD/SD3-30/16
Amdt 3
Elevator Torque Shaft Assembly 4/89
Applicability: All models SD3-30. Requirement: 1 Shorts SB SD3-27-A29 Rev 1.
2. Shorts SB SD3-27-29.
Compliance: 1. (a) Prior to 14 March 1985 and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 60 hours time in service, and
- (b) Before first flight after parking in severe wind gust conditions.
2. Prior to 15 August 1985.
Background: This Directive was issued after loss of elevator control.
Rev 1 extended the inspection area and introduced a repetitive inspection.
Rev 2 introduces mandatory modification to reinforce the attachment of the elevator torque shaft housings.
Rev 3 revises compliance to eliminate possible ambiguity.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the critical issue of maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft through the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs). This legislative instrument is designed to ensure the safety of civil aviation by mandating specific actions and inspections to prevent mechanical failures that could lead to accidents. The AD/SD3-30/16 Amendment 3 focuses on the elevator torque shaft assembly for all models of SD3-30 aeroplanes. This directive was enacted to address the problem of elevator control loss, which was identified following an incident. The objective of this legislation, as set out in the directive, is to enforce a series of inspections and modifications to the elevator torque shaft assembly to mitigate the risk of failure and enhance flight safety. The enactment of these regulations is overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, aiming to safeguard the integrity of civil aviation operations in Australia.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all aircraft models SD3-30, focusing on the safety and airworthiness of the elevator torque shaft assembly. This regulation is applicable to aircraft operators, maintenance personnel, and any other entities involved in the operation or maintenance of these specific aircraft models. The directive mandates that inspections and modifications must be conducted in compliance with the outlined timeframes and conditions to ensure safety. The regulation's jurisdictional reach is national, governed by the Commonwealth of Australia, and extends to all operators within Australian territory. Exclusions or exemptions are not explicitly mentioned in this particular directive, which implies that all SD3-30 series aircraft must adhere to the specified requirements. The application of these regulations may be extended or refined through subordinate instruments, which provide further detailed instructions or amendments to the initial directive.
Key Provisions
The key provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 Schedule of Airworthiness Directives Short SD3-30 Series Aeroplanes AD/SD3-30/16 Amendment 3, pertain to the elevator torque shaft assembly (sections 1-4). This directive applies to all models of the SD3-30 series. It mandates inspections and modifications to ensure the safety of the aircraft. The directive requires inspections before certain operational conditions and before specific dates. For example, it requires inspections prior to 14 March 1985, at intervals not exceeding 60 hours of time in service, and before the first flight after parking in severe wind gust conditions. Another inspection is required before 15 August 1985. Compliance with these requirements is essential to address potential safety issues identified in previous service bulletins.
The obligations imposed by this Act on the parties or entities it governs include conducting the specified inspections and making necessary modifications to the elevator torque shaft assembly. Operators and maintenance personnel must ensure that these inspections and modifications are performed correctly and in a timely manner. Compliance involves adhering to the detailed requirements set out in the directive, such as checking the attachment of the elevator torque shaft housings and ensuring that the assembly is in proper condition. The mandate to follow these procedures is critical to maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensuring the safety of all persons on board.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this directive can result in serious consequences. The regulations establish that non-compliance is an offence, which may lead to civil or criminal penalties. The specific penalties for breaches are not detailed in the directive itself but would typically involve fines, enforcement actions, and potentially more severe legal consequences under the broader Civil Aviation Act 1988. The severity of the penalties underscores the importance of strict adherence to the requirements outlined in the directive to prevent accidents and maintain safety standards in civil aviation.