AD/SD3-30/22 - Elevator and Rudder Control Guards

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, are designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within the country. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 of these regulations pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives. One such directive, AD/SD3-30/22, focuses on elevator and rudder control guards for the Short SD3-30 series aeroplanes, specifically those with serial numbers ranging from SH3002 to SH3099, SH3102, and SH3105. This directive was introduced to address a safety concern identified with these aircraft, namely the risk of flight control interference due to excessive load being applied to the back panel of a baggage locker, a problem that had led to prior incidents. The policy objective of this directive is to mitigate the risk of such interference by ensuring compliance with specific maintenance actions outlined in Shorts SB SD330-27-31, with a compliance deadline set before 31 August 1987.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, govern the airworthiness directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). One such directive, AD/SD3-30/22, pertains to the elevator and rudder control guards of all model SD3-30 aircraft with serial numbers SH3002 to SH3099, SH3102, and SH3105. This directive mandates compliance with the action outlined in Shorts Service Bulletin SD330-27-31 to prevent flight control interference, which can occur if an excessive load is applied to the back panel of a baggage locker. The directive applies to the specified models and serial numbers of aeroplanes, ensuring they meet the required safety standards before 31 August 1987. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this regulation is nationwide, as it applies to all aircraft within Australia that fall under the specified serial numbers. The regulation does not explicitly state exclusions or exemptions, suggesting that all affected aircraft must comply with the directive unless otherwise specified through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, focus on ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft through the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs). Section 39.105(1) mandates that certain aircraft, in this case model SD3-30 with specific serial numbers, must comply with the requirements set out in the directive regarding elevator and rudder control guards. This directive is codified in AD/SD3-30/22, which was issued on 5/87. The directive specifies that the action must be taken in accordance with the guidelines provided in Shorts SB SD330-27-31, a technical bulletin that provides detailed instructions on the necessary modifications to prevent flight control interference. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and specific. All affected aircraft, as listed in the directive, must have the elevator and rudder control guards installed or modified as specified in Shorts SB SD330-27-31. The compliance date for these modifications is set as prior to 31 August 1997. This requirement is aimed at ensuring that any potential interference with the flight controls due to excessive load on the baggage locker back panel is eliminated. The directive underscores the necessity for aircraft operators to act promptly in making the necessary modifications to maintain the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in this Airworthiness Directive can lead to significant consequences. According to section 39.105(2) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with an AD can result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy. This can lead to the aircraft being grounded until the required modifications are made. Additionally, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to take enforcement actions against operators who fail to comply with ADs. These actions can include fines, suspension or revocation of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness, and potentially criminal charges for those responsible for the non-compliance. The seriousness of these consequences highlights the importance of adhering to the directive to ensure the safety of the aircraft and its occupants.