AD/SD3-30/28 - LP Levers

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, are designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. Part 39, in particular, focuses on airworthiness directives aimed at maintaining high safety standards across the aviation industry. One such directive is AD/SD3-30/28, which was introduced to address issues related to the inadvertent closure of low-pressure fuel shut-off levers in SD330 aircraft. This directive was issued to mitigate the risk associated with the LP levers being inadvertently selected off during the closure of the fuel crossfeed valve levers, ensuring that these levers are securely locked in the open position using securing wire that can be broken in an emergency. The objective is to prevent any compromise in aircraft safety that could arise from the unintentional shutdown of fuel systems. The directive was issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and references the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airworthiness Directive 92-27-17, indicating a coordinated international approach to addressing this safety concern. The requirement for compliance with this directive was set before 31 December 1993, underscoring the urgency and importance of implementing these safety measures to protect the integrity of flight operations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 – 105, governs the scope and application of Airworthiness Directives for civil aviation safety in Australia, ensuring that all aircraft, including those in the SD330 series, comply with stringent safety standards. The directive AD/SD3-30/28 applies to all SD330 aircraft, mandating adherence to the specifications outlined in Shorts Service Bulletin SD330-28-35, which addresses the locking of the left and right low pressure fuel shut-off levers in the open position to prevent inadvertent closure. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be achieved prior to 31 December 1993, referencing FAA Airworthiness Directive 92-27-17. This regulation is issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and extends nationally, encompassing all commercial and private operators of SD330 aircraft within Australia. The directive does not explicitly mention exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, but compliance is non-negotiable and subject to enforcement by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The primary operative section of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105 (F2006B06829) is the Short SD3-30 Series Aeroplanes AD/SD3-30/28 LP Levers directive, which specifically addresses the locking of left and right low pressure (LP) fuel shut-off levers. This directive applies to all SD330 aircraft (Section 1) and mandates that these LP levers must be locked in the open position using securing wire that can be broken in an emergency (Section 2). This requirement is to prevent the LP levers from being inadvertently selected off when closing the fuel crossfeed valve levers, a safety measure supported by Shorts Service Bulletin SD330-28-35 and FAA Airworthiness Directive 92-27-17 (Section 3). Compliance with this directive must be achieved prior to 31 December 1993 (Section 4). The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act on the parties and entities it governs include ensuring that all SD330 aircraft are inspected and, where necessary, modified to comply with the directive. Aircraft operators, maintenance personnel, and relevant regulatory bodies are required to adhere to the specific instructions provided in Shorts Service Bulletin SD330-28-35, which includes the use of securing wire that can be broken in an emergency. This directive is critical to maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft by preventing the inadvertent closure of the LP fuel shut-off levers, which could lead to significant safety hazards during flight. The legislation also delineates potential consequences for non-compliance. While the specific civil and criminal penalties for breach are not detailed in the directive, the overarching Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 provide a framework for enforcement. Non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to severe penalties, including fines, suspension or revocation of aircraft operating certificates, and criminal charges. The severity of the penalties may depend on the extent of the non-compliance and the risk it poses to flight safety. The maximum penalties for such breaches can be substantial, reflecting the critical nature of adhering to these safety directives. In summary, the Short SD3-30 Series Aeroplanes AD/SD3-30/28 LP Levers directive is a critical safety measure that requires all SD330 aircraft to lock the LP fuel shut-off levers in the open position using specific securing wire. Compliance is mandatory and must be achieved by the specified deadline. Failure to adhere to these requirements can result in severe civil and criminal consequences, underscoring the importance of strict compliance to ensure the safety of air travel.