AD/SD3-30/3 - Engine Power Levers - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, include an Airworthiness Directive (AD) aimed at ensuring the safety of civil aviation operations by addressing specific safety concerns in aircraft design and operation. AD/SD3-30/3, concerning the modification of engine power levers for the Shorts SD3-30 Series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from SH3002 to SH3068, was introduced to prevent take-off incidents where flight control locks remain engaged. This directive is grounded in the necessity to enhance safety by modifying the engine power lever cam mechanism to inhibit take-off under such conditions. The objective of this legislative measure, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, is to ensure that all relevant aircraft meet the required safety standards, thereby protecting the public and maintaining the integrity of civil aviation safety protocols.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, applies to the authority, scope, and enforcement of airworthiness directives, including the AD/SD3-30/3 concerning the modification of engine power levers for certain Shorts SD3-30 model aeroplanes. This legislative instrument mandates compliance for aircraft with serial numbers ranging from SH3002 to SH3068, requiring adherence to the specifications outlined in Shorts Service Bulletin SD3-76-01. The directive aims to ensure that the modification of the engine power lever cam mechanism is completed to inhibit take-off if the flight control locks remain engaged, thus enhancing flight safety. This legislation extends its jurisdictional reach throughout the Commonwealth of Australia, governing all entities and persons involved in the operation and maintenance of the specified aircraft models. The application of these regulations is mandatory and not subject to exclusions or exemptions, ensuring that all relevant operators comply with the stipulated modifications to maintain airworthiness standards. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority may extend or restrict the application of these directives through subordinate instruments, ensuring that the regulations remain current and effective in addressing safety concerns.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically AD/SD3-30/3 under Part 39, pertain to the modification of engine power levers for the SD3-30 series of aeroplanes. Section 39-105 of the regulations outlines a safety directive (AD/SD3-30/3) which applies to models SD3-30 with serial numbers SH3002 to SH3068. This directive mandates the modification of the engine power lever cam mechanism to prevent take-off with flight control locks still engaged. The directive references Shorts Service Bulletin No. SD3-76-01, and compliance is required before 1 April 1982. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and specific. Operators of the SD3-30 series aeroplanes within the specified serial number range must ensure that the engine power lever cam mechanism is modified as per the directive. This modification is essential to enhance safety by preventing the aircraft from taking off with the flight control locks still engaged, which could lead to significant risks during flight. Operators must adhere to the specified timeline, completing the modification before the deadline of 1 April 1982 to comply with the regulation. Failure to comply with the AD/SD3-30/3 directive can result in serious consequences. Section 39-105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 implies that non-compliance may lead to both civil and criminal penalties. Although the exact penalties are not detailed in the provided text, it is reasonable to infer that they could include fines, potential grounding of the aircraft, and legal action against the operators for not adhering to the safety directives. The severity of these penalties underscores the importance of timely and accurate compliance with the regulations.