AD/SD3-30/30 - Fin to Tailplane Attachment Bolts and Upper Shear Angle

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, was enacted to ensure the safety and reliability of civil aviation operations within Australia. One of the provisions within these regulations is the Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning fin to tailplane attachment bolts and upper shear angles in certain series of aeroplanes, denoted as AD/SD3-30/30. This legislative instrument was introduced to address safety issues identified in the attachment of the fin to the tailplane, where loose bolts and compromised rivets in the upper shear angle have been noted. The directive mandates compliance with Shorts Service Bulletin SD330-55-18 and requires actions to be taken within 60 days from 03 May 1995, with subsequent actions mandated at intervals not exceeding 1500 hours of time in service. The policy objective of this directive is to mitigate potential risks associated with these structural components, thereby enhancing the overall safety of civil aviation. This legislative instrument was enacted by the Australian Government and administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which is tasked with ensuring compliance and addressing any aviation safety concerns. The directive aims to maintain the structural integrity of the specified aircraft models by enforcing timely and regular inspections and repairs.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/SD3-30/30, applies to all models of Short Series Aeroplanes. The directive mandates that actions be taken in accordance with Short Service Bulletin SD330-55-18, addressing issues with the fin to tailplane attachment bolts and the upper shear angle. Compliance with this directive is required within 60 days following the issuance date of 03 May 1995 and must be maintained at intervals not exceeding 1500 hours of time in service. This regulation is intended to mitigate risks associated with loose bolts and compromised rivets in the specified components, ensuring ongoing airworthiness and safety standards are upheld. The directive extends across all relevant models within the defined scope and does not specify exclusions or exemptions within the text provided, but it may be subject to further clarification or modification through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under PART 39 - 105, specifically address the requirements and obligations concerning the airworthiness of aeroplanes. A significant section is AD/SD3-30/30, which pertains to the fin to tailplane attachment bolts and upper shear angle. According to this section, all aeroplane models are subject to this directive (1). The key requirement here is that action must be taken in accordance with Shorts Service Bulletin SD330-55-18 (2). This action must be carried out within 60 days from the date of the directive, which was issued on 03 May 1995. Furthermore, any subsequent inspections must occur at intervals not exceeding 1500 hours of time in service (3). The obligations imposed by this section are clear and specific. Aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance personnel must ensure that the fin to tailplane attachment bolts and upper shear angle rivets are checked and maintained as per the prescribed service bulletin. This involves inspecting the bolts and rivets for any signs of loosening or damage and taking corrective action as required. The compliance deadline is strict, with a mandatory timeframe of 60 days from the directive's issuance, after which the specified intervals for ongoing checks must be adhered to. Non-compliance with these directives can result in significant consequences. While the specific penalties for breach are not detailed in the text, it is reasonable to infer that failure to adhere to the Civil Aviation Regulations can lead to severe civil and criminal penalties. Typically, such breaches can result in fines, aircraft grounding, or even revocation of operating certificates, depending on the severity and frequency of the non-compliance. The seriousness of these potential consequences underscores the importance of strict adherence to the airworthiness directives set forth in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998.