AD/SD3-30/31 - Flap Hydraulic Unit Brackets

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted by the Parliament of Australia to regulate the safety of civil aviation within Australia. A legislative instrument issued under these regulations, specifically F2006B06833, pertains to Airworthiness Directives for aircraft. This particular instrument, AD/SD3-30/31, addresses the issue of exfoliation corrosion on flap hydraulic unit brackets in SD330 series aeroplanes, as reported by the manufacturer. The directive mandates an initial inspection before 29 February 1996, with subsequent inspections as specified in the Requirement Document, to ensure compliance with Shorts Mandatory Service Bulletin SD330-27-34 and UK CAA AD 005-09-95. The policy objective is to maintain the airworthiness of aircraft by mitigating risks associated with structural corrosion.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, governs the application of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, including the SD3-30 Series Aeroplanes. This regulation applies to all SD330 aircraft and mandates actions as outlined in Shorts Mandatory Service Bulletin SD330-27-34. The regulation's geographic reach is national, as it pertains to all aircraft operating within Australia and ensures compliance with safety directives established by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within this directive, and compliance is mandatory unless the required inspections and actions have already been completed prior to the specified date. Subordinate instruments may further extend or refine the application of this directive, ensuring that all SD330 aircraft maintain the required safety standards.

Key Provisions

The key sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, include the Short SD3-30 Series Aeroplanes AD/SD3-30/31, which address issues with flap hydraulic unit brackets. Section (2/96) states that this directive applies to all SD330 aircraft. The requirement outlined in this section mandates that operators take action in accordance with Shorts Mandatory Service Bulletin SD330-27-34. It is important to note that UK CAA AD 005-09-95 is also referenced in the directive. Operators of SD330 aircraft are obligated to comply with the airworthiness directive by ensuring that an initial inspection of the flap hydraulic unit brackets is conducted. This inspection must occur before 29 February 1996 unless it has already been completed. Following this initial inspection, further inspections must be conducted as specified in the Requirement Document. This ongoing compliance ensures that any issues related to exfoliation corrosion are identified and addressed promptly. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive can result in serious consequences. If an operator does not adhere to the inspection requirements, it may face regulatory action from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The potential civil or criminal penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives can be severe, including fines or even the grounding of the aircraft until the issues are rectified. The exact penalties can vary, but they are designed to ensure the highest standards of safety are maintained in Australian airspace.