AD/SD3-60/1 Amdt 1 - Engine Flexible Mounts - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, address the safety and operational standards for civil aviation within Australia. One such regulation is AD/SD3-60/1 Amendment 1, which pertains to the inspection and modification of engine flexible mounts for Short SD-360 Series aeroplanes. This directive was enacted to address the identified problem of metal to rubber bond separation in Barry engine mounts P/No. 93880-12, which had not been modified in accordance with the Shorts Service Bulletin SD 360-71-08. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) introduced this amendment to ensure the continued airworthiness of affected aircraft, thereby safeguarding passengers and crew, and maintaining the overall safety of the nation’s airspace. The objective is to prevent potential in-flight failures by requiring inspections and necessary modifications as outlined in the referenced service bulletin.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Airworthiness Directives for civil aviation safety in Australia. This particular regulation, AD/SD3-60/1 Amendment 1, focuses on the inspection and modification of engine flexible mounts for SD-360 series aeroplanes equipped with Barry engine mounts part number 93880-12, which have not been modified according to Shorts Service Bulletin SD 360-71-08. This directive applies to all relevant aircraft within the specified criteria and mandates a thorough inspection before the issuance of the next Maintenance Release following 31 December 1984, and subsequently at each new Maintenance Release. The geographic reach of this regulation is national, applying uniformly across all Australian jurisdictions. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in this directive, and compliance is necessary for all affected aircraft. The regulation may extend its application through subordinate instruments or manufacturer service bulletins, such as Shorts Service Bulletin SD 360-71-A02, Revision 1, which provides further guidance and details for the inspection and modification process.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39, Section 105, mandate specific Airworthiness Directives for aircraft safety. One such directive, AD/SD3-60/1 Amendment 1, pertains to engine flexible mounts for SD-360 series aeroplanes. This directive applies to all models of SD-360 aircraft equipped with Barry engine mounts part number 93880-12, which have not yet undergone modification as per Shorts Service Bulletin SD 360-71-08. The directive's primary purpose is to address potential issues of metal to rubber bond separation within the moulded assembly, which could compromise the structural integrity of the engine mounts. Compliance with AD/SD3-60/1 Amendment 1 necessitates an inspection of the engine mounts before the next Maintenance Release date after 31 December 1984, and subsequently at each new Maintenance Release. The inspection is a critical requirement to ensure that any separation of the metal to rubber bond is identified and rectified to maintain airworthiness standards. This inspection must be documented in accordance with the guidelines provided in Shorts Service Bulletin SD 360-71-A02, Revision 1, which outlines the procedures and specifications for conducting the inspection and making any necessary modifications. Operators and owners of SD-360 series aircraft must adhere to these regulations to ensure the safety and airworthiness of their aircraft. This involves ensuring that the engine mounts are inspected and modified as required by the directive. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to significant safety risks and potential legal consequences. The regulations impose a clear obligation on aircraft operators to conduct the inspections as mandated, and to ensure that any identified issues are resolved promptly and effectively. In the event of non-compliance with the AD/SD3-60/1 Amendment 1 directive, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may take enforcement action. The potential consequences include civil penalties for non-compliance, which can be substantial. The specific penalties are not detailed within the directive but are subject to the broader provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations. In severe cases, CASA may also pursue criminal charges, which could result in fines and imprisonment for responsible individuals. Additionally, non-compliance can lead to the grounding of the aircraft until the necessary modifications are made, impacting operational readiness and potentially leading to financial losses for the operator.