AD/SD3-60/18 - Take-Off Trim Range

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, represent a comprehensive framework for ensuring the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. Among these regulations, Part 39 - 105 addresses the authority and responsibilities of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in issuing airworthiness directives. One such directive, AD/SD3-60/18, pertains specifically to the take-off trim range for Shorts SD3-60 series aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to address the issue of excessive control column force required during take-off under certain conditions, which was identified through operational experience. The directive aims to ensure that specific Shorts SD3-60 aircraft models, equipped with either Pratt and Whitney PT6A-65R or PT6A-65AR engines, comply with the relevant service bulletins to mitigate this safety concern. The policy objective is to maintain and enhance the safety standards of civil aviation by enforcing necessary modifications and actions on affected aircraft prior to a specified compliance date. The enactment of this directive by CASA under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 underscores the authority's commitment to addressing identified safety issues promptly and effectively. The requirement for compliance by 30 November 1986 highlights the urgency and importance of implementing the necessary actions to prevent potential hazards during take-off, thereby ensuring the continued safety and reliability of civil aviation operations within Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to airworthiness directives that govern the operational safety of aircraft within Australia. This regulation applies to all Shorts SD3-60 aeroplanes equipped with Pratt and Whitney PT6A-65R engines, as well as those with serial numbers SH3601 to SH3685 fitted with Pratt and Whitney PT6A-65AR engines. The regulation mandates compliance with either Shorts Service Bulletin SD360-27-10 Revision No. 1 for PT6A-65R engines or SD360-27-11 Revision No. 2 for PT6A-65AR engines, and requires that these actions be completed prior to 30 November 1986. This directive is integral to addressing operational issues where excessive control column force has been noted during take-off under certain conditions, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of these aircraft in Australian airspace. The regulations extend across the Commonwealth, ensuring uniform safety standards are applied nationwide.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD/SD3-60/18), pertains to Short SD3-60 Series Aeroplanes. This directive applies to all Shorts SD3-60 aircraft fitted with Pratt and Whitney PT6A-65R engines and those with serial numbers SH3601 to SH3685 fitted with Pratt and Whitney PT6A-65AR engines (s.1). The requirement is for these aircraft to comply with specific maintenance actions detailed in Shorts Service Bulletins: SD360-27-10 Revision No. 1 for PT6A-65R engines or SD360-27-11 Revision No. 2 for PT6A-65AR engines. Compliance must be achieved prior to 30 November 1986 (s.2). The obligations imposed by this directive require operators of the affected aircraft to follow the specific maintenance actions outlined in the respective service bulletins. These bulletins provide detailed instructions on the necessary modifications or inspections to ensure that the aircraft can operate safely, particularly during take-off, by addressing the issue of excessive control column force under certain conditions. Operators must ensure that all mandated actions are carried out by qualified personnel and that the aircraft are appropriately inspected and documented to confirm compliance with the directive. Failure to comply with the requirements of this airworthiness directive may result in serious safety issues. If an aircraft operator does not adhere to the specified maintenance actions and deadlines, they may be in breach of the Civil Aviation Regulations. The potential consequences for such non-compliance include enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This could range from the imposition of fines, to the grounding of non-compliant aircraft, and in severe cases, the potential for criminal charges against responsible individuals or entities. The exact penalties depend on the severity and frequency of the non-compliance, but can include substantial financial penalties and other regulatory sanctions.