AD/SD3-60/25 - Shock Absorber Pin Locking Bolt

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, were enacted to provide comprehensive regulations governing civil aviation operations within Australia, ensuring the safety, efficiency, and orderly development of civil aviation. One particular aspect of these regulations is the enforcement of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) aimed at addressing specific safety concerns in the aviation sector. The problem or gap addressed by these regulations is the need to maintain and ensure the safety of aircraft through the implementation of standardised safety measures and directives. Enacted by the Australian Parliament, the policy objective of these regulations is to maintain and improve the safety standards in civil aviation, ensuring that all aircraft meet the required safety benchmarks. In relation to specific aircraft models, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issues ADs, which are legally enforceable orders aimed at correcting an unsafe condition on an aircraft. For instance, AD/SD3-60/25 pertains to shock absorber pin locking bolts in certain models of SD3-60 aeroplanes. This directive was introduced following reports of the shock absorber lower pin working loose, which could lead to safety hazards. The requirement mandates compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1987, aligning with the manufacturer's service bulletin and referencing similar directives issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, specifically address the airworthiness of aircraft, including the application of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to ensure safety standards are met. The AD/SD3-60/25 pertains to the shock absorber pin locking bolt on Model SD3-60 aeroplanes equipped with Dowty Rotol nose gear Type Nos. 200921001 or 200921003. This directive requires action to be taken in accordance with Dowty Rotol Service Bulletin 32-29 SD, referencing CAA AD 009-02-85 and FAA AD 87-17-09 Amdt 39-5713. Compliance with these directives must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1987, following reports of the shock absorber lower pin working loose due to wear on the spherical radius of the lock bolt. This legislation applies to the specified aircraft models and their operators, ensuring the maintenance of safety standards within the Australian aviation industry. The geographical and jurisdictional reach of this legislation is within the Commonwealth of Australia, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in the directive itself, though the applicability is strictly limited to the identified aircraft models. The application and enforcement of these safety directives are part of the broader regulatory framework designed to maintain airworthiness and safety standards in the civil aviation sector. Subordinate instruments may further extend or detail the application of these regulations, ensuring thorough compliance and safety measures are consistently applied.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, outlines the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives, which are regulatory requirements aimed at ensuring the safety of aircraft. Section AD/SD3-60/25 pertains to the Short SD3-60 series aeroplanes equipped with Dowty Rotol nose gear Type Nos. 200921001 or 200921003. The directive mandates compliance with Dowty Rotol Service Bulletin 32-29 SD to address an issue where the shock absorber lower pin can become loose. This action is required to rectify the problem of the spherical radius of the lock bolt wearing down, potentially leading to insufficient engagement of the lock bolt in the shock absorber pin's groove. The key requirement of this directive is for aircraft operators to follow the instructions laid out in Dowty Rotol Service Bulletin 32-29 SD to address the identified issue. This involves ensuring that the spherical radius of the lock bolt is maintained and that the lock bolt engages properly with the shock absorber pin. Operators must complete this action within 100 hours of the aircraft's time in service following 31 December 1987. The directive references CAA AD 009-02-85 and FAA AD 87-17-09 Amdt 39-5713, indicating that these airworthiness directives also pertain to the same issue. The obligations imposed by the Civil Aviation Regulations and the specific AD/SD3-60/25 directive are clear and direct. Aircraft operators must ensure that their SD3-60 series aeroplanes comply with the requirements set forth within the stipulated timeframe. Failure to do so could compromise the safety of the aircraft, leading to potential regulatory action and possible grounding of the aircraft until compliance is achieved. The regulations also mandate that operators maintain records of compliance with this directive, which could be subject to inspection by CASA. Non-compliance with the airworthiness directive could result in serious consequences. CASA has the authority to take enforcement action against operators who fail to adhere to the requirements, which could include fines, penalties, and potentially the suspension or revocation of the aircraft’s certificate of airworthiness. The specific penalties for breach of the Civil Aviation Regulations are not detailed in the text, but generally, non-compliance with CASA directives can lead to significant financial and operational repercussions for the operators.