COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Short SD3-60 Series Aeroplanes
AD/SD3-60/28 Horizontal Stabilizer - Rear Spar Web/Boom 7/88
DM
Applicability: All models with S/Nos SH3601 to SH3691 and SH3694. Requirement: Action in accordance with Shorts SB SD360-55-16.
Compliance: Unless already accomplished, prior to 31 July 1988 and thereafter as per Requirement Document until modified in accordance with Shorts SB SD360-55-12.
Background: Testing on a horizontal stabilizer with service usage has shown failure of some rivets connecting the rear spar web to the booms.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, serve as a comprehensive framework for ensuring safety and compliance within the civil aviation industry. One particular aspect of these regulations is detailed in PART 39 - 105, which addresses the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. This particular section pertains to Short SD3-60 Series Aeroplanes, specifically AD/SD3-60/28, which mandates action concerning the horizontal stabilizer's rear spar web and boom. The directive was introduced to address a critical safety concern identified during testing, where rivets connecting the rear spar web to the booms of certain aircraft models exhibited a propensity to fail under service conditions. The aim of this legislation is to ensure that aircraft maintain structural integrity and safety standards, thus preventing potential failures that could compromise flight safety.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to all models with serial numbers ranging from SH3601 to SH3691 and SH3694, focusing on the horizontal stabilizer rear spar web and boom. This regulation mandates compliance with Shorts Service Bulletin SD360-55-16 and requires action to be taken unless already completed prior to 31 July 1988, with ongoing compliance necessary until the modifications specified in Shorts Service Bulletin SD360-55-12 are implemented. The directive is aimed at addressing the issue of rivet failure in the horizontal stabilizer's rear spar web to the booms, which has been identified through testing on stabilisers with service usage. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of these regulations is national, enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensuring compliance across all relevant aircraft within the specified serial number range within Australian territory.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, detail the requirements for maintaining the airworthiness of certain aircraft models. Section AD/SD3-60/28 pertains to the horizontal stabilizer rear spar web/boom of Short SD3-60 series aeroplanes. According to the applicability outlined in the directive (section 7/88), it applies to all models with serial numbers (S/Nos) SH3601 to SH3691 and SH3694. The requirement necessitates compliance with the action specified in Shorts SB SD360-55-16. This compliance must be achieved prior to 31 July 1988, and subsequently, it must be maintained in accordance with the requirement document until the modifications specified in Shorts SB SD360-55-12 are implemented.
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose specific obligations on the parties governed by this directive. Owners and operators of Short SD3-60 series aeroplanes within the specified serial number range must ensure that the horizontal stabilizer rear spar web/boom is inspected and, if necessary, repaired or replaced to address the identified issues. This involves adhering to the procedures and timeframes outlined in the relevant Service Bulletins (SBs) issued by the manufacturer, Shorts. Failure to comply with these directives could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, thereby affecting its ability to operate legally.
In terms of penalties and consequences for non-compliance, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 provide for both civil and criminal sanctions. Operators who fail to adhere to the Airworthiness Directives can face significant civil penalties. For instance, under section 98 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, an operator could be fined up to $275,000 for each flight conducted in non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive. Furthermore, there are potential criminal penalties for more serious breaches, including imprisonment for up to five years for individuals found guilty of endangering the safety of an aircraft. These stringent measures underscore the importance of strict compliance with airworthiness directives to ensure the safety of all persons on board and the integrity of the aviation system.