AD/SD3-60/3 - Elevator Tab Linkage - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105, include Airworthiness Directives (ADs) designed to ensure the safety of aircraft operations. The AD/SD3-60/3 pertains to the inspection and modification of the elevator tab linkage for all model SD3-60 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from SH 3601 to SH 3623. This directive was enacted to address the issue of potential elevator tab disconnect, which could result in an unacceptable level of vibration, thereby posing a safety risk. The directive mandates that the inspection and required modifications be completed within specific timeframes to ensure compliance and mitigate potential safety hazards. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, acting under the authority of the Australian Government, introduced these regulations to establish and maintain a stringent safety framework for civil aviation. The policy objective behind AD/SD3-60/3 is to ensure that aircraft meet the necessary safety standards by requiring timely inspections and modifications of the elevator tab linkage. Compliance with these directives is essential to prevent potential safety incidents related to elevator tab disconnects and subsequent vibrations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39, establish the scope and application of Airworthiness Directives for aircraft within Australian jurisdiction. The particular directive AD/SD3-60/3 concerns the elevator tab linkage for all model SD3-60 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from SH 3601 to SH 3623. This directive applies to all aircraft falling within this category and mandates compliance with specific maintenance actions to ensure continued airworthiness. The directive requires compliance within 60 hours of time in service after 12 December 1983 and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 60 hours, until the specified modifications are completed. Furthermore, any necessary modifications must be completed before 31 March 1984. This regulatory requirement is critical for ensuring the safety and operational reliability of these aircraft within the Australian civil aviation framework. The directive is geographically and operationally applicable within the Australian Commonwealth, encompassing all relevant aircraft operating under civil aviation authorities. The specific exclusions or exemptions are not detailed in this directive, indicating that all specified aircraft must adhere to the outlined requirements without exception. The directive extends its application through adherence to the referenced Shorts Service Bulletins and modifications, ensuring that the safety measures are uniformly applied across the specified aircraft fleet.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s schedule of airworthiness directives, include AD/SD3-60/3 which pertains to the elevator tab linkage for Short SD3-60 series aeroplanes. This directive (AD/SD3-60/3) requires the inspection and modification of the elevator tab linkage for all model SD3-60 aircraft with serial numbers SH 3601 to SH 3623. The directive references specific short bulletins: SD360-55-A02 and SD360-55-02 modification 7448. Compliance with these directives is mandatory and must be completed within 60 hours of time in service after 12 December 1983, and then at intervals not exceeding 60 hours, in accordance with the "A" check schedule, until the modification is completed. Additionally, compliance must be achieved before 31 March 1984. The obligations imposed by these regulations are clear: the operators and maintainers of the affected aircraft must ensure that the elevator tab linkage is inspected and modified as specified. This involves following the detailed instructions outlined in the referenced short bulletins, which include both the identification of potential issues and the necessary corrective actions. These directives are designed to mitigate the risk of elevator tab disconnect, which could result in an unacceptable level of vibration. Ensuring compliance involves not only the technical inspection and modification of the aircraft but also maintaining accurate records to demonstrate adherence to the regulatory requirements. Failure to comply with these airworthiness directives can lead to serious consequences. The regulations impose both civil and potentially criminal penalties for non-compliance. Civil penalties may include fines and enforcement actions against the operators and maintainers, while serious breaches could result in criminal charges. The maximum penalties for non-compliance are not explicitly stated in the provided text, but they can be severe, reflecting the critical nature of airworthiness directives in ensuring the safety of aviation operations. Compliance is mandatory, and the consequences for failing to adhere to these requirements can be significant, impacting both the legal standing and operational capabilities of the entities involved.