AD/SD3-60/39 - LP Levers

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth) were enacted to provide a regulatory framework for the safe operation of aircraft within Australia, ensuring compliance with international standards. One specific regulation, F2006B06884, pertains to Short SD3-60 Series Aeroplanes and mandates that the left and right low pressure (LP) fuel shut-off levers must be locked in the open position. This regulation was introduced to address the problem of inadvertent selection of the LP levers, which had been reported when closing the fuel crossfeed valve levers. This action is in accordance with Shorts Service Bulletin SD360-28-20 and references the Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive 92-27-17. The requirement to comply with this directive was set to be fulfilled prior to 31 December 1993, aiming to enhance the safety and reliability of aircraft operations. The enactment of this regulation by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cth), demonstrates a commitment to stringent safety measures and continuous improvement in civil aviation. The policy objective is to prevent potential hazards arising from the inadvertent operation of the LP levers, thereby ensuring the safety of passengers and crew on board Short SD3-60 Series Aeroplanes.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, applies to all SD360 series aeroplanes operating within Australian airspace and mandates compliance with specific airworthiness directives. This particular regulation, AD/SD3-60/39, specifically targets the locking of left and right low-pressure (LP) fuel shut-off levers in the open position to mitigate risks associated with inadvertent closure during flight operations. The requirement to implement these measures was established to ensure the safety of aircraft operations, in accordance with Shorts Service Bulletin SD360-28-20 and in reference to the FAA Airworthiness Directive 92-27-17. Compliance with this directive must be achieved prior to 31 December 1993, highlighting the urgency and critical nature of this safety measure. This regulation applies to any entity or individual operating SD360 series aeroplanes in Australia, reinforcing the importance of adhering to these specified safety directives to maintain airworthiness and safety standards.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, pertain to Short SD3-60 Series Aeroplanes. Section AD/SD3-60/39 specifically addresses LP Levers. It mandates that all SD360 aircraft must adhere to the action outlined in Shorts Service Bulletin SD360-28-20, with reference to the FAA Airworthiness Directive 92-27-17. The directive requires compliance by 31 December 1993 and mandates that the left and right low pressure (LP) fuel shut-off levers be locked in the open position using securing wire that can be broken in an emergency. The obligations imposed by this directive require aircraft operators to ensure that the LP levers on their SD360 aircraft are secured as specified. This involves locking the LP fuel shut-off levers in the open position using securing wire that can be easily broken during an emergency, thereby addressing the safety concern that the LP levers were being inadvertently selected off during normal operations. The directive references Shorts Service Bulletin SD360-28-20, which provides detailed instructions on how to properly secure the LP levers, and also acknowledges the FAA Airworthiness Directive 92-27-17, which may offer additional context or guidance on the matter. Failure to comply with the provisions of this airworthiness directive can lead to serious safety risks, as the inadvertent closure of the LP levers could compromise fuel management and potentially result in catastrophic failure. While the specific civil or criminal penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the text, breaches of airworthiness directives generally carry significant consequences. In the context of civil aviation, non-compliance can result in the grounding of the aircraft, suspension of airworthiness certificates, and potential fines. Additionally, there may be criminal penalties if the non-compliance is found to have led to an accident or endangers the safety of the flight.