AD/SD3-60/4 - Main Undercarriage Pintle Pin Bush - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105, was enacted to address the need for maintaining aircraft safety and airworthiness. The enactment was overseen by the Commonwealth of Australia, and its purpose is to ensure that civil aviation operations are conducted in a safe and orderly manner. One such regulation is the Airworthiness Directive (AD) pertaining to Short SD3-60 Series Aeroplanes, which includes AD/SD3-60/4 concerning modifications to the main undercarriage pintle pin bush. This directive was introduced to tackle an identified issue where service damage to the rear pintle pin bush was causing unacceptably high friction. The policy objective is to enhance safety by mandating the installation of a P.T.F.E. liner to mitigate this problem, ensuring compliance by a specified deadline. This legislative instrument aims to safeguard the integrity and operational efficiency of Short SD3-60 Series Aeroplanes by addressing specific mechanical issues that could compromise flight safety. By specifying the affected aircraft models and serial numbers, and requiring compliance with the modifications outlined in Shorts Service Bulletin SD 360-32-03, the regulation underscores the commitment to maintaining high standards of airworthiness. The directive reflects a proactive approach in managing safety risks associated with identified mechanical failures, thereby protecting both the aircraft and its occupants.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, addresses the airworthiness of aircraft through Airworthiness Directives. AD/SD3-60/4 pertains to the Short SD360 Series aeroplanes and is focused on the modification of the main undercarriage pintle pin bush. This directive applies to all Model SD-360 Aircraft whose serial numbers are referenced in Shorts Service Bulletin SD360-32-03. The primary aim is to mitigate issues arising from reported in-service damage to the rear pintle pin bush, which has led to unacceptably high friction. The directive mandates the introduction of a P.T.F.E. liner to address this problem, with compliance required before 31 May 1984 unless the modification has already been accomplished. The directive is jurisdictional within the Commonwealth of Australia and applies to all relevant aircraft and operators within its territory, with no specified exclusions or exemptions mentioned in the text. Subordinate instruments may extend or further clarify the directive's application.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39, contain detailed requirements for maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft. Section 39-105 outlines the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. One such directive, AD/SD3-60/4, pertains to the modification of the main undercarriage pintle pin bush for Shorts SD-360 series aeroplanes. This directive, effective from 2nd August 1984, applies to all Model SD-360 Aircraft with serial numbers as referenced in Shorts Service Bulletin SD360-32-03. Compliance with this directive is mandatory unless the required modification has already been completed prior to 31st May 1984. The directive mandates that a PTFE liner be installed in the rear pintle pin bush to address high friction issues reported in service. This modification is essential to maintain the integrity and safety of the aircraft's undercarriage system. The directive references Shorts Service Bulletin SD 360-32-03, which provides the necessary technical details and instructions for the modification. Aircraft operators must ensure that these modifications are carried out by certified personnel and documented appropriately to comply with the regulation. The obligations imposed by this directive include timely compliance and meticulous documentation of the modifications. Operators of affected aircraft must ensure that the required modifications are performed before the specified deadline. They must also maintain records of the completed work, including the installation of the PTFE liner, to demonstrate compliance with the directive. These records must be readily available for inspection by CASA or any authorised representative. Failure to comply with AD/SD3-60/4 can result in significant consequences. Non-compliance may lead to the grounding of the affected aircraft until the required modifications are completed. This could result in substantial operational disruptions and financial loss for the operator. Additionally, CASA has the authority to impose administrative penalties for non-compliance, which can include fines. The specific penalties are determined based on the severity of the non-compliance and the potential risk posed to aviation safety.