AD/SD3-60/46 - Inner Flap Sub-Assembly Lever Bracket

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, establish a framework for ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft within Australian airspace. This legislation was enacted to address the need for stringent safety standards and regulatory compliance in the aviation industry. It was introduced to fill a critical gap in maintaining the safety and operational integrity of aircraft by implementing specific airworthiness directives that are overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The policy objective behind these regulations is to protect public safety by ensuring that all aircraft meet the necessary safety standards before being allowed to operate. One example of such a directive is AD/SD3-60/46, which mandates the inspection of inner flap sub-assembly lever brackets on all SD3-60 aircraft. This directive was introduced following reports of corrosion and cracking in these components, with a requirement to conduct inspections in line with the manufacturer's guidelines and to comply with the specified timelines. The directive became effective on 19 June 1997, aiming to prevent potential safety issues and ensure the continued airworthiness of the affected aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which are critical for ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating in Australian airspace. This particular airworthiness directive, AD/SD3-60/46, applies to all SD3-60 series aeroplanes registered in Australia. It mandates a specific inspection of the inner flap sub-assembly lever bracket to prevent potential issues such as corrosion and cracking, which have been reported by the manufacturer. Compliance with this directive requires that the inspection be conducted in accordance with the procedures outlined in Shorts Mandatory Service Bulletin SD360-27-26, and references the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s AD 011-01-97 for additional context. The directive stipulates that the initial inspection must be completed by 19 September 1997, with subsequent inspections scheduled as per the requirement document. This directive took effect on 19 June 1997, underscoring the importance of adhering to timely maintenance and inspection protocols to ensure the continued safe operation of SD3-60 aircraft within the Australian aviation industry.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105 (sections as referenced), pertain to airworthiness directives for SD3-60 series aeroplanes. Section 39-105 mandates the inspection of the inner flap sub-assembly lever bracket in accordance with the Shorts Mandatory Service Bulletin SD360-27-26. This requirement is intended to address corrosion and cracking issues identified by the manufacturer, as referenced in the UK CAA AD 011-01-97. The directive stipulates that the initial inspection must be completed before 19 September 1997, with subsequent inspections scheduled as per the requirement document. The obligations imposed by this airworthiness directive (AD/SD3-60/46) require all SD3-60 aircraft to undergo a thorough inspection of the inner flap sub-assembly lever bracket. This inspection must be carried out in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the Shorts Mandatory Service Bulletin SD360-27-26. The directive mandates that compliance with these inspection requirements is mandatory unless such inspections have already been completed prior to the effective date of the directive, which is 19 June 1997. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive can result in severe consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with airworthiness directives may lead to civil penalties. The specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, but generally, such breaches can attract significant fines and other administrative actions. In extreme cases, non-compliance can also result in criminal charges, potentially leading to imprisonment or heavier fines, depending on the severity and impact of the breach on aviation safety. The directive also highlights the importance of timely compliance, as the initial inspection must be completed before 19 September 1997. This underscores the urgency and necessity for operators of SD3-60 series aeroplanes to adhere to the specified inspection schedules to maintain the airworthiness and safety standards of their aircraft. The directive becomes effective on 19 June 1997, meaning that any inspections required prior to this date must be completed by the specified deadline to ensure continued compliance with aviation safety regulations.