AD/SD3-60/49 - Engine Controls - Inspection and Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, outlines the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, including AD/SD3-60/49, which pertains to Short SD3-60 Series aeroplanes. This legislation was enacted to address the problem of power control cable breakages, specifically within Short Brothers SD3-60 Sherpa aircraft, which had been identified as a safety risk. The Australian Parliament established this directive to ensure compliance with the necessary safety standards, aiming to enhance the reliability and safety of the aircraft by mandating the inspection and replacement of power control cables and pulleys in accordance with the specified service bulletin. The policy objective of this directive, as introduced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, is to mitigate the risk of power control cable failures by implementing stringent maintenance and inspection protocols. These measures are designed to safeguard the integrity of the aircraft's control systems, ensuring they meet the required safety standards and reducing the likelihood of in-flight incidents due to cable failure. The directive references the UK Civil Aviation Authority's AD 004-07-98, dated 22 October 1998, and mandates compliance within a specified timeframe, either at the next scheduled 'D' check or 1200 flight hours following the directive's effective date of 28 January 1999.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), establish specific requirements for maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft operating in Australia, including the Short Brothers SD3-60 Sherpa aircraft, as detailed in Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD) SD3-60/49. This directive mandates that all Short Brothers SD3-60 Sherpa aircraft must undergo an inspection and replacement of all power control cables and pulleys in accordance with Short Brothers Service Bulletin SD3-60 Sherpa - 76-1, to address known issues with cable breakage. This requirement must be met at the next scheduled maintenance programme 'D' check or 1200 flight hours after the directive's effective date of 28 January 1999, whichever comes sooner. This directive applies specifically to the mentioned aircraft model, and compliance ensures the reliability and safety of the engine control systems. The directive is supported by a corresponding United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority Airworthiness Directive (AD 004-07-98 dated 22 October 1998), highlighting the international nature of the issue and the collaborative approach to addressing it.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 and specifically in the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes AD/SD3-60/49 which pertains to the inspection and replacement of power control cables and pulleys for Short SD3-60 Sherpa aircraft (section 1). The directive mandates that all power control cables and pulleys of these aircraft must be inspected and replaced if necessary, following the guidelines provided in Short Brothers Service Bulletin SD3-60 Sherpa - 76-1. Compliance with this directive is required at the next scheduled maintenance programme ‘D’ check or 1200 flight hours after the directive's effective date of 28 January 1999, whichever comes first (section 2). The directive references UK CAA AD 004-07-98 dated 22 October 1998, which indicates the historical context and international alignment of the safety measures. The obligations under this directive are clear and specific. Operators of Short SD3-60 Sherpa aircraft must ensure that the power control cables and pulleys are inspected and replaced according to the outlined service bulletin. The compliance period is set to either the next 'D' check during the scheduled maintenance programme or 1200 flight hours post the effective date, whichever occurs sooner. This ensures that the safety measures are implemented in a timely and systematic manner, addressing potential issues before they can result in operational failures. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/SD3-60/49 could result in serious safety concerns, potentially leading to aircraft becoming unairworthy. While the regulations do not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance, it is understood that failure to adhere to airworthiness directives can result in severe consequences, including fines and potential criminal charges under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The exact penalties may vary based on the severity of the breach and the specific circumstances, but they could include substantial monetary fines and imprisonment for those responsible for the oversight. In summary, AD/SD3-60/49 requires Short SD3-60 Sherpa aircraft operators to inspect and replace power control cables and pulleys as per the specified service bulletin, with compliance mandated at the next 'D' check or 1200 flight hours post the directive's effective date. Non-compliance with these provisions can lead to significant penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment, underscoring the critical importance of adhering to these safety measures.