AD/SF340/21 - Auto-Coarsening

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, are a comprehensive set of rules governing all aspects of civil aviation within Australia. Among these regulations, Part 39, specifically addressing airworthiness directives, was introduced to ensure that all aircraft operated within Australian airspace meet stringent safety standards. One such directive, AD/SF340/21, pertains to the Saab SF340 Series aeroplanes, addressing a specific issue related to auto-coarsening and the applicability to all aircraft serial numbers from 004 through 159 inclusive. This directive mandates compliance with the technical requirements set out by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), ensuring that any previously incorporated Electrical Control Unit (ECU) modifications are removed and a modified ECU is installed, in line with the FAA AD 90-21-16 Amendment 39-6763. The overarching policy objective is to enhance the safety and reliability of civil aviation, aligning with international standards and directives.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under the scope of Part 39 - 105, mandates specific airworthiness directives for certain types of aircraft, including the SAAB SF340 Series aeroplanes. The particular directive AD/SF340/21 applies to all SAAB SF340 Series aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 004 to 159 inclusive. This directive requires compliance with the technical specifications outlined in FAA AD 90-21-16 Amendment 39-6763, which mandates action to address potential issues with the aircraft's Electrical Control Unit (ECU) that may affect single engine climb performance. This directive cancels the previous directive AD/SF340/13 and references Swedish Airworthiness Directive No 1-037, which also cancels Swedish Airworthiness Directive No 1-028. Compliance with these directives is required before 30 April 1991 to ensure that the specified modifications are implemented, thereby maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft in question. The jurisdictional reach of this legislation is national, as it is governed under the Commonwealth of Australia's Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. This legislation applies specifically to the SAAB SF340 Series aircraft within the specified serial number range, and compliance is mandatory for all operators of these aircraft. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the directive itself, but the overarching regulations may include certain provisions that could apply. The applicability and enforcement of this directive are extended through subordinate instruments which may further specify implementation details or penalties for non-compliance.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR) specifically concerning the SAAB SF340 Series Aeroplanes are found in Part 39 (section 39-105) of the schedule of Airworthiness Directives. Section 39-105 details the AD/SF340/21, which mandates that all SAAB SF340 Series aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 004 through 159 inclusive must comply with the technical requirements specified in FAA AD 90-21-16 Amendment 39-6763. This requirement is crucial for ensuring the safety and airworthiness of these aircraft. The obligations imposed by this directive on the parties or entities governed by it are significant. Firstly, it mandates the removal of previously incorporated Electrical Control Unit (ECU) modifications that may affect single engine climb performance. Secondly, it requires the installation of a modified ECU in accordance with the FAA's specifications. The directive also notes that it cancels the previous AD/SF340/13, indicating that operators must transition to the new directive and its requirements. Additionally, the Swedish Airworthiness Authority has issued a corresponding directive (Swedish AD No 1-037), which refers to and cancels the previous Swedish AD No 1-028, reinforcing the need for harmonised compliance across different jurisdictions. Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/SF340/21 could lead to several consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) can take action against any non-compliance, which could include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and potential criminal charges against individuals responsible for the oversight of the aircraft. The specific penalties for breaching these regulations can vary, but generally, they are substantial enough to ensure compliance. The directive must be adhered to by the specified date, 30 April 1991, to avoid any enforcement actions by CASA. The overarching aim of these provisions is to ensure that all SAAB SF340 Series aircraft meet the necessary safety standards to operate safely in Australian airspace.