AD/SF340/29 Amdt 1 - Lower Drag Strut Assembly

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, encompasses the regulatory framework for ensuring the airworthiness of various aircraft types, including the SAAB SF340 series. This legislation was enacted to address safety concerns identified through operational experience and technical assessments, ensuring that aircraft meet necessary safety standards. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the enforcing body, with a policy objective of maintaining the highest standards of safety in civil aviation. The specific Airworthiness Directive AD/SF340/29 Amendment 1 targets the SAAB SF340A and SF340B models to rectify issues with the lower drag strut assembly, extending the compliance time to address a recurring problem with the bolts and collars losing their torque. This directive was introduced to mitigate safety risks associated with the lower drag strut assembly on specified SAAB SF340 series aeroplanes. By aligning with the Technical Requirements of Swedish LFV AD 1-049 Revision A and referencing SAAB-SCANIA AB Service Bulletin SAAB 340-54-027 Revision 1, CASA ensures that Australian-registered aircraft adhere to international safety standards. The compliance period has been revised, providing operators with an additional three months to implement the required actions, reflecting CASA's commitment to continuous improvement and safety enhancement in civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all individuals, entities, and industries within the aviation sector, including but not limited to aircraft manufacturers, operators, and maintenance providers. This particular legislative instrument, AD/SF340/29 Amendment 1, pertains to the Saab SF340 Series aeroplanes, specifically models SF340A and SF340B within specified serial number ranges. The scope of this directive mandates adherence to the technical requirements outlined in Swedish LFV AD 1-049 Revision A, focusing on the lower drag strut assembly to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. The legislation has a national reach, applying to all aircraft registered in Australia, thereby extending its jurisdiction across state and territory boundaries. Compliance with these directives is mandatory, with the effective date set for 14 November 1991, and it is enforced through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Subordinate instruments may extend or restrict the application of these regulations, but within the confines of the primary legislation.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the AD/SF340/29 Amendment 1, part of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, pertain to the specific models of SAAB SF340 Series aeroplanes that are subject to this directive. Section (1) specifies the applicability to Model SF340A with serial numbers ranging from -004 to -159 and Model 340B with serial numbers from -160 to -166. Section (2) outlines the requirement for these aircraft to comply with the Technical Requirements of Swedish LFV AD 1-049 Revision A, referencing SAAB-SCANIA AB Service Bulletin SAAB 340-54-027 Revision 1. The directive mandates that Australian registered aircraft must adhere to these specifications with an effective date of 14 November 1991, replacing the previous effective date of 8 August 1991. The obligations imposed by this Act on the parties or entities it governs are primarily centred around ensuring the airworthiness of the specified SAAB SF340 Series aeroplanes. Owners and operators of the affected aircraft must undertake the necessary actions to comply with the Technical Requirements of the LFV AD 1-049 Revision A. This includes reviewing and implementing the changes outlined in the Requirement Document, as well as ensuring that any modifications are carried out by appropriately certified personnel. The compliance date for Australian registered aircraft is set as 14 November 1991, indicating a clear timeline for when these changes must be effectuated. Any failure to comply with the provisions of this directive may result in serious consequences. Although the specific section detailing penalties is not provided in the extract, it is understood that non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to severe civil or criminal penalties. These could include fines, grounding of the aircraft, and potential prosecution under civil aviation laws. The maximum penalties for such breaches are not specified in the provided text but typically can be substantial, reflecting the critical nature of maintaining aircraft airworthiness and safety.