AD/SF340/3 - Flight Control - Elevator Trim Tab System

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, form a comprehensive legal framework governing civil aviation within Australia. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 of these regulations addresses the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. This legislation was introduced to ensure that all civil aircraft operating within Australia meet stringent safety standards and regulatory compliance. One such directive pertains to the SAAB SF340 Series Aeroplanes, as outlined in AD/SF340/3 concerning the flight control elevator trim tab system for aircraft serial numbers 340A-004 to 029 inclusive. The policy objective is to maintain and enhance the safety of civil aviation operations by mandating specific compliance requirements before a set date, in this case, before 30 September 1985, to address potential safety issues identified in the Swedish Airworthiness Directive No. 1-008, Revision A.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, mandates stringent safety requirements for certain aircraft models within Australia’s jurisdiction. This legislation applies to the SAAB SF340 Series Aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 340A-004 to 029 inclusive. The regulation is designed to ensure compliance with the specifications outlined in the SAAB-FAIRCHILD S.B. No. SF 340-27-028, Revision 1, which corresponds to Swedish Airworthiness Directive No. 1-008, Revision A. This directive specifically pertains to the flight control elevator trim tab system, with a compliance deadline set before 30 September 1985. The regulations extend across the Commonwealth, ensuring uniform application and enforcement throughout Australia. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the text, and the directive does not specify thresholds or extend application through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for the SAAB SF340 Series Aeroplanes, establish the requirements and compliance standards for the flight control elevator trim tab system for certain serial numbers (10/85DM). The regulation applies to SAAB-FAIRCHILD SF340 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 340A-004 to 340A-029 inclusive. This directive mandates compliance with SAAB-FAIRCHILD S.B. No. SF 340-27-028, Revision 1, and Swedish Airworthiness Directive No. 1-008, Revision A, before 30 September 1985. Essentially, these sections require the specified SAAB SF340 aeroplanes to adhere to certain safety modifications and inspections to ensure the elevator trim tab system operates correctly and safely. The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act include ensuring that the elevator trim tab system on the specified SAAB SF340 aeroplanes meets the criteria outlined in the referenced service bulletins and airworthiness directives. This involves conducting thorough inspections and, if necessary, implementing the modifications detailed in these documents. Operators of these aircraft must ensure that all required actions are completed before the specified compliance date. Additionally, operators must maintain detailed records of all inspections and modifications performed to demonstrate compliance with the directive. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, which would prevent it from operating until the necessary actions are taken. In terms of the consequences for non-compliance, the Act does not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breach in this particular directive. However, non-compliance with airworthiness directives is generally considered a serious violation under civil aviation regulations. Such violations can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which may include grounding the aircraft, imposing fines, or taking legal action against the operator. The severity of the penalty would depend on the extent of the non-compliance and any resulting safety risks. It is important for operators to adhere strictly to the directives to avoid potential enforcement actions and to ensure the continued airworthiness of their aircraft.