AD/SF340/41 - Elevator and Aileron Coves

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, addresses numerous safety directives pertinent to civil aviation within Australia. One such directive, AD/SF340/41, was introduced to tackle issues concerning the Saab SF340 series aeroplanes, particularly those models SF340A with serial numbers 004 through 159 and SF340B with serial numbers 160 through 260. This directive was enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in response to a reported incident where the elevators of an aircraft required more control force than usual. Subsequent investigations uncovered that water ingress had led to potential jamming of control surfaces, necessitating corrective actions. The directive mandates adherence to SAAB Service Bulletin 340-51-012, with an initial detailed inspection required within 500 hours of time in service following 3 February 1994. The overarching policy objective is to enhance aircraft safety by preventing structural failures that could compromise control surfaces.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, governs the safety and operational standards for aircraft within Australia. Under this regulation, the Airworthiness Directive (AD) applies to Saab SF340 Series aeroplanes, specifically the SF340A models with serial numbers 004 through 159 and the SF340B models with serial numbers 160 through 260. The directive mandates compliance with the action outlined in Saab Service Bulletin 340-51-012 to address a critical safety issue related to the elevator and aileron coves. This safety issue was identified after an incident where an aircraft's elevators required more control force than normal, resulting from water ingress and freezing, which could lead to jamming of the control surfaces. The directive requires an initial detailed inspection within 500 hours of time in service following 3 February 1994. The scope of this regulation is national, applying to all relevant aircraft operating within Australia, and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, establish a schedule of airworthiness directives for the Saab SF340 series aeroplanes, specifically targeting elevators and aileron coves (AD/SF340/41). The directive applies to two specific models: the SF340A with serial numbers ranging from 004 to 159 and the SF340B with serial numbers ranging from 160 to 260. The requirement outlined in this directive mandates that the action must be in accordance with SAAB Service Bulletin 340-51-012. The directive references LFV AD 1-060 for additional context and compliance. The compliance requirements are stringent, stipulating that the initial detailed inspection must be conducted within 500 hours of time in service after the directive was issued on 3 February 1994. The directive addresses a specific issue where water ingress between the composite structure and the aluminium foil of the cove could lead to increased control force and potential jamming of the control surface, particularly when the water froze and made contact with the elevator. This inspection is critical to ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the affected aircraft models. Entities governed by these regulations must adhere to the directive’s stipulations meticulously. Operators of the specified Saab SF340 series aeroplanes must ensure that all required inspections and actions are performed as outlined in the SAAB Service Bulletin 340-51-012. Failure to comply with these provisions could lead to serious safety risks, including potential control surface malfunctions that might endanger the aircraft and its occupants. Breach of these obligations may result in significant consequences. While specific offences and penalties are not detailed within the text, non-compliance with airworthiness directives is generally a serious matter. In Australia, violations of civil aviation regulations can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which may include fines, suspension of airworthiness certificates, or other regulatory penalties. In severe cases, criminal charges might also be applicable, leading to imprisonment. The precise penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as any resultant safety implications.