AD/SF340/43 - Power Lever Placard

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by F2006B06972, introduces specific airworthiness directives for the SAAB SF340 Series Aeroplanes, particularly addressing the power lever placard issue. This legislative instrument was enacted to address the safety gap identified in the operation of SAAB SF340 aircraft, specifically concerning the inadvertent overspeeding of propellers during descent, which could lead to a loss of engine power. The problem arose from the possibility of the crew selecting the power levers to a position below 'flight idle', a scenario which could have catastrophic consequences. This directive applies to all SAAB SF 340A aircraft with serial numbers 004 through 159 and all SF 340B aircraft with serial numbers 160 through 379. The policy objective is to ensure compliance with SAAB Service Bulletin 340-76-033, requiring adherence to the directive unless the specified action has already been performed within 14 days from 16 May 1994. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the enacting body, with the ultimate goal of enhancing aviation safety by mitigating the identified risk of power loss due to propeller overspeed.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, specifically address the application and compliance requirements of Airworthiness Directives for certain aircraft types, including the SAAB SF340 series aeroplanes. This directive applies to all SAAB SF 340A aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 004 through 159, as well as all SAAB SF 340B aircraft with serial numbers from 160 through 379. The directive mandates compliance with SAAB Service Bulletin 340-76-033, which includes actions to ensure the power lever placard is correctly installed and visible to the crew to prevent inadvertent overspeeding of the propellers. The directive is applicable from 16 May 1994, requiring that the specified actions be completed within 14 days of this date unless they have already been carried out. The directive's intent is to mitigate risks identified from a reported incident where engine power was lost during descent, potentially due to crew error in lever positioning. The scope of this regulation is limited to the specified aircraft models and serial numbers, with no broader exclusions or exemptions mentioned within the directive itself, though further details or modifications may be found in subordinate instruments or additional service bulletins.

Key Provisions

The key operative section in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 is Part 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (ADs). Specifically, AD/SF340/43 mandates the compliance of all SAAB SF 340A aeroplanes with serial numbers (S/N) 004 through 159 and SF 340B aeroplanes with S/N 160 through 379. This directive, dated 7/94, requires the action outlined in SAAB Service Bulletin 340-76-033 (section 3). This service bulletin pertains to a power lever placard to prevent the inadvertent selection of the power levers below the ‘flight idle’ position during descent, which could lead to overspeeding of the propellers and a loss of engine power, as evidenced by a recent incident overseas. The obligations and requirements imposed by this AD are clear and specific. Operators of the affected SAAB SF 340 series aeroplanes must ensure that all aircraft within the specified serial numbers have a power lever placard installed as per the instructions in SAAB Service Bulletin 340-76-033. This must be completed unless the required action was already undertaken within 14 days from the date of the directive, 16 May 1994. The directive also references FAA AD 94-09-09 amendment 39-8898, indicating a collaborative effort between CASA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to address this safety concern. Failure to comply with AD/SF340/43 may result in serious consequences. Although the specific civil or criminal penalties are not detailed within the text of the directive itself, non-compliance with ADs generally can lead to enforcement actions by CASA. These actions can include administrative penalties, such as fines, and more severe outcomes like suspension or revocation of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness. Such severe repercussions underscore the importance of adhering to the AD's requirements to maintain the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. It is crucial for operators to be aware that ADs are legally binding and designed to address critical safety issues promptly. The specific reference to an overseas incident where engine power was lost due to overspeeding of the propellers highlights the potential for serious accidents if these directives are not followed. Thus, operators must ensure that all necessary actions are taken without delay to mitigate these risks and comply with the regulations set forth by CASA.