AD/SF340/49 Amdt 1 - Brakes

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the safety and airworthiness of aircraft, including the issuance of airworthiness directives to mitigate safety risks. Enacted by the Australian Parliament, these regulations were introduced to ensure the safety and reliability of civil aviation in Australia. One such amendment, AD/SF340/49 Amendment 1, targets the SAAB SF340 series aeroplanes to address issues related to brake failures, which previously led to significant safety incidents such as wheel collapse, brake fires, and gear retraction problems. This amendment, effective from 19 June 1997, mandates compliance with specific service bulletins and revised inspection times to rectify these safety concerns, aligning with broader policy objectives of enhancing aviation safety and maintaining high standards of aircraft operation in Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, outlines the application and requirements for airworthiness directives concerning Saab SF340 series aeroplanes, detailing the necessary actions for maintaining safe operation standards. This particular directive applies to all Saab SF 340A aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 004 to 159, and to all Saab 340B aircraft with serial numbers 160 and above. It mandates compliance with the specifications outlined in SAAB Service Bulletin 340-32-105, including the incorporation of revisions from SAAB Service Bulletin 340-32-110, which addresses the removal of the brake heat shield. This directive ensures safety by addressing issues such as brake stationary disc failures that have led to significant operational hazards, including wheel collapse, brake fires, and the inability to retract the main landing gear. The compliance requirements necessitate adherence to the detailed timelines and procedures provided in the attached documents, with initial inspections mandated at specific dates in November 1995, followed by ongoing compliance as specified until further notice. This amendment, effective from 19 June 1997, responds to an earlier directive from the Swedish Civil Aviation Administration and serves to maintain safety and operational integrity for the affected aircraft.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 105, addresses the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for the SAAB SF340 Series Aeroplanes, detailing the AD/SF340/49 Amendment 1. This amendment, effective from 19 June 1997, mandates action concerning the brakes for the SAAB SF340A with serial numbers 004 to 159 and the SAAB SF340B with serial numbers 160 onwards. The requirement stipulates adherence to Attachment 1 and 2 of the SAAB Service Bulletin 340-32-105. This includes the incorporation of SAAB Service Bulletin 340-32-110 with its attachments, which allows for the removal of the heat shield. This amendment references LFV AD 1-075 R1 and specifies compliance with the Requirement Document, including revised initial inspection times of 10 November 1995 and 14 November 1995 for attachments 1 and 2, respectively. The compliance statement remains unchanged for the initial inspection requirement but is supplemented with additional information. The obligations imposed by this directive require aircraft operators and maintenance providers to follow the detailed instructions and revised inspection schedules outlined in the specified SAAB Service Bulletins and the Requirement Document. Operators must ensure that the SAAB SF340A and SF340B aeroplanes are inspected and maintained according to these directives to prevent brake stationary disc failures and associated issues such as wheel collapse, brake fires, and landing gear retraction problems. Compliance with the initial inspection times and subsequent inspections as detailed in the Requirement Document is mandatory. This also includes the removal of the heat shield as permitted by the SAAB Service Bulletin 340-32-110. Failure to comply with the provisions of this Airworthiness Directive may lead to significant civil and criminal consequences. While specific penalties are not detailed in the text, non-compliance with CASA directives can generally result in severe penalties, including fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and potential criminal charges for operators and maintenance personnel. The exact penalties may vary depending on the severity and frequency of the non-compliance, but they are intended to enforce strict adherence to safety standards to protect public safety and ensure airworthiness.