AD/SF340/59 Amdt 1 - Flap Support Strap

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, was enacted by the Australian Government to ensure the safety and airworthiness of civil aircraft within Australian airspace. One of the significant issues these regulations address is the maintenance and structural integrity of aircraft components, particularly in response to identified safety risks. The problem this legislation was introduced to address includes ensuring that all aircraft operating within Australia comply with stringent safety standards to mitigate risks of structural failures that could compromise flight safety. The policy objective is to maintain high safety standards through rigorous oversight and compliance with specific directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted by the Australian Parliament and provide a comprehensive framework for regulating civil aviation activities. In response to specific safety concerns identified with the SAAB SF340 Series Aeroplanes, the regulations introduced Airworthiness Directives to mandate corrective actions. For instance, Amendment 1 to AD/SF340/59 addresses the structural integrity of flap support straps in certain SAAB SF340 Series models, requiring inspections and repairs to prevent potential failures. The directive mandates compliance within specific timeframes, ensuring that aircraft remain airworthy and safe for operation. This amendment underscores the commitment to continuous improvement in aviation safety and the importance of adhering to updated safety standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to certain models of Saab SF340 Series aeroplanes. The directive is applicable to Model SF340A with serial numbers ranging from SF340A-004 through -159 and Model 340B with serial numbers ranging from 340B-160 through -384, -386 through -404, -406 through -408, and -410 through -413. The directive mandates action in accordance with SAAB Service Bulletin 340-57-033 Revision 2, with reference to LFV AD 1-117R1. Compliance with this directive requires that the specified action be taken at the next scheduled structural inspection of the flap, or within 3000 flights after 21 May 1998, whichever occurs later. For flaps that have accumulated more than 16,000 flights, an external and internal visual inspection must be performed within 1500 flights after 21 May 1998, unless the flap has been modified within that period. This amendment became effective on 21 May 1998, following the discovery of a cracked forward lower spar cap and a cracked support strap during a scheduled inspection.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate the airworthiness directives (AD) concerning the Saab SF340 series aeroplanes. The directive in question, AD/SF340/59 Amendment 1, pertains to the flap support strap of certain Saab SF340 models. This AD applies to the Model SF340A with serial numbers ranging from SF340A-004 to SF340A-159 and Model 340B with serial numbers from 340B-160 to 340B-384, 340B-386 to 340B-404, 340B-406 to 340B-408, and 340B-410 to 340B-413 (Section 39-105). The requirement is for the action to be taken in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-57-033 Revision 2, which addresses the identified issue with the flap support strap. The regulations impose specific obligations on the parties involved, including aircraft operators and maintenance providers. Operators must ensure that the specified models of the Saab SF340 series comply with the directive by taking appropriate action. This includes adhering to the compliance schedule which mandates an inspection at the next scheduled structural inspection of the flap or within 3000 flights after 21 May 1998, whichever is later. For flaps that have accumulated more than 16,000 flights, an external and internal visual inspection must be conducted within 1500 flights after 21 May 1998, unless the flap has been modified within this period. The directive references LFV AD 1-117R1 for further clarification on compliance. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive may result in serious consequences. The regulations do not explicitly state penalties or civil/criminal consequences for non-compliance in the provided text. However, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can generally lead to the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, which could result in grounding of the aircraft, fines, and potential legal action under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The exact penalties would depend on the specific circumstances and the discretion of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The directive becomes effective on 21 May 1998, and adherence to this timeline is critical to ensure the continued airworthiness of the specified aircraft models.