AD/SF340/6 Amdt 1 - Flap 20 Degree Limit Stop

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, addresses safety concerns related to the Saab SF340 Series aeroplanes by issuing Airworthiness Directives (ADs). Enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), this legislation aims to ensure that aircraft meet necessary safety standards. One such AD, AD/SF340/6 Amendment 1, was introduced to address issues with the flap 20-degree limit stop on specific SF 340A models, particularly those with serial numbers ranging from 004 to 138 that do not incorporate modifications 1462 and 1784. The problem identified was that under certain icing conditions, there was an insufficient flow separation margin on the right-hand stabilizer, and the flight manual restriction was inadequate in helping pilots determine if an ice-degraded condition existed. The policy objective is to enhance flight safety by ensuring compliance with the directive prior to further flight after 5 May 1986, with reference to Swedish BCA AD 1-015 Rev B for additional guidance.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) established the Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning the Saab SF340 Series Aeroplanes, specifically targeting aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 004 to 138 that have not incorporated modifications No 1462 and 1784. This directive mandates action in accordance with Service Bulletin SF 340-27-036, with a focus on addressing the insufficiency in the margin of flow separation on the right-hand stabilizer during certain icing conditions, even when they are not severe. The directive also addresses the inadequacy of the flight manual restrictions, as pilots were encountering difficulties determining if an ice-degraded condition was present. Compliance with this directive is required prior to further flight after 5 May 1986, aiming to enhance safety and operational effectiveness. This regulation applies within the Commonwealth of Australia, overseen by CASA, and extends its reach to ensure adherence to the specified modifications and operational standards across the relevant aircraft fleet.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate airworthiness directives for certain aircraft, including the Saab SF340 Series Aeroplanes, through Amendment 1 (AD/SF340/6). This amendment relates to the flap 20-degree limit stop, applicable to SF 340A aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 004 to 138 that have not incorporated Modification Nos. 1462 and 1784. The requirement is to perform actions in accordance with S.B. SF 340-27-036, and it references Swedish BCA AD 1-015 Rev B for further guidance. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, and it must be met before any further flight after 5 May 1986. These regulations impose specific obligations on the parties involved, particularly on the operators and owners of the affected SF 340A aircraft. The primary obligation is to ensure that the aircraft are modified in compliance with the directive to address the insufficient margin of flow separation on the right-hand stabilizer during certain icing conditions. This involves implementing the modifications specified in the directive, ensuring that the aircraft meet the required standards before being returned to service. Additionally, operators must ensure that all pilots are adequately trained and informed about the modifications and any associated flight manual restrictions. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive can result in significant legal and operational consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations may impose fines, penalties, or other sanctions for non-compliance. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, non-compliance with airworthiness directives is generally considered a serious matter under civil aviation law, and penalties can include substantial fines and potential grounding of the aircraft until compliance is achieved. Additionally, non-compliance could lead to safety issues, risking the aircraft's airworthiness and potentially leading to more severe civil or criminal liability if accidents occur due to the non-compliance.