COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
SAAB SF340 Series Aeroplanes
AD/SF340/66 Engine Control Quadrant - Securing
of Power Cam Screw
10/98
Applicability: SAAB Model SF340A serial numbers 004 through 159 and SAAB Model 340B aeroplanes, serial numbers 160 through 439.
Requirement: Secure the control quadrant power cam securing screws in accordance with SAAB Service Bulletin SAAB 340-76-042 dated 28 May 1998.
Note: LFV Airworthiness Directive 1-128 dated 29 May 1998 refers.
Compliance: Within 1200 flight hours or six calendar months, whichever comes first, after the effective date of this Directive.
This airworthiness directive becomes effective on 10 September 1998.
Background: One operator has reported two instances of Power Lever (PL) binding. The cause of the binding was that the screws holding the spacer between the two PL cams in the flight idle stop unit were of an incorrect type and therefore not properly secured. The result of this situation is that the screws can back out and interfere with the PL and limit the movement to maximum 80% power or prevent PL movement in the ground power range.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted by the Australian Parliament to regulate civil aviation safety, ensuring that all aircraft operations meet certain safety standards. This legislation is designed to address gaps in aircraft safety and operational standards, aiming to protect the public and enhance the safety of air travel. Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 includes specific directives to ensure the airworthiness of aircraft, such as the Saab SF340 Series Aeroplanes. The Airworthiness Directive AD/SF340/66, issued to secure the control quadrant power cam screws, was introduced to address an issue where incorrect screws were used, leading to potential power lever binding and restricted engine power. The directive requires operators to secure the screws as per the SAAB Service Bulletin, ensuring compliance within 1200 flight hours or six calendar months from the directive's effective date, which was 10 September 1998. This directive was issued in response to reported incidents of power lever binding, aiming to mitigate risks and maintain the safety of the aircraft.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, governs the airworthiness of aircraft in Australia and mandates compliance with Airworthiness Directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. This particular directive, AD/SF340/66, applies to SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 004 through 439. The directive requires the securing of the power cam screws on the engine control quadrant to prevent issues such as Power Lever binding, which can limit engine power or impede movement. Compliance with this directive is mandatory within 1200 flight hours or six calendar months from the directive's effective date of 10 September 1998. The directive references SAAB Service Bulletin SAAB 340-76-042 and LFV Airworthiness Directive 1-128 for further technical guidance. The directive does not explicitly mention any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, implying that all specified aircraft within the serial number range must comply with the directive's requirements.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes a directive concerning the Saab SF340 series aeroplanes. This directive, identified as AD/SF340/66, pertains to the engine control quadrant and the securing of the power cam screw. It applies to Saab SF340A models with serial numbers ranging from 004 through 159, and Saab SF340B models with serial numbers from 160 through 439. The directive mandates that the control quadrant power cam securing screws must be secured in accordance with the Saab Service Bulletin SAAB 340-76-042 dated 28 May 1998. This is in response to two reported instances of Power Lever (PL) binding, which occurred due to the incorrect type of screws being used, leading to potential power limitations and restricted movement.
The directive imposes clear obligations on the operators of the specified Saab SF340 series aeroplanes. Operators must ensure that the screws securing the spacer between the two PL cams in the flight idle stop unit are correctly installed as per the Saab Service Bulletin mentioned. This is to prevent any future instances of binding that could compromise the aircraft's power output or restrict movement, particularly during ground operations. The compliance requirement is stringent, demanding that these screws be secured within 1200 flight hours or six calendar months from the directive's effective date of 10 September 1998, whichever period concludes first.
Failure to comply with the requirements outlined in this airworthiness directive could result in serious consequences. The directive explicitly refers to LFV Airworthiness Directive 1-128 dated 29 May 1998, which underscores the importance of adhering to these specifications. While the regulations do not explicitly detail the penalties for non-compliance within the text provided, non-compliance with CASA directives typically results in significant repercussions, including potential grounding of the aircraft, fines, and other enforcement actions by CASA. These measures are enforced to maintain the highest safety standards in civil aviation.