AD/SF340/9 Amdt 1 - Power Control Cable

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended through F2006B07020, were enacted to address safety concerns in the operation of Saab SF340 series aeroplanes, specifically targeting the integrity of power control cables. This legislative instrument, introduced by the Australian Government, aims to enhance aviation safety by ensuring that these cables are regularly inspected to prevent potential mechanical failures. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is the enacting body responsible for issuing this safety directive, which aims to mitigate risks associated with the wear of power control cables, thereby safeguarding the operational integrity of the aircraft. The policy objective is to ensure that the aeroplanes comply with the specified maintenance requirements to avoid any unintended movement of the power levers, which could lead to hazardous flight conditions. This amendment was introduced following reports of wear in the two-pin joints of the power control cables, which could lead to the enlargement of the pin holes and subsequent shearing of the pins. This condition has the potential to cause the power lever on the power control unit to be moved into the Beta Range inadvertently when the power lever in the control quadrant is set to flight idle. Consequently, the amendment mandates a more rigorous inspection regime, requiring an initial inspection and subsequent inspections at intervals not exceeding 200 hours of service, to ensure that the identified safety issues are adequately addressed.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/SF340/9 Amendment 1, applies to Saab SF340A series aeroplanes that have power control cables P/No C82146-1 and/or C82146-2 installed. This regulation is a Commonwealth legislative instrument designed to ensure the safety and reliability of these specific aircraft models by addressing identified issues with the power control cables. The directive mandates that these cables must be inspected in accordance with SAAB Alert Service Bulletin No SF340-76A-024 revision 2, which references Swedish AD No 1-024 revision A, reflecting an international standardisation in addressing the identified safety concerns. The requirement stipulates that the initial inspection must be completed if not already done, and subsequent inspections must occur at intervals not exceeding 200 hours of time in service. This directive aims to mitigate the risk of wear and potential failure in the two-pin joint of the power control cables, which could lead to unintended movement of the power lever into the Beta Range. The directive's scope is limited to the specified SAAB SF340A models and their particular power control cables, and it does not extend to other aircraft types or components unless explicitly stated otherwise through subordinate instruments or amendments.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, address the maintenance and inspection requirements for Saab SF340 series aeroplanes, with a focus on airworthiness directives related to power control cables. Section AD/SF340/9 Amendment 1 mandates that operators of Saab SF340A models with specific power control cables must conduct inspections in accordance with SAAB Alert Service Bulletin No SF340-76A-024 revision 2 (Section 7/88). This directive applies to aircraft equipped with power control cables identified by part numbers C82146-1 and/or C82146-2. These regulations necessitate a thorough inspection of the power control cables to prevent wear at the two-pin joint and the end pieces, which could lead to the enlargement of pin holes. Such wear could cause the pins to shear, potentially resulting in the unintentional movement of the power lever into the Beta Range. This condition poses a significant safety risk, as it could occur when the power lever in the control quadrant is set to flight idle. The inspection is required unless it has already been performed, with an initial inspection mandated and subsequent inspections at intervals not exceeding 200 hours of time in service. Operators and maintenance personnel must adhere to these inspection protocols to ensure compliance with the regulations. The responsibility lies with the aircraft operators to ensure that the inspections are carried out correctly and within the specified timeframes. Failure to comply with these directives can lead to serious safety implications and potential regulatory penalties. In terms of consequences, non-compliance with these airworthiness directives can result in severe penalties. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, violations can lead to civil penalties, including fines, and potentially criminal charges if the non-compliance leads to safety incidents or accidents. The exact penalties can vary, but they are designed to enforce stringent adherence to safety regulations. Operators found in breach of these directives may face substantial financial penalties and could also be subject to enforcement actions that may include grounding the aircraft until compliance is achieved.