AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/SF340/90 Amdt 1 and issues the following AD under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CASR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
SAAB SF340 Series Aeroplanes
AD/SF340/90
Amdt 2
Main Landing Gear Assistor Spring and Bearing Replacement
9/2003
DM
Applicability: SAAB SF340A model aeroplanes S/no’s 004 to 159 and 340B model aeroplanes S/no’s 160 to 459.
Requirement: Replace MLG assistor springs and re-identify MLG drag braces in accordance with Modification Part 1 (MOD 3127) of SAAB Aircraft AB Mandatory Service Bulletin 340-32-130 dated 28 April 2003, and install new bearings on the lower attachment of the MLG assistor springs of the shock struts and re-identify shock struts in accordance with Modification Part 2 (MOD 3132) of SAAB Aircraft AB Mandatory Service Bulletin 340-32-130 dated 28 April 2003.
Note: LFV AD 1-191 refers.
Compliance: a. For aeroplanes not in compliance with the original issue of this Directive, not later than 31 August 2003;
b. For aeroplanes in compliance with the original issue of this Directive, install new bearings on the lower attachment of the MLG assistor springs of the shock struts and re-identify shock struts in accordance with Modification Part 2 (MOD 3132) of SAAB Aircraft AB Mandatory Service Bulletin 340-32-130 dated 28 April 2003, not later than 30 November 2003.
This Amendment becomes effective on 16 July 2003.
SAAB SF340 Series Aeroplanes
AD/SF340/90 Amdt 2 (continued)
Background: Since the issue of LFV AD 1-185 (installation of new MLG assistor springs), which is the subject of the original issue of this Directive, the Swedish LFV has issued LFV AD 1-191 after further discrepancies were found that affected the operation of the MLG assistor spring assemblies. In order to rectify the discrepancies, it is further required to install new bearings to the lower attachment for the assistor springs on the MLG shock struts. This amendment merges the requirements of Amdt 1 of this AD, and better clarifies compliance requirements of Swedish LFV AD1-191.
Jim Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 8 July 2003
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 16 July 2003.
Overview
The Airworthiness Directive issued under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) targets specific safety concerns with SAAB SF340 Series Aeroplanes, particularly the SAAB SF340A and 340B models with serial numbers within specified ranges. This legislative instrument, published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 16 July 2003, aims to address unsafe conditions identified with the main landing gear (MLG) assistor springs and bearings. The directive mandates the replacement of MLG assistor springs and the installation of new bearings in accordance with specific modifications outlined in SAAB Aircraft AB Mandatory Service Bulletin 340-32-130 dated 28 April 2003, ensuring compliance to rectify these safety issues and maintain airworthiness standards.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/SF340/90 Amdt 2, issued by a delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, applies specifically to SAAB SF340A model aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 004 to 159 and SAAB SF340B model aeroplanes with serial numbers from 160 to 459. This AD mandates the replacement of Main Landing Gear (MLG) assistor springs and the re-identification of MLG drag braces and shock struts, in accordance with the specified modifications detailed in SAAB Aircraft AB Mandatory Service Bulletin 340-32-130 dated 28 April 2003. The directive requires compliance within specific timeframes: for aeroplanes not previously in compliance with the original AD, the actions must be completed by 31 August 2003, while those already compliant with the original directive must complete the new bearing installation and shock strut re-identification by 30 November 2003. This AD is effective from 16 July 2003 and was notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on the same date, illustrating the jurisdictional reach and legislative authority of CASA in ensuring aviation safety standards.
Key Provisions
The main sections of the Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/SF340/90 Amdt 2 focus on the applicability (paragraph 1) and requirement (paragraph 2) for SAAB SF340A and 340B model aeroplanes with specific serial numbers. The AD mandates that the MLG (Main Landing Gear) assistor springs and bearings of these aircraft be replaced in accordance with specific modifications outlined in SAAB Aircraft AB Mandatory Service Bulletin 340-32-130 dated 28 April 2003. Compliance with these requirements is crucial to address the unsafe conditions identified with the MLG assistor spring assemblies.
Under this AD, the entities governed, including aircraft operators and maintenance service providers, are obligated to ensure that the specified modifications are carried out correctly and in a timely manner. Specifically, for aircraft not previously in compliance with the original directive, these modifications must be completed by 31 August 2003. For aircraft that were already compliant with the original directive, the installation of new bearings and re-identification of shock struts must be completed by 30 November 2003. These obligations are clearly defined to ensure that all relevant parties understand their responsibilities in maintaining the airworthiness of the affected aircraft.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this AD may result in significant consequences. Although the specific penalties are not detailed within the text, non-compliance with airworthiness directives generally carries severe penalties under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations. Such penalties can include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and potential legal action against the operators or maintenance providers. The severity of these consequences underscores the importance of adhering to the AD to maintain the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft in question.