COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
SIAI Marchetti 260 Series Aeroplanes
AD/SM-260/17 Aileron Balance Weight Security 12/87 DM
Applicability: All models F260, F260B, F260C, and F260D up to S/No 749 Requirement: Action in accordance with SIAI Marchetti SB 260-B52.
Compliance: Within 10 hours time in service after 23 September 1987 and thereafter every 50 hours time in service.
Background: There has been a case of lost and loose screws that secure the aileron balance weight. Loss of the balance weight will affect the flutter characteristics of the aileron control system.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia and administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, contain provisions designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation. Part 39, specifically, addresses Airworthiness Directives, which are mandatory orders issued by the authority to correct an unsafe condition on an aircraft. The directive AD/SM-260/17 pertains to the SIAI Marchetti 260 Series aeroplanes, aiming to address an issue identified with the aileron balance weight security, which is crucial for the aircraft's flutter characteristics and overall flight safety. The directive requires compliance within a specified timeframe to ensure the balance weight is securely fastened, thereby preventing potential hazards associated with its loss or loosening. The policy objective is to maintain the highest safety standards in civil aviation by promptly addressing and rectifying any identified safety concerns.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, apply to all aspects of civil aviation within Australia, encompassing the operation, maintenance, and certification of aircraft. Specifically, the regulation in question, Part 39 - 105, pertains to the airworthiness directives concerning the SIAI Marchetti 260 series aeroplanes. This directive, AD/SM-260/17, applies to all models F260, F260B, F260C, and F260D up to serial number 749. The requirement necessitates action to ensure the aileron balance weight is secured as per the SIAI Marchetti SB 260-B52 specifications, with compliance mandated within 10 hours of time in service after 23 September 1987 and subsequently every 50 hours of time in service. This directive is a critical safety measure aimed at preventing the loss of the balance weight, which could adversely affect the flutter characteristics of the aileron control system, potentially compromising the aircraft's safety.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates that all SIAI Marchetti 260 Series aeroplanes, including models F260, F260B, F260C, and F260D up to serial number 749, must comply with Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/SM-260/17 issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This directive addresses the security of aileron balance weights (section 12/87). The directive requires action in accordance with the SIAI Marchetti Service Bulletin (SB) 260-B52, which outlines the necessary steps to secure the aileron balance weights to prevent their loss or loosening.
The directive mandates that this action must be taken within 10 hours of time in service after 23 September 1987, and then every 50 hours of time in service thereafter (section 12/87). This requirement stems from an incident where screws securing the aileron balance weight were lost, which could compromise the flutter characteristics of the aileron control system. The loss of these balance weights can lead to significant safety issues, making the directive's compliance crucial.
Entities and individuals governed by these regulations must ensure that they adhere to the specified timeframes for action. This involves inspecting the aileron balance weights within the stipulated period after 23 September 1987 and subsequently every 50 hours of time in service. Additionally, the entities must ensure that the corrective actions as outlined in SIAI Marchetti SB 260-B52 are implemented correctly to prevent any future issues. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to serious safety implications.
Failure to comply with the AD/SM-260/17 may result in serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can be considered an offence, potentially leading to enforcement actions by CASA. The consequences can include civil penalties, such as fines, and in severe cases, criminal charges may be brought against the responsible parties. The specific penalties can vary based on the severity of the breach and the discretion of the court, but they are intended to enforce strict compliance with safety regulations to protect the public and maintain the integrity of the aviation industry.