AD/SM-260/4 Amdt 3 - Main Landing Gear Control Bellcrank Bolts

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, was enacted to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft within Australia. One of the directives, AD/SM-260/4 Amendment 3, pertains to the SIAI Marchetti 260 Series Aeroplanes, focusing on the main landing gear control bellcrank bolts. This amendment was introduced to address the need for expanded applicability and updated inspection intervals for the affected aircraft models, namely F260, F260B, F260C, and F260D, with serial numbers listed in the SIAI-Marchetti Service Bulletin No 260B36 revision C. The objective is to ensure compliance with the specified maintenance inspection intervals, as detailed in the requirement document, and to mandate the use of improved replacement bolts with part number 260-14-35-5, which are now inspected at maintenance intervals not exceeding 1500 hours of time in service. This legislative instrument was enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, aiming to enhance safety standards in civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which is instrumental in ensuring the safety of aviation operations within Australia. This particular directive, AD/SM-260/4 Amendment 3, applies to SIAI Marchetti 260 series aeroplanes, namely the models F260, F260B, F260C, and F260D, as identified by their serial numbers listed in SIAI-Marchetti Service Bulletin No 260B36 revision C. The directive mandates that these aircraft must adhere to the actions specified in the aforementioned Service Bulletin to address the maintenance of main landing gear control bellcrank bolts, with a reference to RAI AD No 87-227/F260-29 Rev 3 for further guidance. Compliance with these directives is required at the maintenance inspection intervals detailed in the Requirement document, with an emphasis on improved replacement bolts P/No 260-14-35-5, which are now subject to inspections at intervals not exceeding 1500 hours of time in service. This legislative instrument, administered by the Commonwealth of Australia, has a broad jurisdictional reach across the nation, ensuring that all relevant entities operating within the Australian airspace comply with the stringent safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The directive applies to any person or entity that owns, operates, or maintains the specified SIAI Marchetti 260 series aeroplanes. The primary objective of this legislation is to enhance the safety and reliability of these aircraft through regular and specified inspections and maintenance actions, thus protecting the integrity of civil aviation operations.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly in Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, mandate specific requirements for the maintenance and inspection of the main landing gear control bellcrank bolts for SIAI Marchetti 260 Series Aeroplanes (section 5/88). The directive, AD/SM-260/4 Amendment 3, applies to models F260, F260B, F260C, and F260D with serial numbers listed in SIAI-Marchetti Service Bulletin No 260B36 revision C. The directive references RAI AD No 87-227/F260-29 Rev 3 for additional context. It requires action in accordance with the aforementioned service bulletin to ensure the integrity and safety of the aeroplanes' landing gear systems. Compliance with these directives involves adhering to the maintenance inspection intervals specified in the Requirement document. This includes following the instructions detailed in SIAI-Marchetti Service Bulletin No 260B36 revision C, which was updated to reflect changes in the inspection intervals and applicability. Operators must ensure that any replacement bolts, specifically the improved P/No 260-14-35-5 bolts, are inspected at intervals not exceeding 1500 hours of time in service. This ongoing requirement is crucial for maintaining the airworthiness of the affected aircraft models. Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations and the associated service bulletins can result in serious safety risks and regulatory breaches. The legislation does not explicitly state the penalties for non-compliance in this specific directive, but under broader civil aviation regulations, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to severe consequences. These may include fines, penalties, and potential grounding of the aircraft, which can result in significant operational disruptions and financial costs for the operators. Additionally, there may be criminal liability for individuals responsible for ensuring compliance if safety is compromised. The overarching aim of these regulations is to ensure that all SIAI Marchetti 260 Series Aeroplanes maintain their airworthiness by adhering to stringent inspection and maintenance protocols. The continuous oversight and regular updates to the service bulletins reflect the commitment to safety and operational reliability within the aviation sector. Operators must stay informed and compliant with these directives to avoid any adverse outcomes associated with non-compliance.