COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Vickers Supermarine Spitfire Series Aeroplanes
AD/SPITFIRE/1 Chassis Pintles 13/96
Applicability: All mks, all models.
Requirement: Unless already accomplished, inspect the MLG chassis pintles for cracking using a magnetic particle method (MPI).
Note: UK CAA MPD 1995-089 refers.
Compliance: At the next inspection for Maintenance Release issue after 5 December 1996; thereafter before installation of replacement pintles.
Background: As the result of a landing gear failure in 1976 the UK CAA advised UK operators to undertake an inspection of the MLG chassis pintles. Since that time there have been cracks reported in new spares. As a precaution, the aircraft on the Australian Register will require a one time inspection.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which were enacted by the Australian Government, aim to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation operations within Australia. This legislative instrument, specifically pertaining to Part 39 - 105, focuses on Airworthiness Directives for the Vickers Supermarine Spitfire Series Aeroplanes. The directive AD/SPITFIRE/1 addresses the issue of potential cracking in the MLG (main landing gear) chassis pintles, a concern that originated from a landing gear failure incident in 1976. The problem was further highlighted by reports of cracks in new spare parts. To mitigate these risks, the regulation mandates a mandatory inspection of the MLG chassis pintles using a magnetic particle inspection (MPI) method. Compliance with this directive is required at the next maintenance release issue after 5 December 1996 and before the installation of any replacement pintles, ensuring that all aircraft registered in Australia adhere to the same safety standards as those enforced by the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, mandates the inspection of Vickers Supermarine Spitfire Series Aeroplanes, encompassing all marks and models, for the condition of the MLG (Main Landing Gear) chassis pintles. The requirement is to inspect these pintles for any cracking using a magnetic particle inspection method, as referenced by the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s MPD 1995-089. This directive applies to all Spitfire aeroplanes registered in Australia, ensuring that these aircraft meet the necessary safety standards. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must occur at the next inspection scheduled for Maintenance Release issue following 5 December 1996, and subsequently before the installation of any replacement pintles. This requirement extends to all registered Spitfire aircraft within the Commonwealth of Australia, thereby ensuring that the risk of landing gear failure, which has been identified through historical incidents and reports of cracked spares, is adequately managed.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, include a schedule of airworthiness directives (ADs) which are critical for ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. One such AD is AD/SPITFIRE/1 which pertains to the Vickers Supermarine Spitfire Series Aeroplanes. Section (1) of this AD mandates that all models and marks of the Vickers Supermarine Spitfire aeroplanes must have their main landing gear (MLG) chassis pintles inspected for cracking. This inspection must be performed using a magnetic particle method (MPI), unless it has already been accomplished (Section 2). A reference to UK CAA MPD 1995-089 is provided for further guidance on this inspection method.
Entities and individuals governed by these regulations are required to comply with the inspection mandate stipulated in the AD. Compliance must be achieved at the next inspection for maintenance release issue after 5 December 1996, and subsequently, before the installation of any replacement pintles (Section 3). The AD necessitates that the inspection is carried out to ensure the integrity of the MLG chassis pintles, given historical issues with cracking that have led to landing gear failures.
Failure to comply with the AD/SPITFIRE/1 can result in significant consequences. The AD underscores the importance of adhering to these safety measures to prevent potential accidents and ensure the continued airworthiness of the aircraft. Although the specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed within the AD itself, under broader civil aviation regulations, breaches can lead to enforcement actions, fines, or other civil or criminal penalties as appropriate, reflecting the severity of ensuring compliance with airworthiness directives.