Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, issued the AD/SWSA226/15 Airworthiness Directive concerning the Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to address specific safety concerns related to the main landing gear door hinge angles, which were identified as critical components that required stringent inspection and maintenance to ensure the continued airworthiness of the affected aircraft. The policy objective of this directive is to enhance the safety and reliability of these aircraft by mandating regular inspections and timely replacement of the landing gear door hinges, thereby mitigating potential risks that could compromise flight safety. The directive applies to all model SA226TC, SA226T, and SA226AT with specified serial numbers, ensuring that these aircraft meet the stringent safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under PART 39 - 105, establish specific airworthiness directives that apply to certain aircraft models within the Commonwealth of Australia. Specifically, AD/SWSA226/15 pertains to Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes, detailing mandatory inspection and replacement procedures for the main landing gear door hinge angles. This directive applies to all model SA226TC with serial numbers ranging from TC-201 to TC-207, all model SA226T with serial numbers from T201 to T248, and all model SA226AT with serial numbers from AT-001 to AT-022. Compliance requires operators of these aircraft to inspect the specified components at each daily or overnight inspection until replacement occurs, with replacement mandated within 300 hours of time in service following 31 December 1973, or 1 April 1974, whichever date is later. These regulations are enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and are integral to maintaining the safety and airworthiness standards of the specified aircraft within Australia.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 105, outlines the requirements for maintaining the airworthiness of certain Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes. Section AD/SWSA226/15 focuses on the main landing gear door hinge angles, providing directives for inspection and replacement to ensure continued airworthiness of these aircraft models. The directive applies to specific serial numbers of the SA226TC, SA226T, and SA226AT models (Sections 1.1 to 1.3). Operators must follow the instructions provided in the Swearingen SB 52-80-3041.12/73 document for compliance. Under these regulations, operators are mandated to inspect the main landing gear door hinge angles at each daily or overnight inspection (Section 1.1). This ensures that any wear or damage is identified promptly, maintaining the structural integrity of the landing gear. Additionally, operators must replace the main landing gear door hinge angles within 300 hours of time in service after 31 December 1973, or 1 April 1974, whichever date occurs first (Section 1.2). This requirement underscores the importance of timely maintenance to prevent potential failures during critical phases of flight. Operators and maintenance personnel have specific obligations under these regulations. They must ensure that inspections are conducted meticulously and documented accurately, adhering to the prescribed schedule. Furthermore, they are required to perform the replacement of the hinge angles as stipulated, using approved methods and materials to maintain the aircraft's airworthiness. Failure to comply with these directives could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, leading to operational restrictions and potential grounding. Failure to adhere to the requirements of Section AD/SWSA226/15 could result in significant consequences. Non-compliance with these airworthiness directives can lead to penalties, as outlined in the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The severity of penalties may vary depending on the nature and extent of the breach, but they can include substantial fines and, in severe cases, criminal charges. The maximum penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives can include fines of up to $275,000 for corporations and $55,000 for individuals, highlighting the importance of strict adherence to these regulations to ensure the safety and reliability of the aircraft in operation.