AD/SWSA226/18 - Stabiliser Trim Disconnect Controls - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, constitute a comprehensive framework for the regulation of civil aviation within Australia. This legislation aims to ensure that all aspects of civil aviation operations, including the maintenance and safety standards of aircraft, are rigorously overseen to protect public safety and the integrity of the aviation industry. Part 39 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 specifically addresses the implementation of airworthiness directives, ensuring that aircraft meet stringent safety standards. The legislative instrument F2006B07164, under this part, pertains to the Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes, aiming to rectify specific safety concerns identified in these aircraft models. The policy objective of this directive is to mandate modifications to the stabiliser trim disconnect controls in these aeroplanes to prevent malfunctions that could compromise flight safety, with compliance required within a specified timeframe. This legislative instrument underscores the commitment to maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation through targeted directives addressing identified risks.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued an airworthiness directive under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically targeting the Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes. This directive, AD/SWSA226/18, applies to all models of these aircraft fitted with an automatic pilot. The directive mandates a modification to the stabiliser trim disconnect controls to ensure ongoing safety and compliance with aviation standards. It is imperative that this modification is completed within 100 hours of time in service following the directive's issuance date of 30 August 1974, as per the referenced Swearingen Alert Service Bulletins SB A22-10-2059, -3063, or -4062 and supplement 1. The directive operates under the Commonwealth's jurisdiction and applies nationally, ensuring a uniform standard of safety across all Australian airspace. There are no specified exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds in the directive itself, though further details or extensions might be provided through subordinate instruments issued by CASA.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105 (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) concerning the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes, contains a directive (AD/SWSA226/18) that mandates modifications to the stabiliser trim disconnect controls. This directive applies to all models of these aeroplanes that are equipped with an automatic pilot (Part 39 - 105). The directive was issued in compliance with Swearingen Alert Service Bulletins (SB) A22-10-2059, -3063, or -4062 and their supplement 1. The directive specifies that compliance with these modifications is required within 100 hours of time in service after 30 August 1974 (8/74). Under this directive, operators and owners of the affected aircraft must ensure that the modifications to the stabiliser trim disconnect controls are carried out by authorised personnel. These modifications are critical to maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft, particularly in relation to the automatic pilot functionality. Operators are expected to verify that the required modifications have been completed in accordance with the specified service bulletins and any applicable technical instructions or guidance provided by the manufacturer or the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/SWSA226/18 can result in serious safety implications. The Act imposes obligations on the operators and owners of the SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes to adhere to these directives to ensure the safety of the aircraft and its passengers. Non-compliance may lead to enforcement actions, including potential grounding of the aircraft until the required modifications are made. Furthermore, CASA has the authority to impose administrative penalties, including fines, against operators or owners who fail to comply with airworthiness directives. The seriousness of the potential consequences underscores the importance of adhering to the specified compliance timeframe and ensuring that all modifications are carried out in accordance with the regulatory requirements.