COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 Series Aeroplanes
AD/SWSA226/22
Amdt 1
Elevator Quadrant - Inspection 4/78
Applicability: All model SA226T with S/Nos. T201 to T287; All model SA226AT with S/Nos.
AT001 to AT065; All model SA226TC with S/Nos. TC201 to TC247.
Document: Swearingen Service Note No. 062 Rev. 1.
Compliance: Unless already accomplished, within 100 hours time in service after 30 April 1978 and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 200 hours time in service until replaced by new design part.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically amended by the Legislative Instrument F2006B07165, address the need for stringent oversight and maintenance standards in the civil aviation sector. This legislation, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, aims to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft, specifically targeting the Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes. The regulations are designed to fill a critical gap in the existing safety framework by providing specific directives for the inspection and maintenance of the elevator quadrant of these aircraft models. The overarching policy objective is to enhance aviation safety by mandating regular inspections and adherence to prescribed maintenance intervals, thereby mitigating potential risks associated with mechanical failures.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) plays a pivotal role in implementing these regulations, ensuring that all specified aircraft models undergo mandatory inspections at defined intervals. This legislative measure was introduced to ensure that the identified aircraft meet stringent safety standards, thereby protecting passengers and crew and maintaining the integrity of the aviation industry. The directive applies to specific serial numbers of the SA226T, SA226AT, and SA226TC models, reinforcing the commitment to safety and operational reliability within the civil aviation domain.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to the Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes. This regulation mandates specific maintenance and inspection requirements for these aircraft to ensure their airworthiness and safety. The directive applies to all model SA226T with serial numbers T201 to T287, all model SA226AT with serial numbers AT001 to AT065, and all model SA226TC with serial numbers TC201 to TC247. This requirement is binding on the owners and operators of these aircraft within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring compliance with safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The directive necessitates an inspection of the elevator quadrant within 100 hours of service time after 30 April 1978, with subsequent inspections occurring at intervals not exceeding 200 hours of service time until the part is replaced by a new design. The authority to enforce these regulations is provided by the Civil Aviation Act 1988, which grants the Civil Aviation Safety Authority the power to issue and enforce airworthiness directives to ensure the safety of civil aviation in Australia.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39, Section 105, mandates specific airworthiness directives for certain aircraft models, including the Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes. This directive (AD/SWSA226/22 Amendment 1) focuses on the elevator quadrant inspection of these models. The affected aircraft include all model SA226T with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from T201 to T2287, model SA226AT with S/Nos. from AT001 to AT065, and model SA226TC with S/Nos. from TC201 to TC247. Compliance with this directive is essential to ensure the aircraft's airworthiness and safety.
Under this regulation, the primary requirement is for a thorough inspection of the elevator quadrant. This inspection must be completed within 100 hours of the aircraft's time in service following 30 April 1978, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 200 hours of time in service until the part is replaced with a new design. This is to ensure ongoing compliance with safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The directive specifies that compliance should be achieved by following the instructions outlined in Swearingen Service Note No. 062 Revision 1.
The obligations imposed by this directive on the operators and owners of the specified aircraft are clear. They must ensure that the elevator quadrant is inspected in accordance with the outlined timeframes and procedures. This includes the use of the specified service note for guidance on conducting the inspection and any necessary maintenance actions. Operators and owners must maintain records of compliance to demonstrate adherence to the regulatory requirements, ensuring that the aircraft remains airworthy and safe for operation.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this airworthiness directive can lead to serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance within this directive, but non-compliance generally can result in penalties under the broader regulatory framework. These penalties may include fines, the grounding of the aircraft, or other enforcement actions by CASA. Additionally, operators and owners may face civil liabilities if non-compliance results in accidents or incidents, potentially leading to claims for damages. Therefore, it is crucial for all parties to adhere strictly to the requirements set forth in this directive to avoid any legal or safety repercussions.