Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), under Part 39 - 105, specifically address the safety requirements for certain aircraft models through Airworthiness Directives (ADs). One such AD, AD/SWSA226/32 Amendment 1, pertains to the Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes, focusing on the rudder pedal links to mitigate potential safety risks. This AD was introduced to address the issue of wear and potential failure in the rudder cable to rudder pedal link attachment bolts and bushings, which could compromise aircraft control. The Australian Government, through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, enacted this regulation to ensure the continued airworthiness of these aircraft, aligning with international standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The policy objective is to enhance the safety of civil aviation by preventing mechanical failures that could lead to accidents. The amendment requires operators to inspect and, if necessary, replace the rudder pedal links and their attachment components to prevent issues arising from wear, which could otherwise go unnoticed and lead to critical failures. The directive specifies that compliance is mandatory after the aircraft accumulates 5,000 hours of service or 50 hours of service post 4 February 1993, whichever is later, and subsequently every 5,000 hours. This regulation ensures that the aircraft maintain their airworthiness and comply with safety standards, thereby protecting passengers and crew.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, govern the airworthiness directives that apply to certain aircraft types, including Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes. This particular directive, AD/SWSA226/32 Amendment 1, pertains to the rudder pedal links of the affected aircraft models, requiring inspections and repairs to ensure continued airworthiness. The directive applies to all serial numbers of the SA226-T, SA226-T(B), SA226-AT, SA226-TC, SA227-TT, SA227-AT, and SA227-AC models. Compliance is mandatory upon the accumulation of 5,000 hours of time in service or within 50 hours of 4 February 1993, whichever comes later, and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 5,000 hours of time in service. The directive does not specify exclusions or exemptions but mandates thorough inspection and replacement of faulty components as per the instructions in Swearingen Aviation Corporation SB 27-027 or Fairchild SB 27-09, whichever is applicable, and the relevant maintenance manual.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, govern the airworthiness directives for various aircraft types, including the Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes. Section AD/SWSA226/32 Amendment 1 focuses on the rudder pedal links for these aircraft models. This directive mandates the removal and discard of the rudder cable to rudder pedal link attachment bolts and bushings, followed by the inspection and replacement of the rudder pedal links, and the installation of new attachment bolts and bushings (sections (a), (b), and (c)). This must be carried out in accordance with the instructions provided by either Swearingen Aviation Corporation Service Bulletin 27-027 or Fairchild Service Bulletin 27-09, whichever is applicable, along with the relevant maintenance manual. The obligations imposed by this directive require aircraft operators to adhere to a specific schedule for compliance. The directive applies to specified serial numbers of the SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes. Operators must ensure the specified maintenance actions are completed upon the accumulation of 5,000 hours of time in service or within the next 50 hours of time in service after 4 February 1993, whichever is later. If the maintenance has already been performed within the last 5,000 hours of time in service, compliance is not required again until the next 5,000 hours of time in service. This maintenance must then be repeated at intervals not exceeding 5,000 hours of time in service (section on compliance). Failure to comply with the airworthiness directives established by the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can result in significant consequences. Civil penalties may be imposed for non-compliance with airworthiness directives, which can include substantial fines. Additionally, continued operation of an aircraft that does not meet the required airworthiness standards can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). In severe cases, CASA may take measures to ground the aircraft until the required maintenance is completed. The specific penalties are not detailed in the text but can include both administrative and criminal sanctions depending on the severity and intent of the non-compliance.