AD/SWSA226/33 - Elevator Mass Balance Weights - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105 and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, introduce requirements for the inspection of elevator mass balance weights on Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes. This legislative instrument, known as AD/SWSA226/33, was enacted to address the need for regular inspections to ensure that the balance weights on the elevators of these aircraft are securely attached. The objective is to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensure safety in flight operations. The directive was issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, reflecting the regulatory body's commitment to safety standards in the aviation industry. The applicability of this directive requires inspections for all SA226 series aircraft. For aeroplanes with less than 1000 hours of time in service, the inspection must occur within 240 hours after 31 August 1981. For those that have already accumulated 1000 hours of time in service, the inspection must be completed within 120 hours after the same date. The directive references document Fairchild Swearingen SB No. 27-029, which provides further details on the compliance requirements and the procedure for conducting these inspections.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulates the inspection of elevator mass balance weights for Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes through the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105 AD/SWSA226/33. This legislation applies to all SA226 series aircraft, focusing on ensuring the safety and airworthiness of these aeroplanes by mandating inspections to verify that the balance weight is securely fastened to the elevator. The inspection requirements are contingent on the aircraft's time in service, with different intervals prescribed for aeroplanes with less than 1000 hours and those that have reached 1000 hours of operational time. This regulatory directive aims to maintain the structural integrity and operational safety of the aircraft within the Australian airspace. The Act applies nationally, governed by the Commonwealth of Australia, and CASA enforces compliance with the specified inspection schedules to uphold the highest safety standards in civil aviation.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly under Part 39 - 105, contain specific provisions for the airworthiness of Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes, as outlined in AD/SWSA226/33. This directive mandates that inspections of elevator mass balance weights be conducted for all SA226 series aircraft. Specifically, for aeroplanes with less than 1000 hours of time in service, the inspection must occur within 240 hours after 31 August 1981 (Section 1). For those aeroplanes that have already accrued 1000 hours of time in service, the inspection must be carried out within 120 hours after the same date (Section 2). The directive references Fairchild Swearingen SB No. 27-029 as the document outlining the compliance requirements, which focuses on ensuring the balance weight is securely attached to the elevator. The obligations imposed by these regulations require all owners and operators of SA226 series aircraft to ensure that the specified inspections are conducted in accordance with the stipulated timeframes. These obligations are critical for maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft, as the proper attachment of the elevator mass balance weight is essential for the safe operation of the aeroplane. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which could lead to severe operational and legal consequences. In terms of enforcement, any breach of these airworthiness directives could lead to significant civil or criminal penalties. The specific consequences of non-compliance are not detailed within the provided text, but generally, under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and associated regulations, violations can result in substantial fines, enforcement actions, or even criminal charges. The penalties can vary significantly depending on the severity and impact of the non-compliance, with potential maximum penalties extending to fines of up to $275,000 for corporations and up to $55,000 for individuals, along with other enforcement measures such as grounding of the aircraft or suspension of air operator certificates. These provisions underscore the importance of adhering to the inspection requirements to ensure both safety and compliance with Australian aviation regulations.