AD/SWSA226/58 Amdt 1 - Main Landing Gear Doors

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, incorporate Airworthiness Directives (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These regulations are designed to ensure the safety of civil aviation operations by setting standards for the airworthiness of aircraft. The AD/SWSA226/58 Amendment 1, specifically concerning Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes, addresses an issue where the main landing gear (MLG) doors have jammed against the nacelle, preventing gear extension, which has been observed in incidents overseas. This amendment mandates compliance with specific Service Bulletins (SB) issued by Fairchild to rectify the issue and reflects the revised status of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Airworthiness Directive (AD). The policy objective is to mitigate safety risks by ensuring that maintenance actions are performed within specified timeframes to prevent potential accidents arising from gear malfunctions. This legislative instrument was enacted to fill a gap in aircraft maintenance protocols, ensuring that specific safety concerns are addressed promptly and effectively. The Civil Aviation (Safety) Act 1988 provides the legislative framework under which CASA issues these regulations, aiming to uphold the highest safety standards in civil aviation. The requirement to comply with the specified actions within 100 hours of time in service after 12 July 1990, or at the next inspection, whichever is later, underscores the urgency and importance of addressing this safety issue.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which includes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to the Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes. This legislative instrument mandates actions concerning the main landing gear doors as stipulated in the applicable Requirement Document, requiring compliance with Fairchild Service Bulletins SA226-32-055 or SA227-32-027 as appropriate. The directive is applicable to all aircraft operators who possess or operate these specified models within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring adherence to the prescribed maintenance and safety standards. The directive was updated to reflect the status of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airworthiness Directive 90-05-06, with amendments, and requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 12 July 1990 or at the next inspection for Maintenance Release issue after that date, whichever is later. This legislation underscores the importance of addressing incidents where the main landing gear doors have jammed against the nacelle, potentially preventing gear extension. The regulation extends its jurisdictional reach across the entire Commonwealth, imposing mandatory compliance to enhance aviation safety and mitigate risks associated with the specified aircraft models.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically AD/SWSA226/58 Amendment 1, pertain to the maintenance and inspection of the main landing gear (MLG) doors on Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes. Section 39-105 of the regulations mandates that actions be taken in accordance with the specific Service Bulletins (SBs) issued by Fairchild, either SA226-32-055 or SA227-32-027, depending on the model of the aeroplane. This action is required to address issues where the MLG doors have jammed against the nacelle, which could prevent the landing gear from extending properly. Compliance with these directives is necessary within 100 hours of time in service after 12 July 1990, or at the next inspection for a Maintenance Release issue after this date, whichever is later. The Act imposes specific obligations and requirements on the parties or entities it governs. Primarily, it mandates that the operators of Fairchild SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes must adhere to the maintenance and inspection procedures outlined in the relevant Service Bulletins. This includes ensuring that the MLG doors are checked and maintained to prevent any jamming against the nacelle. Operators must also ensure that any necessary actions are completed within the specified timeframes. Furthermore, these regulations require that all maintenance activities comply with the latest revisions and amendments issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which are referenced in the regulations as FAA AD 90-05-06 R1 Amendment 39-6519 and its subsequent amendments. Failure to comply with these provisions can lead to several consequences. While the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly detail the penalties for non-compliance with Airworthiness Directives in this specific context, general regulations under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 can be applied. Non-compliance with airworthiness directives can result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which can lead to significant civil or criminal penalties. For civil aviation offences, the penalties can include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity and circumstances of the breach. The exact penalties would be determined by the courts, but they can be substantial, reflecting the importance of maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft to ensure public safety.