AD/SWSA226/59 Amdt 1 - Second Passenger Window Port and Starboard

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, include provisions in Part 39 - 105 that address the safety of specific aircraft models. One such amendment pertains to the Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes, with AD/SWSA226/59 Amendment 1 focusing on the second passenger window. This amendment was introduced to address the risk of window damage and rapid decompression due to ice shed from propeller blades. The problem it seeks to resolve includes instances where the starboard or port second window has been compromised, leading to hazardous in-flight conditions. The policy objective is to ensure that aircraft maintain a high standard of safety through the implementation of clear directives and compliance measures. The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority, under the legislative framework provided by the Civil Aviation Act 1988, enacted this amendment to safeguard passengers and crew by mandating specific modifications and placards to be installed on these aircraft. This legislative instrument underscores the importance of adhering to stringent safety protocols in civil aviation, aiming to prevent incidents related to structural integrity and rapid decompression. Compliance with these directives is required before further flights, ensuring that all affected aircraft are modified and adhere to the safety standards set forth by the Authority.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the safety of Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes through Airworthiness Directives. This regulation applies to the models SA226-AT, SA226-TC, SA227-AT, and SA227-AC. The directive mandates the installation of a placard on the passenger seat closest to the cabin window at Station 181, indicating "DO NOT OCCUPY THIS SEAT AT ANY TIME" in lettering no smaller than 50 mm in height, clearly visible to cabin occupants. The directive further requires a modification to the window installation to comply with Fairchild Service Bulletins 227-56-004 or 226-56-004 as applicable, which removes the initial requirement stated in Paragraph 1. These measures are in response to incidents where windows were damaged by ice shed from propeller blades, leading to rapid decompression. Compliance with these directives must be achieved before further flight after 28 June 1990 and by 31 July 1990 at the latest. The scope of the directive is national, covering all aircraft within the specified models operating under the Civil Aviation Regulations in Australia.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 105, include an Airworthiness Directive (AD) for the Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes, identified as AD/SWSA226/59 Amendment 1. This directive applies to the models SA226-AT, SA226-TC, SA227-AT, and SA227-AC. It mandates the installation of a placard on or adjacent to the passenger seat closest to the cabin window at Station 181, depending on the propeller rotation direction. If the propeller rotates counter-clockwise (CCW) as viewed from the rear, the placard must be on the starboard seat, and if it rotates clockwise (CW), it must be on the port seat. The placard is to be clearly visible to cabin occupants with lettering no smaller than 50 mm in height, reading "DO NOT OCCUPY THIS SEAT AT ANY TIME". Additionally, the relevant window installation must be modified according to Fairchild Service Bulletins 227-56-004 or 226-56-004, as applicable. The obligations imposed by this directive require compliance before further flight after 28 June 1990, and in any case, before 31 July 1990. The rationale behind this directive stems from reports of damage to the second window on the right-hand side caused by ice shed from propeller blades, resulting in window failure and rapid decompression. The amendment accounts for differing propeller rotations in various engine installations, which may pose a risk to the port window instead of the starboard one. Failure to comply with this directive can lead to severe consequences. The AD is designed to ensure the safety of passengers and crew by preventing the occupation of the specified seat, thereby mitigating the risk of rapid decompression due to window failure. Non-compliance with airworthiness directives is taken seriously under aviation law, and can result in enforcement actions. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the AD, non-compliance can lead to substantial civil or criminal penalties, including fines and potential criminal charges, depending on the severity of the breach and its impact on aviation safety. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce compliance and take appropriate action against entities that fail to adhere to the AD requirements.