AD/SWSA226/6 - Trim Tab Actuator Rods - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, address a critical safety concern in the operation of Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes by introducing specific airworthiness directives. This legislative instrument, known as AD/SWSA226/6, was enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure the safety and reliability of trim tab actuator rods in these aircraft models. The directive specifically mandates that these components be inspected for the security of the roll pin and the tightness of the rod in the socket of the end fitting, with a requirement to perform these inspections within 25 hours of service after 17 August 1972 and then at intervals not exceeding 300 hours of service thereafter. The overarching policy objective of this regulation is to mitigate the risk of in-flight failure of trim tab actuator rods, thereby enhancing overall flight safety.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia, specifically address the safety and maintenance of aircraft within Part 39, which includes Airworthiness Directives. One such directive pertains to the Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes, focusing on the inspection of trim tab actuator rods. This directive applies to all models within the specified series and mandates a thorough inspection of the security of the roll pin and the tightness of the rod within the socket of the end fitting. The requirement necessitates this inspection to occur within 25 hours of the aircraft being in service after 17 August 1972 and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 300 hours of service time. The directive underscores the importance of maintaining stringent safety standards to ensure the operational reliability and safety of these aircraft.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, establish the requirements for maintaining the airworthiness of Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes, focusing on the trim tab actuator rods. Section AD/SWSA226/6 mandates that all models of these aeroplanes must undergo an inspection of the trim tab actuator rods. The inspection must check the security of the roll pin and the tightness of the rod in the socket of the end fitting on all trim tab actuator rods whose fixed ends are secured by roll pins. The regulations require this inspection to be carried out within 25 hours of time in service after the directive was issued on 17 August 1972. Subsequent inspections must occur at intervals not exceeding 300 hours of time in service. This regular inspection ensures that the trim tab actuator rods remain secure and operational, thereby maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. The obligations imposed by these regulations include ensuring that the inspection is conducted by authorised personnel who are qualified and competent to perform such tasks. Aircraft operators must maintain detailed records of each inspection performed, including the date, the findings, and any remedial actions taken. These records are critical for compliance and must be made available for review by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) upon request. Failure to comply with these airworthiness directives can result in severe consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with airworthiness directives is an offence. If found guilty, individuals or entities can face substantial penalties. The maximum penalty for corporate entities can be up to $2,100,000, while individuals can be fined up to $210,000. Additionally, CASA has the authority to take enforcement actions such as grounding the aircraft until compliance is achieved, which can result in significant operational disruptions and financial losses.