AD/SWSA226/70 - Horizontal Stabiliser - Aft Spar Attach Fitting

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as part of the Australian legislative framework, address the safety and airworthiness of civil aviation. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which was enacted by the Parliament of Australia, includes detailed airworthiness directives to ensure the safety of various aircraft models. One such directive, AD/SWSA226/70, pertains to the Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes and was introduced to address the issue of cracks in the rib splice straps, which could compromise the durability and safety of the horizontal stabiliser aft spar attach fitting. The directive mandates specific modifications and inspections to mitigate this risk, with the overarching policy objective being to maintain and enhance the safety standards of civil aviation within Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the application of airworthiness directives for various aircraft models, including Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes. The regulation applies to specific models such as SA226-T, SA226-T(B), SA226-AT, SA226-TC, SA227-TT, SA227-AT, SA227-AC, and SA227-BC, as listed in the respective Fairchild service bulletins. The directive mandates modifications to the horizontal stabiliser aft spar attach fitting installation and skins, as well as visual inspections for cracks in the rib splice strap, to be performed in accordance with detailed instructions provided in the referenced service bulletins. Compliance with these directives must be achieved within specific time limits related to the aircraft's total flight hours since service or from a specified date, aiming to mitigate reported issues of rib splice strap cracks and enhance overall aircraft safety. The regulation extends its jurisdictional reach across the Commonwealth of Australia, enforcing stringent safety standards for the specified aircraft models within the national airspace.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, as outlined in the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes, contains specific directives concerning the maintenance and modification of these aircraft models. In particular, AD/SWSA226/70 mandates modifications to the horizontal stabiliser aft spar attach fitting and the surrounding structural components to enhance durability and safety. The directive applies to the SA226-T, SA226-T(B), SA226-AT, SA226-TC, SA227-TT, SA227-AT, SA227-AC, and SA227-BC models, as identified in the relevant Fairchild Service Bulletins. The primary requirement is to modify the aft spar attach fitting and skins according to the instructions in Fairchild SB 226-55-010 or Fairchild SB 227-55-006, and to visually inspect the rib splice strap for any cracks as per the specified figures in these bulletins. These modifications and inspections are crucial to prevent potential failures that could compromise the structural integrity of the aircraft. Operators and owners of the specified models must adhere to these requirements to ensure compliance with airworthiness standards. The directive requires that modifications be completed before the aircraft reaches 10,000 hours of time in service, or within 1000 hours after 27 April 1995, whichever is later. Similarly, the initial inspection must be conducted under the same timeframe, with subsequent inspections occurring at intervals not exceeding 5000 hours of time in service. In addition to the specific operational requirements, the legislation imposes clear obligations on the parties involved. Aircraft owners and operators must ensure that the modifications and inspections are carried out by appropriately certified personnel and that all work is documented and signed off by authorised individuals. The regulations require that the aircraft be grounded or restricted from flight until the modifications and inspections are completed to the required standard. Non-compliance with these obligations could lead to serious safety risks, including potential in-flight structural failures. Failure to comply with the Airworthiness Directives can result in significant legal and financial consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance may be considered an offence, potentially leading to criminal charges. The maximum penalties for such offences can include substantial fines and imprisonment. Furthermore, civil liability may arise if a failure to comply results in an accident or incident that causes injury or loss of life. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce these regulations, including the power to issue compliance orders, suspend or revoke aircraft certificates of airworthiness, and take other appropriate enforcement actions. Thus, strict adherence to the directive is essential to avoid these severe consequences.