AD/SWSA226/82 - Elevator Control Rod End Bearing

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, address the need to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating within Australian airspace. This legislative instrument is part of a broader regulatory framework designed to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives targets the safety of specific aircraft models by issuing directives that must be followed to prevent potential safety hazards. The policy objective is to mitigate risks associated with identified safety issues, ensuring that all aircraft meet stringent safety standards. This directive concerning Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes was introduced to address the problem of creasing in elevator control rod end bearing retainers, which could lead to loss of pitch control and therefore compromise flight safety. Compliance with these directives is mandatory and must be achieved within specified timeframes to maintain the airworthiness of affected aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, outline airworthiness directives applicable to certain aircraft models, including Fairchild aircraft models SA26, SA226, SA227-AC, SA227-AT, SA227-BC, SA227-TT, SA227-CC/DC, with certain serial numbers. These regulations apply to any person or entity operating these specific aircraft models within the Commonwealth of Australia. The directives mandate that inspections and repairs must be conducted on the elevator control rod end bearing and related components to ensure airworthiness. The requirement includes inspecting for creasing in the retainer/dust seals and replacing any defective parts. Compliance is necessary within 75 hours of time in service after 1 January 1998. This airworthiness directive became effective on 1 January 1998, and compliance is necessary to maintain safety standards. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the directive itself, though the regulations may allow for extensions or modifications through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, mandate specific airworthiness directives for certain Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes. The directive AD/SWSA226/82 focuses on the elevator control rod end bearing. The applicability of this directive is specified for Fairchild aircraft models SA26, SA226, SA227-AC, SA227-AT, SA227-BC, SA227-TT, and SA227-CC/DC within certain serial number ranges. The directive became effective on 1 January 1998. The directive outlines two main requirements. The first requirement is to inspect the elevator control rod end bearing retainer/dust seals for evidence of creasing, following the specified Fairchild Service Bulletins. If creasing is detected, the elevator control rod end assembly must be replaced. The second requirement involves installing a new washer and replacing the bolt at the walking beam connection on the elevator control rod end bearing assembly, again following the relevant Service Bulletins. Both of these requirements must be completed within 75 hours of time in service after 1 January 1998, unless already accomplished. Operators of the affected aircraft must ensure compliance with the airworthiness directive. This includes conducting the necessary inspections and repairs on the elevator control rod end bearing and walking beam connection as per the outlined requirements. Compliance with this directive is crucial to maintaining the airworthiness and safety of the aircraft, as the creasing of the retainer/dust seals can lead to bearing separation, loss of pitch control, and subsequent safety hazards. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive may result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, potentially leading to grounding of the aircraft until the required actions are taken. The directive is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which may impose penalties for non-compliance. These penalties could include fines and other regulatory actions against the operators or owners of the affected aircraft. The exact penalties would depend on the severity and circumstances of the non-compliance. Additionally, any operational incidents or accidents arising from non-compliance with this airworthiness directive could lead to further legal consequences, including civil liabilities and criminal charges under aviation safety laws. It is imperative for operators to adhere strictly to the specified requirements to avoid these potential penalties and ensure the continued safe operation of their aircraft.