Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which were enacted by the Australian Parliament, form the fundamental legislative framework for civil aviation in Australia. Part 39 of these regulations, specifically dealing with airworthiness, was updated with the introduction of the Airworthiness Directive (AD) for Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes. This AD was introduced to address the identified safety issue of potential structural failure in the main landing gear drag brace assemblies due to cracking, which could lead to accidents. The AD was issued by a delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and aims to ensure that aircraft maintain their airworthiness through mandatory inspections and corrective actions as specified. The policy objective behind this AD is to enhance the safety of civil aviation by addressing specific design deficiencies that could compromise the structural integrity of the affected aircraft models.

Scope and Application

This legislative instrument, part of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, pertains specifically to the maintenance and safety of Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes, which includes all models SA226-T, SA226-AT, SA226-T(B), SA226-TC, SA227-AT, SA227-TT, and SA227-AC, regardless of their serial number. The regulation applies to these aircraft if they incorporate a specified main landing gear drag brace assembly from Ozone Industries Inc., including certain part numbers. This directive is designed to ensure that these aircraft meet safety standards by addressing potential unsafe conditions that may lead to structural failure, particularly concerning the main landing gear drag brace assemblies. The directive mandates inspections in line with the technical requirements of FAA AD 2000-17-11 Amdt 39-11885 and specifies compliance times for initial and follow-on inspections. The AD becomes effective from 27 September 2000, ensuring that all affected aircraft are inspected and maintained to prevent any further incidents.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998), Part 39, Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes an Airworthiness Directive (AD) specifically addressing the Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes (AD/SWSA226/89). The AD pertains to the Main Landing Gear Drag Brace Assembly, issued on 11/2000 by a delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under section 39.1(1) of CAR 1998. This directive applies to specific models and serial numbers of the SA226 and SA227 series aircraft that incorporate particular parts from Ozone Industries Inc. The directive mandates an inspection of the main landing gear drag brace assembly in accordance with the technical requirements of FAA AD 2000-17-11 Amdt 39-11885. Compliance with this directive includes conducting the initial 50-hour inspection and subsequent repetitive inspections as specified in the requirement document, with an effective date of 27 September 2000. The AD imposes specific obligations on the parties governed by it. Owners and operators of SA226-T, SA226-AT, SA226-T(B), SA226-TC, SA227-AT, SA227-TT, and SA227-AC aircraft must ensure that their aircraft meet the inspection requirements detailed in the directive. This includes performing the initial inspection within the first 50 flight hours and adhering to the follow-on repetitive inspection schedule. Operators must also maintain records of all inspections conducted in compliance with the AD. The directive references relevant Fairchild Service Bulletins and provides a method for obtaining the FAA AD 2000-17-11 document. Failure to comply with the AD may lead to various consequences. The AD does not explicitly outline offences or penalties, but non-compliance with airworthiness directives is generally treated as a breach of CAR 1998. Such breaches can result in enforcement actions by CASA, which may include administrative penalties, revocation of airworthiness certificates, or other regulatory sanctions. The severity of these consequences can vary based on the nature and extent of the non-compliance. CASA has the authority to enforce compliance through inspections, audits, and other regulatory measures.