AD/TB10/8 - Engine Mounts

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended through the legislative instrument F2006B07310, focus on enhancing the airworthiness of Aerospatiale (Socata) TB9 and TB10 (Tobago) Series Aeroplanes. The specific amendment, AD/TB10/8, addresses engine mount issues, responding to reports of cracking in the engine mount weld clusters. Enacted by the Australian Government, this regulation aims to ensure compliance with safety directives, thereby mitigating risks associated with compromised engine mounts. The policy objective is to maintain the integrity and safety of aircraft operations by mandating inspections and modifications of the engine mounts according to the manufacturer's service bulletin SB 16/1. Compliance is required within 50 hours of the specified date and then at intervals not exceeding 50 hours until modifications are made.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has established specific airworthiness directives under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically targeting the Aerospatiale (Socata) TB9 and TB10 (Tobago) series aeroplanes. These directives apply to all aircraft equipped with engine mounts TB 10.51.000.000. The legislation mandates that any action required in accordance with Aerospatiale Socata Service Bulletin 16/1 must be undertaken within 50 hours of the aeroplane’s time in service following 17 December 1986, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 50 hours of time in service until the necessary modifications are made. This directive is a response to reports from the manufacturer indicating cracking in the engine mount weld clusters, highlighting the need for immediate and ongoing inspection and repair to ensure the continued safety and airworthiness of these aircraft. The regulations set by CASA are binding and must be adhered to by all relevant parties, including aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance providers within the Commonwealth of Australia.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which deals with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives, includes a directive concerning the Aerospatiale (Socata) TB9 and TB10 (Tobago) Series Aeroplanes. One such directive is AD/TB10/8, which pertains to engine mounts (section 1/87). This directive applies to all aircraft with engine mounts TB 10.51.000.000. The main requirement of this directive is that the engine mounts must be inspected and actioned in accordance with the manufacturer's Service Bulletin 16/1 (section 1/87). This action must be taken within 50 hours of the aircraft's time in service after 17 December 1986, and then at intervals not exceeding 50 hours of time in service until the engine mounts are modified (section 1/87). The obligations under this directive require aircraft owners and operators to ensure that the engine mounts are inspected and maintained as per the specifications outlined in Aerospatiale Socata SB 16/1. This involves detailed checks and possibly repairs to prevent cracking of the engine mount weld clusters, which the manufacturer has reported as a potential issue (section 1/87). The maintenance and compliance activities must be documented, and records must be kept to demonstrate adherence to the CASA requirements. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive can lead to serious consequences. The regulations outline that non-compliance can result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which would prevent it from being operated commercially. Additionally, CASA has the authority to impose penalties, including fines and potential prosecution for breaches of the Civil Aviation Regulations. The specific penalties can vary, but they can include substantial financial penalties and, in severe cases, imprisonment (section 1/87). Therefore, it is crucial for aircraft owners and operators to adhere strictly to the requirements set out in the directive to avoid these legal and safety repercussions.