AD/TB20/2 - Landing Gear Micro Switches - Adjustment

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, is a legislative instrument introduced to address the need for ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft within Australian airspace. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia and overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), this regulation aims to maintain high safety standards in the aviation industry. The Act was designed to fill a critical gap by providing detailed directives on the maintenance and operation of specific aircraft models, ensuring that they meet safety standards set forth by international and national aviation authorities. One such directive, AD/TB20/2, focuses on Aerospatiale (Socata) TB20 (Trinidad) Series Aeroplanes, particularly the adjustment of landing gear micro switches. This directive requires compliance within 50 hours of time in service after 31 March 1985, aligning with Socata TB SB No 23 and referencing French AD 85-4(A). The objective is to minimise the risk of inadvertent undercarriage collapse, thereby enhancing the safety and reliability of these aircraft in operation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, pertains to the maintenance and operation of aircraft within Australia. The regulations cover all aircraft types, including the Aerospatiale (Socata) TB20 (Trinidad) series aeroplanes with serial numbers up to and including 459. This directive mandates that these aircraft must adhere to strict maintenance procedures, particularly concerning the adjustment of undercarriage micro switches as detailed in Socata TB SB No 23. The directive references French AD 85-4(A) for its technical basis, and compliance is required within 50 hours of time in service after 31 March 1985 to mitigate the risk of inadvertent undercarriage collapse. This regulation applies to all persons and entities involved in the operation of these aircraft within Australia, enforcing the importance of safety measures to ensure airworthiness and operational compliance. The regulations apply across the Commonwealth of Australia, with potential for extensions or modifications through subordinate instruments to address emerging safety concerns or technical advancements.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, include a Schedule of Airworthiness Directives that governs the operational standards for certain aircraft. One such directive, AD/TB20/2, pertains to Aerospatiale (Socata) TB20 (Trinidad) Series Aeroplanes and mandates the adjustment of landing gear micro switches (section 3/85). This directive applies to all model TB20 with serial numbers up to and including 459. The requirement is to adjust these micro switches according to the specifications provided in Socata TB Service Bulletin No 23, which references French AD 85-4(A). The purpose of this adjustment is to minimise the risk of inadvertent undercarriage collapse, thereby enhancing flight safety. In terms of obligations, the directive imposes a clear timeline for compliance. Owners or operators of the affected aircraft must ensure that the landing gear micro switches are adjusted within 50 hours of time in service after 31 March 1985. Failure to meet this compliance deadline could result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, potentially leading to grounding and the inability to operate the aircraft until the required adjustments are made. This obligation underscores the importance of timely adherence to airworthiness directives to maintain the safety standards required by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Breaching the provisions of AD/TB20/2 could result in various consequences, including both civil and criminal liabilities. Civil penalties may include fines, and in severe cases, the grounding of the aircraft until compliance is achieved. Criminal penalties might apply if the breach is found to have resulted in safety incidents or accidents. While the specific maximum penalties are not detailed in the directive, they could potentially include substantial fines and imprisonment, reflecting the seriousness of non-compliance with airworthiness directives. The overarching aim of these consequences is to enforce strict adherence to safety regulations and ensure the highest standards of aviation safety are maintained.