AD/TB20/7 - Stabilator Control Rod Ends

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as part of the broader legislative framework governing civil aviation in Australia, were enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of air travel within the country. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, under the authority of the Australian Parliament, administers these regulations to maintain high safety standards and compliance with international aviation norms. A specific focus of these regulations is the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to address identified safety issues with particular aircraft models, such as the Aerospatiale (Socata) TB20 (Trinidad) Series Aeroplanes addressed by AD/TB20/7. This directive was introduced to mitigate the risk of excessive play in the stabilator control rod ends, a critical component for flight control, which had been reported due to loose rivets. The objective is to ensure that all affected aircraft are inspected and repaired to prevent potential flight safety hazards, thereby enhancing overall aviation safety. The enactment of these regulations by the Australian Government through the Parliament aims to provide a robust legal framework that enforces stringent safety standards across the aviation sector. The specific directive AD/TB20/7 reflects the policy objective of proactively addressing identified mechanical issues to safeguard the integrity of aircraft operations and protect the lives of passengers and crew. By mandating compliance with the manufacturer's service bulletin and specific inspection schedules, the regulations underscore the importance of rigorous maintenance practices and timely corrective actions to maintain the airworthiness of aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes Airworthiness Directives (AD) that mandate compliance with certain safety standards for aviation safety. AD/TB20/7 pertains to the Aerospatiale (Socata) TB20 (Trinidad) series aeroplanes and applies to all models with serial numbers from 1 to 709, with specific exclusions for certain serial numbers. This directive requires action in accordance with Socata Service Bulletin No. 29, referencing Bureau Veritas AD 87-003(A). The compliance requirement necessitates adherence within 25 hours of time-in-service following 6 February 1987 and subsequently at each scheduled inspection for Maintenance Release until modifications are made. This regulation ensures that the stabilator control rod ends, which have been identified to exhibit excessive play due to loose rivets, are addressed to maintain airworthiness.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, contain specific Airworthiness Directives (AD) pertinent to the safety and maintenance of aircraft. One such directive, AD/TB20/7, pertains to the Aerospatiale (Socata) TB20 (Trinidad) Series Aeroplanes and mandates actions concerning the stabilator control rod ends (section 1). This directive applies to all models with serial numbers ranging from 1 to 709, with specified exceptions for serial numbers 652, 653, 661, 664, 665, 672, 691, and 701 to 706 (section 2). The directive requires compliance with Socata Service Bulletin No. 29, which provides specific instructions on how to address the identified issue of excessive play in the stabilator operating rod ends due to loose rivets (section 3). The AD imposes clear obligations on the parties or entities responsible for the maintenance and operation of the affected aircraft. Owners and operators must ensure that the specified action is carried out within 25 hours of the aircraft being in service after 6 February 1987. Furthermore, this action must be performed at each scheduled inspection for a maintenance release until the modification is completed (section 4). The directive also references Bureau Veritas AD 87-003(A), indicating that compliance with this additional standard is also required (section 5). Failure to comply with the requirements outlined in AD/TB20/7 can result in significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly state the penalties or consequences for non-compliance in this particular directive. However, generally, non-compliance with ADs can lead to enforcement actions, including fines, suspension or revocation of aircraft certificates, and potential criminal charges if the non-compliance results in safety hazards or accidents. The severity of the penalties can vary based on the specific circumstances and the extent of the non-compliance.