AD/TB20/9 - Main Landing Gear Bay

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes Airworthiness Directives (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address safety issues in aircraft operations. One such directive, AD/TB20/9, pertains to the Aerospatiale (Socata) TB20 (Trinidad) Series Aeroplanes, requiring actions in accordance with Aerospatiale Socata Service Bulletin No 30. This directive was enacted to mitigate the risk of the main landing gear contacting the landing gear bay structure, a problem identified by the manufacturer. The directive applies to all models with serial numbers between 275 and 709 and mandates compliance at the next scheduled inspection after 30 June 1987, ensuring that any necessary maintenance is undertaken to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. This directive aims to enhance the safety and reliability of the specified aircraft models by addressing a critical structural concern.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 applies the Airworthiness Directive AD/TB20/9 specifically to Aerospatiale (Socata) TB20 (Trinidad) series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 275 to 709. This directive mandates that these aircraft must comply with the action outlined in Aerospatiale Socata Service Bulletin No 30, which pertains to the potential risk of the main landing gear coming into contact with the landing gear bay structure. The directive requires compliance to be achieved at the next scheduled inspection for Maintenance Release issuance following 30 June 1987. This regulation is part of the broader Australian Commonwealth framework, ensuring that the safety and airworthiness of these aircraft are maintained to a nationally consistent standard. The directive is enforceable across the entire Commonwealth of Australia and is integral to ensuring that the specified aircraft remain compliant with safety standards. The scope of this legislation is limited to the specific serial numbers mentioned, and it does not extend to other models or series outside this range. The directive is issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and applies uniformly throughout Australia, transcending state and territory boundaries to ensure a cohesive national standard for civil aviation safety. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the directive itself, although broader exemptions may apply under other sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. The directive may be further extended or refined through subordinate instruments issued by CASA, ensuring that the regulatory framework can adapt to new safety findings or technological advancements.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, includes a schedule of airworthiness directives for specific aircraft types. One such directive is AD/TB20/9, which pertains to the Aerospatiale (Socata) TB20 (Trinidad) Series Aeroplanes. This directive is applicable to all models with serial numbers ranging from 275 to 709. The primary requirement of AD/TB20/9 is to follow the action specified in Aerospatiale Socata Service Bulletin No 30, with reference to Bureau Veritas AD 87-030(A). This directive aims to address a potential issue where the main landing gear may come into contact with the landing gear bay structure. The Act imposes specific obligations on the operators and maintenance personnel of the affected aircraft. They must ensure that the action outlined in Aerospatiale Socata SB No 30 is completed. This compliance must occur at the next scheduled inspection for a Maintenance Release issue after 30 June 1987. The requirement is designed to mitigate any potential safety risks associated with the reported issue, ensuring that the aircraft continues to meet the necessary airworthiness standards. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/TB20/9 can lead to serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) can enforce penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. The specific penalties can include fines or other sanctions, depending on the severity of the breach. For instance, if an aircraft operator fails to adhere to the requirements of this directive, CASA may take enforcement action, which could result in financial penalties, operational restrictions, or even grounding of the aircraft until the necessary actions are completed. The severity of the penalties reflects the importance of adhering to airworthiness directives to ensure the safety of all persons involved in air operations.