Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, encompass a series of regulations designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 addresses the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes provisions for various aircraft models. This particular legislative instrument pertains to Aerospatiale (Socata) TBM 700 Series aeroplanes, with a focus on the elevator trim tab. The amendment (AD/TBM 700/5Amdt 2) was enacted to address issues identified in the elevator trim tab mechanism, ensuring the aircraft meets required safety standards. The objective of this directive is to mandate specific actions in accordance with the technical bulletin TBM SB 70-053-27 Amdt 2, thereby rectifying any excessive backlash in the elevator trim tab. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, under the authority of the Australian Government, introduced this directive to ensure compliance with airworthiness standards, thereby enhancing the safety of civil aviation operations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, apply specifically to Aerospatiale (Socata) TBM 700 Series Aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 1 to 9999. This directive mandates action in accordance with TBM SB 70-053-27 Amendment 2. The regulation aims to ensure the airworthiness of these aircraft by addressing issues related to the elevator trim tab, specifically detecting and rectifying any excessive backlash or slack. Compliance with this directive is crucial for maintaining the safety standards of these aircraft, and it requires adherence to the specified requirements and time intervals for inspections and maintenance. This directive is a part of the overarching legislative framework designed to regulate civil aviation safety in Australia, ensuring that all aircraft meet the necessary safety standards and are maintained in a safe and airworthy condition. The applicability of this directive extends across Australia, encompassing all relevant operators and maintenance personnel responsible for the upkeep of the Aerospatiale (Socata) TBM 700 Series Aeroplanes within the specified serial number range. The directive is effective under the jurisdiction of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and is designed to enforce specific safety measures related to the elevator trim tab. The regulation does not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, implying that all relevant aircraft must comply with the outlined directives. Additionally, the directive may be extended or further specified through subordinate instruments, ensuring that it remains aligned with the latest safety standards and technological advancements in aviation maintenance.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, sets forth detailed directives for ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft, particularly targeting the Aerospatiale (Socata) TBM 700 Series Aeroplanes. Section (AD/TBM 700/5Amdt 2) specifies the applicability of this directive to all aircraft within the serial number range of 1 to 9999. The primary focus of this directive is the elevator trim tab, aiming to address any excessive backlash or slack that may compromise the aircraft's stability and control. Under this directive, operators of the Aerospatiale (Socata) TBM 700 Series Aeroplanes are required to perform specific actions as outlined in the TBM SB 70-053-27 Amdt 2. This involves adhering to the instructions detailed in the Service Bulletin to ensure that the elevator trim tab functions correctly without excessive backlash. Compliance with this directive must be achieved by conducting the necessary actions no later than the next inspection following the initial directive dated 1 February 1996 or at the next maintenance release inspection, whichever is sooner. Subsequently, the actions must be repeated at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of flight time. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and stringent. Operators must meticulously follow the guidance provided in the Service Bulletin to maintain the airworthiness of their aircraft. The directive references previous amendments and notes, such as DGAC AD 94-214(B)R1 and the first amendment of this directive, to ensure continuity and accuracy in addressing the technical issues. It is also noted that additional work may be required, highlighting the need for thorough and comprehensive maintenance checks. Failure to comply with the provisions of this directive could result in severe consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly state penalties in the provided text, but non-compliance with airworthiness directives generally can lead to significant civil or criminal penalties. These may include fines, suspension or revocation of aircraft operating certificates, and potential criminal charges for operators or maintenance personnel found negligent in ensuring compliance. The seriousness of such consequences underscores the importance of adhering to the specified maintenance requirements.