Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, introduce the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which aims to ensure the safe operation of aircraft in Australia by issuing mandatory safety regulations and directives. One such directive pertains to Aerostar (Piper/Ted Smith) 600 and 700 Series Aeroplanes, addressing issues with the main landing gear torque links. The directive was enacted to address safety concerns, such as fatigue cracks in the torque links and stripped threads on the link connecting bolt shear nut, which could potentially lead to loss of directional control during landing. The policy objective is to enhance aircraft safety by requiring inspections and, where necessary, the replacement of certain components. This legislative instrument, introduced by the Commonwealth of Australia, is enforced by CASA to ensure compliance and uphold the highest standards of aviation safety.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued the Airworthiness Directive AD/TSA-600/33, which pertains to Aerostar (Piper/Ted Smith) 600 and 700 Series Aeroplanes, specifically targeting the main landing gear torque links. This directive applies to all models of the specified aircraft, mandating that inspections and replacements be carried out to prevent potential fatigue cracks and thread stripping in the torque links, which could compromise the aircraft's directional control during landing. The directive is applicable at each airframe maintenance release inspection until improved torque links are installed in accordance with Aerostar Service Bulletin 746C. This legislative instrument, part of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, is enforced by CASA under the Commonwealth of Australia and applies nationally, ensuring uniform safety standards across the industry. The directive is effective as of 19 June 1997, superseding previous amendments, and aligns with the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) AD 93-13-08 Amdt 39-8621 to standardise safety practices internationally.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, introduces AD/TSA-600/33 Amendment 6, which pertains to Aerostar (Piper/Ted Smith) 600 and 700 Series Aeroplanes. This Amendment 6 primarily concerns the main landing gear torque links. The key requirement (Section 1) mandates that inspectors must check the lugs at the junction of the links for fatigue cracks using the fluorescent dye penetrant method. Additionally, if not already done, the nut on the link connecting bolt must be replaced with a castellated nut AN 310-6, secured with a MS 24665-302 cotter pin. If the bolt length does not allow for cotter pin installation, it should be replaced with a NAS 6606-24D bolt. Compliance with this directive is outlined in Section 2. Inspectors must perform the required inspections at the next inspection for issuing a maintenance release in the airframe category and at each subsequent inspection until improved torque links are installed as per Part II of Aerostar Service Bulletin 746C. The compliance requirements stipulate that these inspections should occur until the improved torque links are installed. This amendment aligns with related FAA AD requirements and introduces terminating action for repetitive inspections. The obligations imposed by this legislation are stringent, ensuring that aircraft maintainers and inspectors adhere to the specified inspection and replacement procedures to prevent potential failures of the main landing gear torque links. This directive is crucial for maintaining the safety and airworthiness of Aerostar 600 and 700 Series aeroplanes. The consequences for non-compliance with this Airworthiness Directive are significant. Failure to adhere to the specified inspection and replacement procedures can result in severe penalties. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 outline potential civil and criminal liabilities for those who breach these safety directives. Civil penalties may include substantial fines, while criminal penalties can involve imprisonment. The exact penalties may vary depending on the severity and frequency of the non-compliance, but the overarching aim is to enforce strict adherence to ensure the highest safety standards in civil aviation.