A number of operators of the PZL M-18 Dromader aircraft had not applied the appropriate service life factors to the aircraft’s time in service for operations conducted with take-off weights greater than 4,700 kg, as required by the aircraft’s service documentation. Hence the operators could not be assured that their aircraft were within their safe service life.
Both the operator and CASA have taken positive actions to ensure that the operator's are aware of the requirement to apply and record the service life factors.
On 17 November 2011, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) informed the ATSB, ...that CASA has written to the registered operators of all Australian registered M18 Dromader aircraft type to verify that, where applicable, they have procedures for recording aircraft time in service conducting overweight operations, and for the proper factoring of overweight flight time for calculation of the airframe service life. Responses have been received and assessed and, where necessary, CASA has conducted follow-up with particular operators. Further verification of operator procedures is expected to occur in accordance with CASA’s surveillance program.
The ATSB is satisfied that the action taken by CASA adequately addresses the safety issue.
The aircraft operator has advised the ATSB that now that they are aware of the need to apply service life factors to operations above 4,700 kg, they have undertaken a retrospective process of applying the service life factors to their aircraft fleet. As a result of that review, all of the operator’s M-18 Dromader aircraft were found to be within the permitted service lives.
The ATSB is satisfied that the action taken by the operator adequately addresses the safety issue.
