{"id":"F2006B06974","name":"AD/SF340/45 - Fuselage - Overwing Emergency Exit Beams","slug":"ad-sf340-45-fuselage-overwing-emergency-exit-beams","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":114889,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006B06974-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-03","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"AD/SF340/45 - Fuselage - Overwing Emergency Exit Beams","content":"COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 \\- 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY\n\nSCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES\n\n![](image.001.png)  \nSAAB SF340 Series Aeroplanes\n\nAD/SF340/45 Fuselage \\- Overwing Emergency Exit Beams 5/95\n\nApplicability: SAAB 340B aircraft S/N 324-341, and 347 inclusive.\n\nRequirement: Carry out a fluorescent dye penetrant inspection of the fuselage beams, P/N 7253742- 331/ -332, located above the overwing emergency exits.\n\nInspect in accordance with SAAB Service Bulletin (SB) 340-53-047.\n\nNote: Swedish AD SAD 1-065 refers.\n\nCompliance: Inspect not later than the next 4 000 hours check after 27 April 1995.\n\nBackground: Cracks have been detected in a production batch of the beams which are installed above the overwing emergency exit. There is a possibility that some of the cracked beams may have been installed on aircraft. This once only inspection will ensure that discrepant beams are detected and removed.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The directive imposes a new, mandatory one‑time inspection and removal obligation for specified parts on a defined subset of the SAAB 340B fleet. That requirement changes maintenance obligations that operators must meet beyond normal scheduled maintenance by mandating a specific inspection method and timing (Requirement; Compliance)."},"complexity_factors":["Narrow technical scope limited to specific aircraft serial numbers (S/N 324–341, and 347) and specific part numbers (P/N 7253742-331/-332) (Applicability; Requirement).","Prescribed inspection method (fluorescent dye penetrant) and reference to an external procedural document (SAAB SB 340-53-047) increases dependence on technical material (Requirement).","Single, time‑limited compliance window tied to the next 4,000‑hour check after a date simplifies ongoing obligations but requires scheduling within existing maintenance cycles (Compliance).","The measure is corrective and targeted (once only) rather than ongoing airworthiness rulemaking, reducing regulatory complexity (Background).","Cross-reference to a foreign AD (Swedish SAD 1-065) introduces an external regulatory linkage but the Australian AD contains the operative requirement (Note)."],"plain_english_summary":"This directive mandates a one‑time fluorescent dye‑penetrant inspection, per SAAB Service Bulletin SB 340‑53‑047, of fuselage beams P/N 7253742‑331/‑332 located above the overwing exits on SAAB 340B aircraft S/N 324–341 and 347. It must be completed by the next 4,000‑hour check after 27 April 1995 to detect and remove any cracked beams; operators are responsible for arranging and funding the inspection and any corrective actions."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This is a targeted safety directive addressing a specific manufacturing defect in a limited production batch. The scope remains precisely limited to the identified safety risk and affected aircraft."},"complexity_factors":["Single, discrete requirement (one inspection type)","Narrow applicability (specific aircraft serial numbers only)","Clear compliance deadline tied to flight hours","Minimal cross-referencing (only one service bulletin and one related Swedish AD)","No nested conditions, exceptions, or defined terms section","Short document (approximately 150 words of substantive content)"],"plain_english_summary":"This is an **Airworthiness Directive** — a mandatory safety order issued by Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). It requires specific SAAB 340B aircraft to undergo a one-time inspection of metal beams located above the emergency exits over the wings.\n\n**What it does:**\n- Orders operators of certain SAAB 340B planes (serial numbers 324-341 and 347) to inspect fuselage beams for cracks using a special fluorescent dye test.\n- The inspection must follow a specific technical procedure laid out in SAAB Service Bulletin 340-53-047.\n\n**Why it matters:**\n- Cracks were found in a batch of these beams during manufacturing. If cracked beams were installed on aircraft, they could fail in an emergency — potentially compromising the structural integrity around emergency exits when passengers need them most.\n- This is a **once-only inspection** designed to catch and remove any defective parts before they cause problems.\n\n**Who must comply:**\n- Owners and operators of the affected SAAB 340B aircraft must complete this inspection no later than their next major maintenance check (4,000 flight hours) after 27 April 1995.\n\n**Key point:** This is not optional. Airworthiness Directives are legally binding safety requirements. Non-compliance means the aircraft cannot legally fly."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-sf340-45-fuselage-overwing-emergency-exit-beams","history":"/api/acts/ad-sf340-45-fuselage-overwing-emergency-exit-beams/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-sf340-45-fuselage-overwing-emergency-exit-beams/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-sf340-45-fuselage-overwing-emergency-exit-beams/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-sf340-45-fuselage-overwing-emergency-exit-beams/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-sf340-45-fuselage-overwing-emergency-exit-beams/documents"}}