{"id":"F2006B06987","name":"AD/SF340/59 Amdt 1 - Flap Support Strap","slug":"ad-sf340-59-amdt-1-flap-support-strap","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":114915,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006B06987-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-03","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"AD/SF340/59 Amdt 1 - Flap Support Strap","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/SF340/59\n\nAmdt 1\n\n  \nFlap Support Strap 6/98\n\nApplicability: Model SF340A with serial numbers SF340A-004 through \\-159.\n\nModel 340B with serial numbers 340B-160 through \\-384, \\-386 through \\-404, \\-406\n\nthrough \\-408, and \\-410 through \\-413.\n\nRequirement: Action in accordance with SAAB Service Bulletin 340-57-033 Revision 2.\n\nNote: LFV AD 1-117R1 refers.\n\nCompliance: At the next scheduled structural inspection of the flap (refer to the MRB report), or within 3000 flights after 21 May 1998, whichever occurs later.\n\nFor flaps that have accumulated more than 16,000 flights (inspection threshold in the MRB) an external and internal visual inspection has to be performed within 1500 flights after 21 May 1998, unless the flap has been modified within that period.\n\nThis amendment becomes effective on 21 May 1998.\n\nBackground: During a scheduled inspection of the flap structure of an aircraft, it was found that the forward lower spar cap had cracked at WS 142. The crack was discovered in the radius of the spar cap extending in a spanwise direction. When the spar was being repaired, it was found that the support strap connecting the flap actuator fitting to the forward spar web, was cracked.\n\nAmendment 1 is issued in response to a revision of the related LFV AD which introduces a later issue of the Requirement document, which clarifies the procedure and the AD compliance times.\n\nThe original issue of the airworthiness directive became effective on 14 August 1997.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"Amendment 1 does not broaden the set of affected aircraft but replaces the Requirement with a later issue of the service document and clarifies AD compliance times. Mechanically, it updates the required Service Bulletin version (340-57-033 Rev 2) and tightens/clarifies timing rules (next scheduled inspection or specific flight-count deadlines), per the amendment notes referencing the LFV AD revision."},"complexity_factors":["Applicability limited to specific serial-number ranges (SF340A-004 to -159; multiple 340B ranges) which requires operators to check serial records.","Requirement references an external service document (SAAB Service Bulletin 340-57-033 Rev 2) — compliance depends on following that technical procedure.","Multiple compliance timings: next scheduled structural flap inspection or within 3,000 flights after 21 May 1998, with a shorter 1,500-flight deadline for flaps already above 16,000 flights unless modified (adds conditional logic).","Cross-reference to MRB report for the scheduled structural inspection threshold creates dependence on another technical document for timing.","Enforcement and effective date specified (CASA, effective 21 May 1998) — creates a fixed regulatory trigger and retrospective interaction with earlier AD (original issue 14 Aug 1997)."],"plain_english_summary":"**What it does:** Requires operators of specified SAAB SF340A/340B aeroplanes to inspect and, if necessary, repair or modify the flap support strap and the forward spar per SAAB Service Bulletin 340-57-033 Revision 2. \n\n**Who it affects and why it matters:** CASA enforces this airworthiness directive for aircraft listed by serial number because cracking was found in the flap spar and support strap; operators pay for inspections, repairs and any resulting downtime. Compliance deadlines depend on scheduled inspections and accumulated flight counts."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This amendment remains tightly focused on its original purpose: addressing the cracked flap support strap defect in specific SAAB aircraft. The amendment merely updates the referenced technical document to a later revision and clarifies compliance timing. It does not expand to other aircraft types, other structural components, or broader operational requirements."},"complexity_factors":["Single technical requirement referencing an external manufacturer document (SAAB Service Bulletin 340-57-033 Revision 2)","Two-tier compliance deadline structure (standard 3,000 flights vs urgent 1,500 flights for high-time flaps)","Conditional exception for already-modified flaps","Cross-reference to Swedish aviation authority directive (LFV AD 1-117R1)","Limited applicability scope requiring serial number matching","No defined terms section; plain technical language throughout"],"plain_english_summary":"This safety order mandates inspection and repair of a metal support strap in the wing flap system on specified SAAB SF340A and 340B aircraft to fix a known cracking risk that can cause flap failure in flight. \n\nOwners/operators and maintenance crews must follow SAAB Service Bulletin 340-57-033 Rev.2, with inspections at the next structural flap check or within 3,000 flights after 21 May 1998 (1,500 flights for high-use cases), to eliminate a serious flight-safety hazard."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-sf340-59-amdt-1-flap-support-strap","history":"/api/acts/ad-sf340-59-amdt-1-flap-support-strap/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-sf340-59-amdt-1-flap-support-strap/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-sf340-59-amdt-1-flap-support-strap/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-sf340-59-amdt-1-flap-support-strap/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-sf340-59-amdt-1-flap-support-strap/documents"}}