AD/LANCAIR/1 Amdt 2 Canopy Latching (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE On the commencement date specified below, and for the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below repeals Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/LANCAIR/1 Amdt 1 under subsection 33 (3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 and issues the following AD under subregulation 39.001 (1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct an unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Lancair Series AD/LANCAIR/1 Amdt 2 Canopy Latching 14/2021

Applicability: All Lancair models fitted with Camloc Style Latch mechanism p/n 51L1-1X1AA. Requirement: 1. Inspect the canopy internal latching system to ensure that: 1. The latching is readily accessible and requires no exceptional agility or skill in its operation when used in an emergency; and 2. The method of opening is simple and obvious; and 3. It is arranged and marked for easy operation, even in darkness; and 4. Any external auxiliary locking device used to secure the aircraft is able to be overridden by the normal internal opening means. Note 1: This inspection must be carried out and certified by an aircraft engineer licence holder licenced in the appropriate category.

Note 2: Lancair models fitted with either the alternative lever style latch mechanism, or the Lancair Legacy over centre latching mechanism are not subject to this AD. 2.a For aircraft issued with a Certificate of Airworthiness modify the canopy internal latching system in accordance with a modification approved in accordance with Subpart 21M of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulation 1998. 2.b. For aircraft issued with an Experimental Certificate modify the canopy internal latching system in accordance with a modification acceptable to CASA or a person who can issue an experimental certificate for amateur built experimental aircraft. Compliance: 1. Before further flight after the commencement date unless accomplished previously, and thereafter at each inspection for maintenance release issue, 2. If the latching system does not fulfil all the criteria of Requirement 1, before issue of: a. Certificate of Airworthiness, or b. Experimental Certificate. This AD commences on 10 August 2021. Background: A major defect report was received by CASA that indicated difficulty in operating the internal latching system of the canopy and may prevent both normal and emergency egress. Amendment 1 disapplied the AD from certain Lancair models. Amendment 2 changes the applicability of the affected latch mechanism and is not model specific.