AD/F50/90 Escape Ropes (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998.  The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the 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.

Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) Series Aeroplanes

AD/F50/90 Escape Ropes 5/2005

Applicability:

All Model F27 Mk 050, Mk 0502, and Mk 0604 aircraft.

Requirement:

1.    Replace affected escape ropes with serviceable parts in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Services Service Bulletin F50-25-059, dated 28 June 2004, or later CAA-NL approved revision (for flight deck escape ropes); or Service Bulletin TASBF50-25-903, dated 4 October 2004, or later CAA-NL approved revision (for cabin escape ropes, only present in some special mission aircraft configurations).

2.    Amend the aircraft’s Maintenance Schedule to include a new discard task for the escape ropes after each 6 years time in service.

Note:  CAA-NL AD 2004-159 refers.

Compliance:

For Requirements 1 and 2: Within one calendar year after 12 May 2005.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 12 May 2005.

Background:

Reports have been received from operators of small cracks evident in the polyester block into which the cotton flight deck escape rope is cast.  A repair was subsequently carried out and a tensile test was performed.  The results established that these ropes had deteriorated over time and their load-bearing capability had been considerably reduced.  This condition, if not corrected, could lead to escape ropes failing or becoming unusable during an emergency evacuation.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

31 March 2005