AD/F100/28 - MLG Apex Joint and Shimmy Damper Attachment

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, encompass a comprehensive set of rules and directives designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. One specific legislative instrument under this Act is F2006B09629, a directive issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) that addresses the issue of airworthiness for Fokker F100 (F28 Mk 100) series aeroplanes. This directive, effective from 22 April 1999, was introduced to tackle the problem of main landing gear (MLG) failures and associated vibrations reported by operators, which posed significant safety risks during landing and roll-out. The policy objective behind this directive is to mandate inspections and repairs of the MLG apex joint and shimmy damper attachment to ensure the continued airworthiness of affected aircraft, thereby enhancing the safety standards in civil aviation. The directive applies to F.28 Mk.0070 and Mk.0100 aircraft equipped with specific Menasco Aerospace Main Landing Gear units, requiring inspections in line with Fokker 70/100 Service Bulletin F100-32-113 dated 28 May 1998. CASA's directive ensures that no affected spare MLG units can be installed as a replacement part unless inspected according to the specified requirements, enforcing stringent compliance measures post the directive's effective date. This proactive approach aims to prevent future incidents and maintain the highest safety standards in Australia's civil aviation sector.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses the mandatory inspection of the Main Landing Gear (MLG) Apex Joint and Shimmy Damper Attachment for Fokker F100 (F28 Mk 100) series aeroplanes. This directive applies to F.28 Mk.0070 and Mk.0100 aircraft equipped with specific Menasco Aerospace Main Landing Gear units. The requirement is to inspect the MLG Apex Joint and Shimmy Damper in accordance with the instructions provided in Fokker 70/100 Service Bulletin (SB) F100-32-113 dated 28 May 1998. The directive mandates that inspections must be carried out unless already completed prior to 3 June 1999. Moreover, as of 22 April 1999, any affected spare MLG units cannot be installed unless they have been inspected in compliance with this directive. The directive came into effect on 22 April 1999, following a reported incident involving a F.28 Mk.0070 where heavy vibration was detected during roll-out due to a disconnected torque link at the apex joint of the right main landing gear.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes an Airworthiness Directive (AD) for Fokker F100 (F28 Mk 100) series aeroplanes. The directive, AD/F100/28, pertains to the Main Landing Gear (MLG) Apex Joint and Shimmy Damper Attachment. It applies to F.28 Mk.0070 and Mk.0100 aircraft equipped with specific Menasco Aerospace MLG units (section 1). The directive mandates an inspection of the MLG Apex Joint and Shimmy Damper in accordance with Fokker 70/100 Service Bulletin (SB) F100-32-113 dated 28 May 1998 (section 2). The directive references RLD BLA 1998-058(A) and specifies that inspections must be completed unless already accomplished before 3 June 1999 (section 3). Post 22 April 1999, any affected spare MLG units must also be inspected before installation (section 4). The directive became effective on 22 April 1999 (section 5). The obligations under this Airworthiness Directive are clear and specific. Operators of affected Fokker F100 aircraft must inspect the MLG Apex Joint and Shimmy Damper in accordance with the instructions provided in the referenced service bulletin. This inspection is mandatory for all F.28 Mk.0070 and Mk.0100 aircraft equipped with the specified Menasco Aerospace MLG units. Operators must ensure that any inspections of affected parts on aircraft were completed prior to the compliance date, which has already passed. Furthermore, any affected spare MLG units intended for replacement must be inspected before installation if the installation is to occur after 22 April 1999. Failure to comply with the requirements of this Airworthiness Directive can result in significant consequences. The directive stipulates that no affected spare MLG units may be installed as a replacement part unless they have been inspected in accordance with the directive’s requirements. This implies that non-compliance could lead to the grounding of aircraft until the required inspections are performed. While the specific penalties for breach are not detailed in the directive itself, non-compliance with airworthiness directives generally can result in both civil and criminal penalties, including fines and potential criminal charges for operators or individuals responsible for the oversight. The exact penalties would be determined under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and associated regulations.