Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, were designed to ensure the safety and regulation of civil aviation within Australia. One particular aspect of these regulations, specifically within Part 39 - 105, concerns Airworthiness Directives for various aircraft types, including the Fokker F27 Series Aeroplanes. The legislation was introduced to address safety concerns and ensure that all aircraft meet the required standards for safe operation. In this context, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued specific directives, such as AD/F27/100, to mandate checks on the emergency operation of the main entrance door of the Fokker F27 aircraft. This directive aims to prevent potential malfunctions that could compromise the safety of passengers and crew, thereby fulfilling the overarching policy objective of maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation. The directive requires that specific checks on the emergency operation of the main cabin door be performed on all models of the Fokker F27 series with serial numbers listed in the referenced documents, with compliance required before a specified date. This proactive measure ensures that any issues are identified and rectified promptly, reinforcing the commitment to safety within the aviation sector.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates that Airworthiness Directives apply to Fokker F27 Series Aeroplanes with specific serial numbers as listed in the relevant regulatory documents. These regulations are issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and are applicable to all Fokker F27 models with serial numbers as identified in RLD AD 79-106-52 or Fokker SB No. F27-52-61. This requirement ensures that any identified issues with the emergency operation of the main cabin door are addressed before 1 May 1980, as there is a documented risk of malfunction. The regulations cover all relevant aircraft irrespective of their ownership or the nature of their operations within Australia, ensuring a consistent safety standard across the industry. Subordinate instruments may further define the specifics of compliance and enforcement, thereby extending the reach and applicability of these regulations.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39, Section 105, detail the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Fokker F27 Series Aeroplanes. Section AD/F27/100 pertains to the main entrance door and the requirement for a check on its emergency operation. This directive applies to all models of the F27 series with specific serial numbers listed in RLD AD 79-106-52 or Fokker Service Bulletin No. F27-52-61. The directive mandates that compliance with these requirements must be achieved by 1 May 1980. The background for this directive indicates a potential risk of malfunction in the emergency operation of the main cabin door, necessitating a proactive check. The key obligations imposed by this directive are primarily concerned with ensuring that the emergency operation of the main entrance door is checked and, if necessary, rectified. Operators and owners of the affected Fokker F27 aircraft must ensure that the specified maintenance action is performed on their aircraft. This involves a thorough inspection and potentially corrective action as outlined in the referenced documents RLD AD 79-106-52 or Fokker SB No. F27-52-61. The directive ensures that all affected aircraft are compliant with the specified requirements to prevent any potential malfunction during an emergency. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in AD/F27/100 can lead to significant consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive is an offence. This can result in both civil and criminal penalties. The maximum penalties for contravening these regulations include substantial fines and potential imprisonment. Civil penalties can be enforced through fines up to a specified amount, while criminal penalties can result in imprisonment for up to two years. These stringent measures underscore the importance of adhering to CASA directives to maintain the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft involved.