AD/F27/108 - Rudder Trim Tab Control Bracket Attachment - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, contain the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives which govern the maintenance and safety standards for aircraft operating in Australia. Among these directives is AD/F27/108, which pertains to the Fokker F27 Series aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to address issues identified during investigations into incidents such as flutter occurrences, particularly those related to the rudder trim tab control bracket attachment. The problem it was designed to tackle involves the installation of substitute rivets in the rib skin attachment of the rudder trim tab actuating bracket, which may compromise the structural integrity and operational safety of the aircraft. The objective of this directive, as established by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, is to ensure that such issues are identified and rectified to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F27/55-58. Compliance with this directive was mandated prior to 15 July 1985.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, establishes the scope and application of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which govern the maintenance and safety standards of aircraft operating within Australia. This particular Airworthiness Directive AD/F27/108 applies to all Fokker F27 Series Aeroplanes, necessitating compliance with Fokker Service Bulletin F27/55-58. The directive mandates an inspection of the rudder trim tab control bracket attachment to ensure that no substitute rivets have been installed, as these can compromise the stiffness of the tab control attachment, potentially leading to serious safety issues such as flutter. The directive is binding for all Fokker F27 Series aircraft, irrespective of their operation within Australian airspace or by Australian operators, ensuring adherence to stringent safety standards to maintain airworthiness. The directive is applicable to all models of the Fokker F27 Series aeroplanes, with no exclusions specified within the text. Compliance is required prior to 15 July 1985, as referenced in R.L.D. AD 85-31. The application of this directive extends to all aircraft within the specified series, ensuring a uniform approach to safety and maintenance. The regulation is comprehensive, addressing a specific safety concern identified in the Fokker F27 Series, thereby contributing to the overarching safety framework within Australian civil aviation.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR) relevant to the Fokker F27 Series Aeroplanes are primarily found in Part 39. Specifically, section 39-105 pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (ADs). Within this schedule, AD/F27/108 mandates a specific inspection requirement for the rudder trim tab control bracket attachment of Fokker F27 Series aeroplanes. This directive was issued in response to an investigation that identified potential safety issues stemming from improper rivet installation in the rudder trim tab system. The directive applies to all models of the Fokker F27 series, as indicated by the applicability note (section 39-105). Under this legislation, Fokker F27 aircraft operators and maintenance providers are obligated to comply with the requirements outlined in Fokker Service Bulletin F27/55-58, which details the necessary inspection procedures for the rudder trim tab control bracket attachment. This includes ensuring that the attachment is inspected in accordance with the specifications provided, to verify the integrity of the rivets and the structural soundness of the rudder trim tab system. The directive further references R.L.D. AD 85-31, which provides additional background and context for the necessity of these inspections (section 39-105). Non-compliance with AD/F27/108 can result in significant consequences for the involved parties. According to the regulations, failure to adhere to the specified inspection requirements can lead to the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy. This non-compliance can also result in civil penalties, as outlined under various sections of the CAR. The specific penalties for breaches of airworthiness directives can include fines and potential prosecution, with the maximum penalties depending on the severity and impact of the non-compliance (section 39-105). Additionally, operators and maintenance providers found in breach of these directives may face enforcement actions by CASA, which could include grounding of the affected aircraft until the required inspections and repairs are completed. This enforcement action is designed to ensure that all Fokker F27 Series aeroplanes meet the necessary safety standards, thereby protecting both the aircraft and its occupants (section 39-105). It is imperative that all parties governed by these regulations take the directives seriously to avoid the legal and safety repercussions associated with non-compliance.