AD/F27/109 - Elevator Trim Tab Control Bracket Attachment

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which pertains to airworthiness directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, includes the Fokker F27 Series Aeroplanes AD/F27/109 related to elevator trim tab control bracket attachment, was enacted to address issues of safety in the aviation sector. This legislative instrument was introduced to rectify a problem identified in Fokker F27 models with specific serial numbers, where incorrect rivet types used in the rudder trim tab control bracket attachment led to flutter and potential safety hazards. The Australian Parliament enacted these regulations to ensure that the identified aircraft undergo necessary inspections and corrective actions to mitigate any risks associated with the identified construction flaw, thereby maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation. The policy objective behind these regulations is to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the Fokker F27 Series aeroplanes by mandating specific actions as outlined in Fokker Service Bulletin F27/55-59. The requirement for compliance before 30 November 1985 underscores the urgency and critical nature of the safety measures being implemented. This legislative instrument aims to prevent any potential safety incidents by addressing the root cause of the identified issue through a mandatory inspection and corrective action.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the safety requirements for airworthiness directives, including the AD/F27/109 directive for Fokker F27 Series aeroplanes. This directive applies to all models F27 with specific serial numbers, identified as S/Nos 10105 to 10648, 10654, 10658 to 10660, 10662 to 10667, 10669, and 10672. The directive mandates actions in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F27/55-59 and references RLD AD 85-46. The requirement for compliance with this airworthiness directive must be met prior to 30 November 1985. This directive is a critical safety measure, ensuring the integrity of the elevator trim tab control bracket attachment following an incident of rudder trim tab flutter, where the rivets in the area were found to be incorrect, necessitating a one-time inspection to prevent similar issues with the elevator trim tab.

Key Provisions

The main operative section of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105 (F2006B09678), specifically focuses on the Fokker F27 Series Aeroplanes, as outlined in the Airworthiness Directive AD/F27/109. This directive mandates action concerning the elevator trim tab control bracket attachment, applicable to specific Fokker F27 models (Section 1). The directive references Fokker Service Bulletin F27/55-59 and indicates a connection to RLD AD 85-46, providing a framework for compliance and action. The obligations imposed by this Act on the relevant parties, such as aircraft operators and maintenance providers, require them to ensure that all Fokker F27 aircraft within the specified serial numbers undergo a one-time inspection of the elevator trim tab control bracket attachment. This inspection is necessary to rectify any issues identified by the directive, specifically focusing on the type of rivets used in the vicinity of the tab control bracket attachment (Section 2). Compliance with these requirements is mandatory and must be achieved before 30 November 1985, as stipulated by the directive. Failure to comply with the provisions of this Airworthiness Directive could result in serious safety implications, given the previous occurrence of rudder trim tab flutter. The potential consequences for non-compliance include the risk of similar flutter issues affecting the elevator trim tab, which could compromise the aircraft's safety and airworthiness. Consequently, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) might impose administrative, civil, or criminal penalties on non-compliant parties, which could include fines, suspension of airworthiness certificates, or other regulatory actions to ensure compliance and maintain safety standards (Section 3). The directive clearly outlines the need for prompt action and strict adherence to the specified requirements, underscoring the importance of maintaining the structural integrity and safety of the Fokker F27 aircraft. The penalties for non-compliance reflect the seriousness of the directive, aiming to enforce safety measures and mitigate any potential risks associated with the identified issue (Section 4).