AD/F27/115 Amdt 1 - Wing Structure - Skin Splice WS 7915

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, established under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, were introduced to regulate civil aviation in Australia and ensure the highest safety standards. Part 39, specifically concerning airworthiness directives, addresses the continuous maintenance and modification of aircraft to mitigate safety risks. The regulation aims to ensure that aircraft remain airworthy throughout their operational life by mandating regular inspections and necessary modifications based on safety directives. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issues these directives to enforce compliance, ensuring that any identified safety issues are addressed promptly. The Legislative Instrument F2006B09683, an amendment to the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, pertains to Fokker F27 Series aeroplanes. This particular airworthiness directive, AD/F27/115 Amendment 1, was introduced to address the issue of potentially incorrect heat treatment of upper and lower wing skin panels at Wing Station 7915. This could compromise the structural integrity of the wing, thereby necessitating specific speed restrictions and mandatory inspections and modifications. The directive ensures that operators comply with these requirements before specified deadlines to maintain the airworthiness and safety of these aircraft.

Scope and Application

This legislative instrument, part of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, specifically targets the Fokker F27 Series Aeroplanes with serial numbers between 10346 to 10692, excluding 10685 and 10688, and serial numbers 10105 to 10345 when equipped with certain outerwing serial numbers. The regulations mandate that these aircraft must adhere to revised speed restrictions based on their maximum takeoff weight (MTOW), with the maximum speed capped at 165 knots indicated airspeed for aircraft weighing 14969 kg (33000 lb) or more, and a linear decrease to 161 knots IAS for those weighing down to 13600 kg (30000 lb). Additionally, the directive requires an inspection and, if necessary, modification of the wing splice components at Wing Station 7915 in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F27/57-63 Parts 1 and 2. Compliance with these airworthiness directives is mandatory, with specific deadlines set for actions to be completed. This legislation applies on a Commonwealth level, ensuring uniform standards across Australia in line with international aviation safety requirements.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, govern the Airworthiness Directives (ADs) for Fokker F27 Series Aeroplanes, including AD/F27/115 Amendment 1, which addresses the wing structure skin splice at Wing Station 7915 (section 1). The directive applies to all Fokker F27 models with specific serial numbers, except for a few exceptions, and mandates actions to be taken by the operators and owners of these aircraft (section 2). The primary requirements outlined in AD/F27/115 Amendment 1 include restricting the maximum structural cruising speed (Vb) based on the Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) of the aircraft. For aircraft weighing 14969 kg (33000 lb) or more, the speed must be limited to 165 knots indicated airspeed (IAS), while for those weighing less than 14969 kg, a linear reduction in Vb from 165 knots IAS to 161 knots IAS is required as the MTOW decreases to 13600 kg (30000 lb) (section 1). Additionally, operators must inspect the splice components at Wing Station 7915 in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F27/57-63 Part 1, and modify any unsatisfactory splice components in line with Part 2 of the same bulletin (section 2). Operators and owners of affected Fokker F27 aircraft must adhere to specific compliance deadlines. The speed restrictions must be implemented before further flight after 30 September 1988, with the inspection and modification of splice components at Wing Station 7915 required before 1 March 1989 and 1 September 1989, respectively (section 3). Speed restrictions can be enforced by placing placards near the airspeed indicators and by including a temporary change in the Flight Manual, which can be obtained from the appropriate regional office of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (section 2). Failure to comply with AD/F27/115 Amendment 1 may result in serious safety consequences. Although the Civil Aviation Regulations do not explicitly detail the penalties for non-compliance with ADs, non-compliance with aviation safety regulations can lead to severe civil and criminal penalties. These may include fines, suspension or revocation of the aircraft's Certificate of Airworthiness, and potential criminal charges for those responsible, particularly if non-compliance results in an accident or incident. The severity of the penalties may vary depending on the circumstances and the discretion of the regulatory authority.