AD/F27/116 - Electrical Power - Upper Fuselage Cable Loom

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by F2006B09684, address safety concerns associated with the Fokker F27 Series Aeroplanes, specifically those within the serial number range of 10623 to 10692. This legislative instrument was introduced to address the issue of chafing of the upper fuselage cable loom, which had been reported by Fokker. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, under the authority of the Commonwealth of Australia, enacted these regulations to ensure compliance with the necessary safety directives and to mitigate any potential risks arising from the identified problem. The overarching policy objective is to enhance the safety standards and operational reliability of the specified Fokker F27 aircraft, ensuring they meet the requisite safety benchmarks before resuming service.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, establish the legal framework for ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft within Australia. Within this regulatory context, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issues airworthiness directives to maintain safety standards. One such directive, AD/F27/116, applies exclusively to Fokker F27 Series aeroplanes, more precisely, aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 10623 to 10692 inclusive. The directive mandates compliance with Fokker Service Bulletin F27/24-77 or any subsequent versions, referencing Regulatory Letter of Determination BLA 88-40. This directive is imperative for ensuring the electrical power system's integrity by addressing the issue of cable loom chafing on the upper fuselage. Non-compliance with this directive could result in significant safety risks, thus it is crucial for the specified aircraft to adhere to the prescribed maintenance actions by the stipulated compliance date of 26 April 1989.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, specifically address airworthiness directives for particular aircraft types, such as the Fokker F27 Series Aeroplanes. The regulation in question here is AD/F27/116, which concerns the electrical power system, specifically the upper fuselage cable loom for F27 Mk 500 aircraft serial numbers 10623 to 10692. According to section (1) of this directive, the requirement is that the action must be taken in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F27/24-77 or any subsequent updates. This directive aims to address the issue of chafing of the cable loom on the upper fuselage, which has been reported by Fokker. Compliance with this directive is mandated to be achieved prior to 26 April 1989, as noted in the regulation. The obligations imposed by this regulation are quite specific and pertain directly to the maintenance and safety of the mentioned aircraft. Operators and owners of the affected Fokker F27 Mk 500 aircraft must adhere to the instructions provided in Fokker Service Bulletin F27/24-77 or any later versions. This includes conducting inspections, making necessary repairs, and ensuring that the upper fuselage cable loom is in a safe and serviceable condition. The directive is clear that these actions must be completed before the specified compliance date of 26 April 1989. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in the aircraft not meeting the necessary airworthiness standards, potentially leading to grounding or other regulatory actions. The consequences for non-compliance with the AD/F27/116 directive are significant. While the specific civil or criminal penalties are not detailed in this particular directive, non-compliance with airworthiness directives generally can lead to serious repercussions. These may include fines, penalties, or even criminal charges, depending on the severity of the non-compliance and its impact on safety. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to take enforcement actions against operators or owners who fail to comply with airworthiness directives, which could result in the suspension or revocation of the aircraft’s certificate of airworthiness. Such actions could severely impact the operations of the aircraft and the entity responsible for its maintenance.