AD/F27/120 - Inner/Outer Wing Joint Stringer Coupling Rods

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, include the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which address various safety concerns and requirements for different aircraft types, including the Fokker F27 Series Aeroplanes. AD/F27/120 pertains to the inner/outer wing joint stringer coupling rods on F27 models with particular serial numbers. This directive mandates actions to be taken in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F27/57-64 Revision 1, which outlines necessary modifications and inspections to mitigate the risk of stress corrosion cracking in the coupling rods. The directive references a Netherlands AD, which further supports the requirement for these specific actions. Compliance with Part 1 of the directive must be achieved before 31 October 1990, with Parts 2 and 3 to follow the schedule outlined in the requirement document. The objective of this directive is to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the specified Fokker F27 aircraft models by addressing structural integrity issues that could compromise flight safety. This regulation was enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which is tasked with ensuring that civil aviation operations in Australia are conducted in a safe and efficient manner, in line with the broader policy objectives of maintaining high safety standards in the aviation sector.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to Fokker F27 series aeroplanes with particular serial numbers, namely models 10102 and those ranging from 10105 to 10624 inclusive. This regulation mandates adherence to Fokker Service Bulletin F27/57-64 Revision 1, Parts 1, 2, and 3, to address the issue of stress corrosion cracking that can occur in the inner/outer wing joint stringer coupling rods. This requirement is informed by the Netherlands' Airworthiness Directive BLA 89-148 Issue 2. Compliance necessitates that Part 1 be fulfilled prior to 31 October 1990, while Parts 2 and 3 must be completed in accordance with the specified requirement document. The regulation is binding for the specified Fokker F27 models and does not extend to other aircraft types or models outside the defined serial numbers.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, detail the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD) for the Fokker F27 Series Aeroplanes. Within this section, AD/F27/120 addresses the critical issue of stress corrosion cracking in the inner/outer wing joint stringer coupling rods. The directive applies to F27 models with serial numbers 10102 and those ranging from 10105 to 10624 inclusive. The directive mandates actions in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F27/57-64 Rev 1, Parts 1, 2, and 3, and references Netherlands AD BLA 89-148 Issue 2 for compliance purposes. The key requirement of AD/F27/120 is that the specified aircraft models must undergo actions outlined in the Fokker Service Bulletin. Part 1 of the bulletin must be complied with prior to 31 October 1990, while Parts 2 and 3 must be completed in accordance with the instructions detailed in the Requirement Document. This ensures that all necessary measures to mitigate the risk of stress corrosion cracking are implemented effectively and timely. Operators and owners of the affected Fokker F27 aircraft must adhere to the outlined actions to maintain airworthiness. This includes reviewing the service bulletin and implementing the specified actions, which may involve inspecting, repairing, or replacing the coupling rods as required. Failure to comply with the directive could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, thereby preventing it from operating until the necessary actions are taken. The Civil Aviation Regulations impose strict obligations on operators and owners of the affected Fokker F27 aircraft to ensure compliance with AD/F27/120. Non-compliance with these directives can lead to significant legal and operational consequences. For instance, if an aircraft is found to be operating without the required modifications, it can result in enforcement actions, including grounding of the aircraft, fines, or other penalties. Additionally, non-compliance can lead to civil or criminal liability, depending on the circumstances and the extent of the breach. In terms of penalties, the Civil Aviation Regulations provide for various sanctions for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. These can include financial penalties, such as fines that may vary based on the severity of the breach, as well as potential criminal charges for wilful non-compliance. The maximum penalties can be substantial, reflecting the importance of adhering to airworthiness standards to ensure the safety of air travel.