COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Fokker F27 Series Aeroplanes
AD/F27/124 MLG Drag Strut Attach Fitting 12/91
Applicability: All model F27 with serial numbers listed in the Requirement Document. Requirement: Action in accordance with the Technical Requirements of RLD AD 90-138.
Note: Fokker SB F27/54-47 refers.
Compliance: Unless already accomplished, inspect the MLG drag strut attach fitting prior to accumulating 500 flight cycles from 12 December 1991 or by 1 June 1992, whichever is the earlier. If cracks are found replace the MLG drag strut attachment fitting at the threshold stated in the referenced Service Bulletin.
Background: This Directive requires a high frequency eddy current inspection of the drag strut actuator attachment lug. Failure of this lug may lead to an inability of the actuator to damp landing gear extension resulting in collapse of the main landing gear. This Directive gives 12 months longer to comply than the RLD AD.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, include Airworthiness Directives (AD) aimed at ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. One such directive, AD/F27/124, was enacted to address potential structural issues with Fokker F27 series aeroplanes. The directive targets the MLG (Main Landing Gear) drag strut attach fitting, requiring an inspection and possible replacement to prevent failure that could lead to catastrophic outcomes during landing. The directive was introduced to ensure compliance with the Technical Requirements of RLD AD 90-138, extending the compliance period by 12 months beyond the referenced Service Bulletin. The policy objective is to enhance the safety and reliability of Fokker F27 series aeroplanes by mandating regular inspections and timely repairs of critical components.
This legislative instrument, F2006B09691, was enacted by the Australian Government to address specific safety concerns identified in Fokker F27 series aeroplanes. It is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. The primary aim is to mitigate the risk of main landing gear failure by requiring detailed inspections and maintenance of the MLG drag strut attach fitting. The directive ensures that all affected aircraft, specifically those with serial numbers listed in the Requirement Document, undergo the necessary checks to maintain airworthiness standards. The extended compliance period provides operators with additional time to address these safety concerns without compromising on safety.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, addresses the applicability of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Fokker F27 Series Aeroplanes. The regulation focuses on the inspection and maintenance of the MLG (Main Landing Gear) drag strut attach fitting, as outlined in AD/F27/124, which applies to all model F27 aircraft with the serial numbers detailed in the Requirement Document. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, requiring an inspection of the MLG drag strut attach fitting either before accumulating 500 flight cycles from 12 December 1991 or by 1 June 1992, whichever occurs first. If any cracks are identified during this inspection, the fitting must be replaced as per the criteria set out in the referenced Service Bulletin. This legislative instrument extends to all relevant Fokker F27 Series aeroplanes within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that the specified maintenance actions are conducted to avoid potential failures that could compromise the safety of the aircraft during landing operations.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, outlines the requirements for maintaining the airworthiness of Fokker F27 Series Aeroplanes. This includes a directive AD/F27/124 concerning the MLG Drag Strut Attach Fitting (Section 12/91). The directive mandates that all Fokker F27 models with serial numbers specified in the Requirement Document must comply with the Technical Requirements outlined in RLD AD 90-138. The reference to Fokker SB F27/54-47 further clarifies the specific technical details and procedures to be followed.
Compliance with this directive requires operators of the affected Fokker F27 models to inspect the MLG drag strut attach fitting before the aeroplane accumulates 500 flight cycles from 12 December 1991, or by 1 June 1992, whichever occurs earlier. This inspection is critical as failure of the drag strut attachment lug can compromise the damping mechanism during landing gear extension, potentially leading to catastrophic main landing gear collapse. The directive provides an extended compliance period of 12 months beyond the RLD AD, offering operators additional time to address any required modifications.
Operators and owners of Fokker F27 Series Aeroplanes must adhere to the specified inspection and repair protocols to maintain compliance with the airworthiness directive. If any cracks are detected during the inspection, the MLG drag strut attachment fitting must be replaced according to the thresholds and specifications detailed in the referenced Service Bulletin. This requirement ensures that the structural integrity of the landing gear is maintained, thus safeguarding the safety of the aircraft and its occupants.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this airworthiness directive may result in severe civil and criminal penalties. Non-compliance could lead to the grounding of the affected aircraft until the necessary repairs are made, which could significantly impact operational schedules and financial viability. Furthermore, there may be enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which could include fines and other sanctions. The exact penalties and consequences for non-compliance are detailed in other sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, reflecting the serious nature of airworthiness standards and the imperative to prioritise safety in aviation operations.