COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Fokker F27 Series Aeroplanes
AD/F27/128 Outer Flap Lower Skin and Rib 2/92
Applicability: All model F27, all serial numbers.
Requirement: Inspect the outer flap lower skin and rib in accordance with the technical requirements of Fokker SB F27/57-67.
Note: RLD AD 91-122 refers.
Compliance: As specified in the Requirement document with a revised effective date of 3 February 1992 (a four month extension).
Background: Country of origin AD. Some operators are reported to have found cracks at various locations in the lower skin and rib at STA.580 of the outer flaps. As these cracks are likely to exist on other aircraft of the same type, this AD requires inspection of the affected areas and provides for a repair if necessary.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by F2006B09695, were introduced to ensure the safety and operational reliability of aircraft in Australian airspace. This legislation, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, aims to address specific maintenance and operational issues identified in certain aircraft models. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, enforces these regulations to maintain high safety standards and to prevent in-flight incidents that could arise from mechanical failures. One such amendment, AD/F27/128, focuses on Fokker F27 series aeroplanes, mandating inspections of the outer flap lower skin and rib to prevent structural failures. This directive was implemented to respond to reports of cracks found in these critical areas, thereby ensuring the continued airworthiness of these aircraft.
This regulation is part of a broader policy objective to enhance aviation safety by preemptively addressing potential structural issues through regular inspections and maintenance directives. By requiring adherence to specific technical standards and providing for necessary repairs, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 aim to mitigate risks and ensure that all aircraft meet the highest safety standards, protecting both passengers and crew.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, including AD/F27/128 which addresses the outer flap lower skin and rib for Fokker F27 Series aeroplanes. This legislation applies to all models of the Fokker F27, irrespective of their serial numbers, thereby ensuring a comprehensive safety measure across the fleet. The directive mandates that inspections of the specified components be conducted in accordance with the technical requirements outlined in Fokker SB F27/57-67, with references to RLD AD 91-122, and requires compliance with the revised effective date of 3 February 1992, which extends the original compliance period by four months. The regulation’s jurisdictional reach is national, as it applies to all Fokker F27 aircraft operating within Australia, ensuring adherence to safety standards and addressing reported instances of cracks found in the lower skin and rib at STA.580 of the outer flaps.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate certain requirements for maintaining the airworthiness of Fokker F27 series aeroplanes. Under the provisions of AD/F27/128 (paragraph 2), all Fokker F27 aeroplanes, regardless of their serial number, are subject to a directive for inspecting the outer flap lower skin and rib. This inspection must be conducted in accordance with the technical requirements outlined in Fokker Service Bulletin F27/57-67. The directive references RLD AD 91-122 for additional guidance. Operators are required to comply with these specifications and are to do so by adhering to the revised effective date of 3 February 1992, which is a four-month extension from the original date.
The obligations imposed by this legislation require operators of Fokker F27 series aeroplanes to perform regular inspections of the outer flap lower skin and rib as directed. This involves a meticulous examination to detect any cracks or other forms of damage at specific locations, such as STA.580 of the outer flaps. Should any issues be identified during the inspection, the operator must follow the repair procedures specified in the requirement document to ensure the aircraft meets the necessary safety standards. Operators must document these inspections and any subsequent repairs to maintain compliance with the Civil Aviation Regulations.
Failure to comply with these airworthiness directives can lead to significant consequences. Non-compliance with AD/F27/128 can result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, which could lead to grounding of the aircraft until the required inspections and repairs are completed. The severity of the penalties depends on the nature and extent of the non-compliance. In cases of significant non-compliance, operators may face civil penalties, including fines, as well as criminal charges if the non-compliance results in safety hazards or accidents. The maximum penalties can be substantial, reflecting the critical importance of adhering to these airworthiness directives to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.