COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Fokker F27 Series Aeroplanes
AD/F27/138 Wing Lower Skin at Stringers 4 to 7 2/95
Applicability: All F27 aircraft (except Mk 050).
Requirement: 1. Perform an X-ray inspection of the wing lower surface stringers 4 to 7 at Wing Stations (WS) 11260, 11860, 12660, and 13460. Inspect in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin (SB) F27/57-70 paragraph 2 part 2.
2. Modify the wing lower surface rib to stringer connections where stringers 4 to 7 join to the ribs at WS 11260, 11860, 12660, and 13460. Modify in accordance with Fokker SB F27/57-70 paragraph 2 part 1.
Note: RLD AD 93-094(A) refers.
Compliance: 1. Inspect in accordance with Requirement 1 before 30000 flights or within 2000 flights after 2 February 1995 whichever is the later. Re-inspect at intervals not to exceed 4000 flights until modified in accordance with Requirement 2.
2. Modify in accordance with Requirement 2 before 30000 flights or before 31 July 1996 whichever occurs later.
Background: When incorporating SB F27/57-68 (cracking of wing upper surface stringers) some operators discovered cracking in the lower surface stringers. Inspection and modification are required to resolve the problem.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, were enacted to provide comprehensive regulations for ensuring the safety of civil aviation in Australia, addressing gaps in existing aviation safety protocols. This legislative instrument is administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and aims to maintain and enhance the safety standards of aircraft operating within Australian airspace. A specific directive, AD/F27/138, was introduced in response to identified structural issues with Fokker F27 Series aeroplanes, particularly concerning the cracking of wing lower surface stringers. This directive mandates inspections and modifications to ensure the continued airworthiness of these aircraft, reflecting the policy objective of mitigating risks associated with structural integrity in civil aviation.
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 mandate that all F27 aircraft, excluding the Mk 050 model, undergo an X-ray inspection of the wing lower surface stringers at specified Wing Stations to detect any potential cracks. Following the inspection, modifications to the rib to stringer connections are required to address the identified structural issues. Compliance with these directives is critical, with inspections mandated before a specified number of flights or within a defined timeframe post the directive’s issuance. This proactive approach underscores the commitment of CASA to ensuring the safety and reliability of civil aviation operations in Australia.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates the application of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure the safety of aircraft operations within Australian airspace. One such AD, AD/F27/138, pertains to Fokker F27 series aeroplanes (excluding the Mk 050 variant) and requires specific inspections and modifications to the wing lower skin at stringers 4 to 7. The directive applies to all Fokker F27 aircraft operating under Australian jurisdiction, encompassing both domestic and international flights. The regulation requires operators to conduct an X-ray inspection of the specified stringers at designated wing stations and modify the rib to stringer connections as per Fokker Service Bulletin F27/57-70. Compliance involves conducting the initial inspection before the aircraft reaches 30,000 flights or within 2,000 flights after 2 February 1995, whichever is later, and subsequent inspections at intervals not exceeding 4,000 flights until modifications are completed. The modifications must be carried out before the aircraft reaches 30,000 flights or by 31 July 1996, whichever comes later. This directive aims to address issues identified with cracking in the lower surface stringers, ensuring the continued airworthiness of the affected aircraft.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, issue AD/F27/138 concerning Fokker F27 Series aeroplanes. This directive addresses the wing lower skin at stringers 4 to 7, applicable to all F27 aircraft except the Mk 050. It mandates two primary actions: performing an X-ray inspection of the specified areas (Section 1) and modifying the rib to stringer connections at specific wing stations (Section 2). These actions are to be carried out in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F27/57-70, paragraph 2 parts 1 and 2.
The obligations under this directive require operators of F27 aircraft to adhere strictly to the inspection and modification protocols outlined. For the X-ray inspection, operators must inspect the wing lower surface stringers at the specified wing stations before the aircraft reaches 30,000 flights or within 2000 flights after 2 February 1995, whichever is later. This inspection must be repeated at intervals not exceeding 4000 flights until the modifications are completed. The modifications themselves, concerning the rib to stringer connections at the same wing stations, must be completed before the aircraft reaches 30,000 flights or before 31 July 1996, whichever occurs later.
Failure to comply with these directives can lead to significant consequences. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the text, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations can result in both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties can include fines and potential grounding of the aircraft, while criminal penalties can include imprisonment for individuals responsible for ensuring compliance. The exact penalties would depend on the specific regulations and circumstances of the breach, but the potential for severe repercussions underscores the importance of adherence to these safety directives.