COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Fokker F27 Series Aeroplanes
AD/F27/145 Engine Nacelle Fuel Line Inspection 1/98
Applicability: All Model Fokker F27 Mk100 through Mk 700 series aeroplanes, all serial numbers.
Requirement: 1. Inspect the forward fuel feed lines P/N F471-27-1 or P/N F252-27-1 (RH Nacelle) and P/N F470-27-1 or P/N F152-27-1 (LH Nacelle), located at frame STA.3038, for damage in accordance with Part 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin (SB) F27/28-62 dated September 1, 1997 or a later RLD approved revision. If damage is found proceed with paragraph (2) of these requirements. If no damage is found proceed with paragraph (3) of these requirements.
2. If any fuel line is found to be damaged, accomplish one of the following:
(a) If the depth of the damage exceeds 0.009 inch, replace the affected fuel line with an airworthy part of the same part number.
(b) If the depth of the damage is less than 0.009inch, re-inspect the affected fuel line at every daily inspection thereafter and replace the affected fuel line with an airworthy part of the same part number within the next 50 flight hours following detection.
3. Modify the routing and support of the High Tension leads of the Inboard Ignition units in accordance with Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker SB F27/28-62 dated September 1, 1997 or a later RLD-approved revision.
Note: RLD BLA 1997-094(A) dated September 1997 refers.
Compliance: 1. Within six months of the effective date of this directive.
2. (a) Before Next Flight.
(b) Inspect at every daily inspection and replace within 50 flight hours of discovery.
3. Within six months of the effective date of this directive.
This airworthiness directive becomes effective on 1 January 1998.
Background: An operator reported a fuel leak which was found to originate from a hole in the forward fuel feed line, Part No. F471-27-1, located at nacelle frame STA.3038. The damage to the pipe was found to be caused by interference between the nearby Ignition Unit High Tension leads and the fuel feed line. At least one of the ignition leads appeared to be incorrectly supported, resulting in chafing and damage to the fuel feed line. If uncorrected this condition could lead to significant loss of fuel and/or nacelle fire. This directive introduces an inspection of the fuel feed lines, replacement of damaged fuel feed components and re-routing of the affected high tension leads.
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth Parliament, constitute a comprehensive framework governing civil aviation safety in Australia. One specific aspect of this legislation is found in Part 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. These directives are critical in ensuring that civil aircraft meet the necessary safety standards. For instance, AD/F27/145 addresses a safety concern identified with Fokker F27 Series aeroplanes, specifically regarding the engine nacelle fuel lines. This directive was introduced in response to a reported fuel leak from a hole in the forward fuel feed line, which was caused by interference between the nearby Ignition Unit High Tension leads and the fuel feed line. The policy objective of such directives is to prevent potential hazards, including significant fuel loss and nacelle fires, thereby enhancing overall aviation safety. Compliance with these directives is mandatory to maintain the airworthiness of the affected aircraft.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, applies to all operators of Fokker F27 Series Aeroplanes, including models Fokker F27 Mk100 through Mk 700, regardless of serial number. This legislation mandates specific inspection, maintenance, and modification requirements to ensure airworthiness and safety. The directive applies to the inspection and potential replacement of forward fuel feed lines located at frame STA.3038, and the modification of the routing and support of the High Tension leads of the Inboard Ignition units. Compliance with these directives is mandatory and must be achieved within specified timeframes, with immediate actions required for identified damages. The geographic reach of this regulation is national, as it is issued under the Commonwealth of Australia’s authority. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds in the directive itself, although compliance is overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. This regulation may be further detailed or amended through subordinate instruments, ensuring it remains effective and relevant to ongoing safety standards.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in PART 39 - 105, contain the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives. One such directive, AD/F27/145, pertains to Fokker F27 Series Aeroplanes and concerns the inspection and modification of engine nacelle fuel lines. This directive applies to all Fokker F27 Mk100 through Mk 700 series aeroplanes, regardless of their serial numbers. According to section 1 of AD/F27/145, operators are required to inspect the forward fuel feed lines located at frame STA.3038 for any damage. This inspection must follow the guidelines provided in Part 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin (SB) F27/28-62 dated September 1, 1997, or a later RLD-approved revision.
If damage is detected, the directive mandates either the replacement of the damaged fuel line with an airworthy part of the same part number if the depth of the damage exceeds 0.009 inch, or re-inspection and replacement within the next 50 flight hours if the damage is less than 0.009 inch. Furthermore, section 3 of the directive requires operators to modify the routing and support of the High Tension leads of the Inboard Ignition units as per Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker SB F27/28-62 dated September 1, 1997, or a later RLD-approved revision. Compliance with these directives must be achieved within six months from the effective date of the directive, which is 1 January 1998.
The obligations imposed by AD/F27/145 on operators include conducting thorough inspections of the specified fuel lines, addressing any damage as per the directive's stipulations, and modifying the support of the High Tension leads. Operators must ensure that any necessary inspections and repairs are completed before the next flight and within the specified timeframes. Non-compliance with these obligations can lead to serious safety risks, including potential fuel leaks and nacelle fires.
Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, failure to comply with the airworthiness directives can result in significant penalties. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the text of AD/F27/145, non-compliance with CASA directives generally can lead to both civil and criminal consequences. Civil penalties may include fines, while criminal penalties can include imprisonment, reflecting the serious nature of ensuring aircraft airworthiness and safety. The exact penalties would depend on the specific breach and the provisions of the broader Civil Aviation Regulations 1998.