COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Fokker F27 Series Aeroplanes
AD/F27/148 DC Generator Control Panel 12/99
Applicability: Model F27 Mk 100 through Mk 700 series aeroplanes, all serial numbers. Requirement: Inspect the DC generator control panels in accordance with STORK Fokker Service
Bulletin F27/24-79 dated 28 April 1999.
Note: RLD BLA 1999-093 (A) refers.
Compliance: Within two calendar months from the effective date of this Directive and thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 4000 hours time in service.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 2 December 1999.
Background: The RLD has received numerous incident reports concerning DC generator overvoltage on F27 aeroplanes. These incidents invariably resulted in loss of both DC generator systems and loss of several other systems. Investigation revealed that the overvoltage was caused by incorrect installation of DC generator control panels, together with bad solder joints, bad wire insulation and incorrect functioning of the control panels.
These conditions, if not detected and corrected, could result in further incidents of overvoltage of the aeroplane electrical system. This Directive requires the regular inspection of the control panels.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, govern various aspects of civil aviation in Australia, including the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. Part 39, specifically, outlines regulations pertaining to airworthiness directives, which are legally enforceable rules related to the design, production, maintenance, and operation of aircraft. The 1998 Regulations were amended through the Legislative instrument F2006B09715 to address specific safety concerns. The problem this particular directive aims to address is the issue of overvoltage in the DC generator systems of Fokker F27 series aeroplanes, which has been linked to incidents of system failures and loss of critical functions. The policy objective is to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of these aircraft by requiring regular inspections of the DC generator control panels.
The Airworthiness Directive AD/F27/148, effective from 2 December 1999, mandates that operators of Fokker F27 Mk 100 through Mk 700 series aeroplanes must inspect the DC generator control panels in accordance with the specified service bulletin. The directive is in response to multiple incident reports that highlighted issues such as incorrect installation, bad solder joints, poor wire insulation, and malfunctioning control panels. Failure to comply with this directive could result in overvoltage incidents, posing a significant risk to the aircraft's safety and operational integrity.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, apply to all Fokker F27 Series aeroplanes, covering models F27 Mk 100 through Mk 700 series, including all serial numbers. This regulation mandates the inspection of DC generator control panels in accordance with the specified service bulletin to ensure the airworthiness of these aircraft. The directive applies to any person or entity operating these aircraft within the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia. Compliance with the directive requires that inspections be carried out within two calendar months from the effective date of 2 December 1999, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 4000 hours of time in service. The directive extends its reach through subordinate instruments, such as the referenced service bulletin F27/24-79, which provides the specific procedures and technical details necessary for compliance. Any failure to adhere to the stipulated inspection intervals and procedures may result in non-compliance with the Civil Aviation Regulations, potentially impacting the safety and airworthiness certification of the affected Fokker F27 aircraft.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39, Section 105, mandate that Fokker F27 Series aeroplanes undergo regular inspections of their DC generator control panels. The directive AD/F27/148 dated 12/99, applies to all models within the F27 Mk 100 through Mk 700 series, regardless of serial numbers. The primary requirement (Section 105) is to inspect the DC generator control panels in accordance with the guidelines provided in STORK Fokker Service Bulletin F27/24-79, dated 28 April 1999. This inspection is crucial because it addresses issues identified in multiple incident reports, where incorrect installation, poor solder joints, bad wire insulation, and malfunctioning control panels led to overvoltage in the DC generator system, ultimately causing a loss of both DC generator systems and other critical systems on the aircraft.
The obligations imposed by this directive are quite specific. Operators and owners of Fokker F27 Series aeroplanes must ensure that the DC generator control panels are inspected within two calendar months from the effective date of the directive, which is 2 December 1999, and then at intervals not exceeding 4000 hours of time in service. This requirement is essential to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft and to prevent the recurrence of overvoltage incidents that could compromise safety.
Failure to comply with this directive can result in significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may take enforcement action against operators or owners who do not adhere to the inspection requirements. The potential penalties for non-compliance can include fines, legal action, and potentially grounding of the aircraft until the necessary inspections are performed and any issues are rectified. The specific penalties are not detailed in the directive, but they are generally aligned with the broader regulatory framework governing civil aviation in Australia, which can involve substantial financial penalties and other enforcement measures. Ensuring compliance with these regulations is therefore critical for maintaining the safety and airworthiness of Fokker F27 Series aeroplanes.