AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CASR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
Fokker F27 Series Aeroplanes
AD/F27/156 Fuel Tank Isolation Valve Selector Knobs 8/2004
DM
Applicability: Model F.27 Mk.200, Mk.400, Mk.500 and Mk.600 aeroplanes, serial numbers 10505 through 10591, that are not equipped with inboard wing fuel tanks and that have not been modified in accordance with Fokker Services Service Bulletin (SB) F27/28-58.
Requirement: 1. Check for the presence of a correctly installed sealwire (lockwire) between the two Fuel Tank Isolation Valve Selector Knobs and, if necessary, correct any deficiency in the installation in accordance with Part 2 - Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Services SB F27/28-67 dated 23 February 2004.
2. Modify spare Fuel Tank Isolation Valve Selector Knobs part numbers (P/N) E16032-3, 10632-10003 and P80-004 in accordance with Part 2 - Accomplishment Instructions of SB F27/28-67 and re-identify the knobs as P/N Y000092-401.
3. Incorporate the applicable changes introduced with Fokker Services Manual Change Notification - Operation Documentation MCNO F27-018 dated 1 December 2003 in to the applicable Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM).
4. Incorporate the applicable changes introduced with Fokker Services Manual Change Notification - Maintenance Documentation MCNM F27-020 dated 23 February 2004 into the Maintenance Manual.
Note : CAA-NL AD 2004-037 (A) Corr refers.
Compliance: For Requirement 1 - Within the next three calendar months after the effective date of this Directive.
For Requirement 2 - Before installation as a replacement part.
For Requirement 3 - Within the next calendar month after the effective date of this Directive.
For Requirement 4 - Within the next three calendar months after the effective date of this Directive.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 16 June 2004.
Fokker F27 Series Aeroplanes
AD/F27/156 (continued)
Background: The Netherlands CAA has received a report of an accident of fuel starvation of both engines shortly after take-off. Both rotary Fuel Tank Isolation Valve Selector Knobs were found in the SHUT position and neither sealwire nor holes for the installation of sealwire in the rotary knobs was found during the accident investigation.
This Directive requires the one time inspection of the rotary knobs for the correct installation of sealwire and, if necessary, rework and modification. In addition the Directive requires the introduction of changes to operational and maintenance procedures.
James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 9 June 2004
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 16 June 2004.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued Airworthiness Directive F27/156 to address a specific safety concern identified in Fokker F27 Series Aeroplanes, particularly models F.27 Mk.200, Mk.400, Mk.500 and Mk.600, serial numbers 10505 through 10591. This directive was introduced to mitigate the risk of fuel starvation post-takeoff, following an incident reported to the Netherlands Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The incident involved both rotary Fuel Tank Isolation Valve Selector Knobs being in the SHUT position, with neither sealwire nor the necessary holes for sealwire installation found in the rotary knobs during the investigation. The policy objective of this directive is to ensure the safe operation of affected aircraft by mandating inspections, modifications, and updates to operational and maintenance documentation to prevent recurrence of such incidents. The directive requires corrective actions within specified timeframes and became effective on 16 June 2004.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) F27/156 issued under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 applies specifically to Fokker F27 Series Aeroplanes, namely the F.27 Mk.200, Mk.400, Mk.500, and Mk.600 models with serial numbers ranging from 10505 to 10591, that do not have inboard wing fuel tanks and have not been modified according to Fokker Services Service Bulletin F27/28-58. This legislation targets the aircraft and their maintenance to ensure safety standards are met to prevent fuel starvation incidents. The directive mandates that certain actions be taken concerning the Fuel Tank Isolation Valve Selector Knobs, including checking and correcting the installation of sealwire, modifying spare parts, and updating the Aircraft Flight Manual and Maintenance Manual with specified changes. The AD applies on a national level within the Commonwealth of Australia and becomes effective from 16 June 2004. Compliance timelines are set for specific actions, ranging from immediate updates to modifications to be completed within three calendar months from the directive’s effective date.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) F27/156 issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) focuses on the Fokker F27 Series Aeroplanes, specifically models F.27 Mk.200, Mk.400, Mk.500 and Mk.600, with serial numbers ranging from 10505 through 10591. This directive is applicable to aircraft not equipped with inboard wing fuel tanks and those not previously modified according to Fokker Services Service Bulletin (SB) F27/28-58. The AD mandates certain actions to rectify identified safety concerns. Firstly, operators must check and, if necessary, correct the installation of sealwire between the two Fuel Tank Isolation Valve Selector Knobs, following the instructions in Fokker Services SB F27/28-67 dated 23 February 2004 (Requirement 1). Secondly, any spare Fuel Tank Isolation Valve Selector Knobs must be modified according to SB F27/28-67 and re-identified as per the directive (Requirement 2). Thirdly, the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) must incorporate the changes from Fokker Services Manual Change Notification - Operation Documentation MCNO F27-018 dated 1 December 2003 (Requirement 3). Finally, the Maintenance Manual must include the changes from Fokker Services Manual Change Notification - Maintenance Documentation MCNM F27-020 dated 23 February 2004 (Requirement 4).
The AD imposes several obligations on the parties it governs. Operators of the affected Fokker F27 aeroplanes must ensure the sealwire between the Fuel Tank Isolation Valve Selector Knobs is correctly installed and, if necessary, rectify any deficiencies. This involves adherence to the specific instructions outlined in SB F27/28-67. Additionally, operators must modify any spare Fuel Tank Isolation Valve Selector Knobs according to the same bulletin and re-identify them as specified. Moreover, operators are required to update their AFM and Maintenance Manual to reflect the changes noted in the respective manual change notifications from Fokker Services. Compliance with these requirements must be achieved within specified timeframes: sealwire checks and corrections within three months, modifications to spare knobs before installation, and updates to the AFM and Maintenance Manual within the next calendar month and three months, respectively, after the directive's effective date.
Failure to comply with the AD F27/156 can result in various consequences. Although the text does not explicitly state penalties, non-compliance with ADs typically involves significant regulatory repercussions. CASA, as the regulatory body, may take enforcement actions, including fines or legal proceedings against non-compliant operators. Non-compliance can also lead to aircraft being grounded, thus affecting operational safety and potentially resulting in civil or criminal liability for those responsible. The directive aims to mitigate the risk of fuel starvation by ensuring the proper installation and modification of critical components, thereby enhancing overall aircraft safety.