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/F27/157 Cargo Restraint Strap Assemblies 1/2005
DM
Applicability: Model F27 series aircraft, on which cargo restraint strap assemblies part number 1519-MCIDS have been installed per Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST01004NY.
Requirement: Revise the Limitations Section of the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM), and the cargo- loading procedures of the Weight and Balance Manual (WBM), to include the following information (this may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this Directive into the AFM and the WBM):
“Discontinue the use of STC ST01004NY to install Airline Container Manufacturing Company Inc., cargo restraint straps, part number 1519-MCIDS, as the only means of securing cargo to Technical Standard Order (TSO) C90c/NAS3610 pallets. Such cargo restraint straps may continue to be used a supplemental restraints to secure cargo to TSO C90c/NAS3610 pallets, or to the cargo restraint fittings in the aircraft floor, per the aircraft manufacturer’s weight and balance manuals, and within the strap rated load (5,000 lbs).”
Note 1: If the above statement has been incorporated into the general revisions of the AFM and the WBM, the general revisions may be incorporated into the AFM and WBM, and the copy of this Directive may then be removed from the AFM and WBM.
Note 2: FAA AD 2004-22-01 Amdt 39-13829 refers.
Compliance: Within 14 days after 1 December 2004.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 1 December 2004.
Fokker F27 Series Aeroplanes
AD/F27/157 (continued)
Background: The actions specified by this Directive are intended to prevent shifting or unrestrained cargo in the cargo compartment, which could cause an unexpected change in the aircraft’s centre of gravity, damage to the aircraft structure and/or flight control system, a hazard to the flightcrew, and/or possible loss of controllability of the aircraft.
David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 24 November 2004
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 1 December 2004.
Overview
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) F27/157, issued under subregulation 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR 1998), was enacted on 1 December 2004 by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This directive addresses safety concerns related to the cargo restraint strap assemblies installed on Fokker F27 Series aeroplanes, specifically those installed per Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST01004NY. The directive aims to mitigate the risk of cargo shifting or becoming unrestrained during flight, which could lead to significant safety hazards such as an unexpected change in the aircraft's centre of gravity, potential structural damage, compromised flight control, and loss of controllability. The policy objective is to ensure the safe operation of these aircraft by mandating specific modifications to the Aircraft Flight Manual and the Weight and Balance Manual, as detailed in the directive.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under subregulation 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 specifically applies to Fokker F27 series aircraft that have cargo restraint strap assemblies part number 1519-MCIDS installed as per Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST01004NY. This directive mandates revisions to the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) and the cargo-loading procedures outlined in the Weight and Balance Manual (WBM), requiring the incorporation of detailed instructions regarding the discontinuation of STC ST01004NY for installing specific cargo restraint straps. These straps can still be used as supplementary restraints under certain conditions, namely when securing cargo to TSO C90c/NAS3610 pallets or to the cargo restraint fittings in the aircraft floor, provided they adhere to the aircraft manufacturer’s weight and balance manuals and within the strap's rated load of 5,000 lbs. The directive is effective immediately upon its publication, requiring compliance within 14 days of 1 December 2004. This AD serves to mitigate risks associated with unsecured or improperly restrained cargo, which could lead to adverse flight conditions and safety hazards.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) F27/157, issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, applies specifically to Fokker F27 series aeroplanes that have had cargo restraint strap assemblies part number 1519-MCIDS installed pursuant to Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST01004NY. This directive mandates that the applicable aircraft must have their Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) and Weight and Balance Manual (WBM) revised to include specific information about the discontinuation of the STC ST01004NY for installing the mentioned cargo restraint straps. Instead, it permits their continued use as supplemental restraints to secure cargo to TSO C90c/NAS3610 pallets or to the aircraft floor fittings, provided it is within the straps' rated load of 5,000 lbs. The directive can be implemented by inserting a copy of the AD into the AFM and WBM, or by incorporating the required information directly into the manuals and subsequently removing the copy of the AD.
Operators of Fokker F27 series aircraft that fall under this directive must ensure that the specified revisions to the AFM and WBM are made within 14 days of 1 December 2004, the effective date of the AD. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the aircraft being considered unairworthy, thereby preventing it from being operated until the necessary changes are made. The AD aims to prevent cargo shifting or becoming unrestrained in the cargo compartment, which could lead to serious safety issues such as unexpected changes in the aircraft's centre of gravity, structural damage, flight control system hazards, risks to the flight crew, and potential loss of control over the aircraft.
Failure to comply with the AD F27/157 can result in severe consequences. The primary risk is that the affected aircraft will be deemed unairworthy, which prohibits its operation until the required changes to the AFM and WBM are implemented. Furthermore, non-compliance with ADs can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which may include fines, legal proceedings, and the possibility of criminal charges if the non-compliance results in an aviation accident or incident. The seriousness of the potential consequences underscores the importance of adhering to the AD's stipulations to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the aircraft.