COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Fokker F27 Series Aeroplanes
AD/F27/21 Aileron Control Wheel - Inspection of Washers 9/71
Document: Fokker SB C-18.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has introduced the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. Part 39 of these regulations focuses on airworthiness directives, specifically addressing the maintenance and inspection requirements of aircraft to ensure compliance with safety standards. This legislative instrument, F2006B09725, aims to fill a critical gap by providing detailed directives for the inspection and maintenance of certain aircraft components, such as the aileron control wheel washers in Fokker F27 series aeroplanes. The objective is to mitigate risks associated with potential failures in these components, thereby enhancing overall aviation safety. The regulations were enacted by the Australian Parliament to establish a comprehensive framework that governs the safety protocols for civil aviation, ensuring that all aircraft operating within Australian airspace meet stringent safety and maintenance standards.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39, encompasses a broad range of safety directives aimed at ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft operating within Australia. This particular directive, AD/F27/21, pertains to Fokker F27 Series Aeroplanes and mandates the inspection of washers on the aileron control wheel, a critical component for aircraft control. The directive applies to all Fokker F27 Series aeroplanes registered in Australia, irrespective of whether they are owned by individuals, corporate entities, or aviation companies. The geographical scope of this regulation is national, ensuring compliance across all states and territories within the Commonwealth of Australia. Notably, the directive is issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and is enforceable through subordinate instruments, which may further detail the inspection procedures and compliance requirements. There are no specific exclusions or exemptions outlined in this directive, indicating that all Fokker F27 Series aeroplanes must adhere to the stipulated inspection protocols to maintain airworthiness.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to ensure the safety of civil aviation in Australia. Under this part, AD/F27/21 pertains to the Fokker F27 Series Aeroplanes, focusing on the inspection of washers on the aileron control wheel (section 39-105(1)). The directive aims to ensure that these washers are in good condition to prevent any potential failure in the aileron control system, which could compromise the aircraft's safety. The AD requires that inspections be conducted by authorised personnel, following a defined schedule to maintain compliance with safety standards.
The obligations imposed by AD/F27/21 include the requirement for aircraft operators to inspect the washers on the aileron control wheels of Fokker F27 Series Aeroplanes at specified intervals as outlined in the directive. Operators must ensure that these inspections are performed by personnel who are qualified and authorised under the regulations. Furthermore, the AD mandates that any washers found to be damaged or worn beyond acceptable limits must be replaced, and a record of the inspection and any corrective actions taken must be maintained in the aircraft's maintenance logs. These obligations ensure that the structural integrity of the aileron control system is maintained, thereby enhancing the overall safety of the aircraft.
Failure to comply with AD/F27/21 can result in significant civil and criminal consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with ADs can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Civil penalties may include fines up to a maximum of $33,000 for corporations and $6,600 for individuals, as stipulated in section 98 of the Act. Additionally, in cases where non-compliance results in an aircraft being operated in a manner that endangers safety, criminal charges can be brought against the responsible parties, potentially resulting in imprisonment for up to two years. These penalties underscore the importance of adhering to the AD to prevent any compromise in aircraft safety.