AD/F28/15 - Horizontal Stabilizer Control Unit - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), were amended to include the Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes Airworthiness Directive (AD) in 2006. This AD, identified as AD/F28/15, specifically targets Fokker F28 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 11003 to 11024 and 11991 to 11992. The directive mandates a modification to the horizontal stabilizer control unit to address identified safety concerns. This legislative instrument was enacted to ensure that these particular Fokker F28 aeroplanes meet the necessary safety standards, thereby mitigating potential risks associated with the control unit of the horizontal stabilizer. The overarching policy objective is to enhance the safety and reliability of civil aviation operations by enforcing compliance with these airworthiness directives.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39, specifically target the maintenance and operation of aircraft within Australia, imposing strict airworthiness standards to ensure the safety of civil aviation. For Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes, Airworthiness Directive AD/F28/15 pertains to specific aircraft serial numbers, namely those ranging from 11003 to 11024 and 11991 to 11992, mandating modifications to the horizontal stabilizer control unit as detailed in Fokker Service Bulletin SB F28/27-31. This directive applies to the aircraft operators and maintenance providers who must adhere to the specified modifications to ensure compliance with airworthiness standards. The scope of this regulation extends across the Commonwealth of Australia, thereby encompassing all operators and maintainers within its jurisdiction. Notably, this directive does not apply to aircraft outside the specified serial numbers, and its enforcement may be further detailed or extended through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39, contain detailed directives concerning the airworthiness of various aircraft, including Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes. Within this framework, AD/F28/15 pertains to the horizontal stabilizer control unit of Fokker F28 aeroplanes with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 11003 to 11024, and 11991 to 11992. This directive mandates that these aircraft undergo a modification to their horizontal stabilizer control unit, as detailed in Fokker SB F28/27-31. This modification is critical for maintaining the airworthiness and safety of the specified Fokker F28 aeroplanes. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and specific. Operators of Fokker F28 aeroplanes within the specified serial number range must ensure that the required modifications to the horizontal stabilizer control unit are completed by certified technicians or engineers in accordance with Fokker SB F28/27-31. This involves detailed steps and checks to ensure the modifications are performed correctly and the aircraft meets all safety standards. Additionally, operators must maintain records of all modifications and inspections to demonstrate compliance with the airworthiness directive. Failure to comply with AD/F28/15 can result in severe consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may impose penalties for non-compliance, which could include fines and legal action against the aircraft operator. Additionally, operating an aircraft that does not meet the airworthiness standards set by these regulations could lead to grounding of the aircraft until the necessary modifications are made. Such actions not only affect the operator financially but also impact the safety and reliability of the aviation operations. The seriousness of these potential consequences underscores the importance of strict adherence to the airworthiness directives issued by CASA.