AD/F28/18 - Main Landing Gear Actuator - Inspection and Eye-Bolt Bearing

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by the Civil Aviation (Public Aircraft) Instrument 2006, address the need to ensure the continued airworthiness of specific aircraft models, such as the Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes, by issuing safety directives. These regulations, enacted by the Australian Parliament, are administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and aim to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of civil aviation. The specific Airworthiness Directive AD/F28/18 pertains to the inspection of the main landing gear actuator NK and eye-bolt bearing for Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes with specific serial numbers, ensuring compliance with the detailed requirements set forth in the regulatory documents. The policy objective is to maintain a high standard of safety within the aviation sector by mandating rigorous and regular inspections and maintenance of critical aircraft components.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all Fokker F28 Series aeroplanes with serial numbers 11003 and subsequent, as well as those in the range 11991 to 11994, concerning the inspection of the main landing gear actuator NK and eye-bolt bearing. This legislative instrument, which is part of the Commonwealth of Australia's regulatory framework, mandates compliance with the specified requirements detailed in the Fokker F28 SB F28/32-72 document. The regulation's scope is geographically broad, extending to all operations within Australia and involving Fokker F28 Series aeroplanes meeting the identified serial numbers. The regulation applies to entities and individuals involved in the maintenance, operation, and certification of these aircraft, ensuring adherence to stringent safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. There are no exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds explicitly stated in the text, and the application of this directive is further defined and potentially extended or restricted through subordinate instruments as necessary.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 (Sections 39.105), include the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. This schedule pertains to Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes, with AD/F28/18 focusing on the main landing gear actuator, specifically the NK and eye-bolt bearing. This directive applies to all models with serial numbers (S/Nos.) 11003 and subsequent, and also to S/Nos. 11991 to 11994. Compliance with these requirements is outlined in the Fokker F28 SB F28/32-72 document, which provides the necessary details on how to inspect and maintain the specified parts. Entities governed by these regulations must ensure that the main landing gear actuator and the associated NK and eye-bolt bearing are inspected according to the stipulated procedures in the Fokker F28 SB F28/32-72 document. This involves detailed checks and maintenance to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. The entities are required to document all inspections and maintenance activities to demonstrate compliance with the Airworthiness Directive. Failure to comply with the AD/F28/18 directive can result in severe penalties. Under Section 39.105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance may lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. This could include fines and other civil or criminal consequences. The maximum penalties are determined by the severity of the breach, with potential fines up to a specified amount as outlined in the regulations. Additionally, continued non-compliance may result in grounding of the affected aircraft until the necessary inspections and repairs are completed, thus affecting the operational readiness and safety of the aircraft.