AD/F28/24C - Cargo Doors - Door Lock Mechanism - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), include provisions for ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating in Australian airspace. Part 39 - 105 of these regulations addresses specific airworthiness directives for particular aircraft types, including Fokker F28 Series aeroplanes. This particular legislative instrument, F28/24C, focuses on the cargo doors of Fokker F28 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 11003 to 11993, mandating detailed inspections and modifications to the door locking mechanisms to mitigate safety risks. The objective of these directives is to ensure that the aircraft meet the required safety standards, thus enhancing overall aviation safety within Australia. The enacting body, the Commonwealth Parliament, established these regulations to address specific safety concerns identified in Fokker F28 aeroplanes, particularly those related to the cargo door locking mechanisms. The policy objective is to prevent incidents associated with cargo door malfunctions by enforcing regular inspections and necessary modifications as outlined in the service bulletins referenced within the directive. This approach aims to maintain the integrity of the aircraft's structural safety and operational reliability, thereby safeguarding passengers, crew, and ground personnel.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Fokker F28 series aeroplanes, focusing on cargo door lock NK mechanisms. This legislation applies to all models of Fokker F28 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 11003 to 11993. The regulation mandates the inspection and modification of the cargo door locking mechanisms according to the specified service bulletins, with the goal of ensuring airworthiness and safety. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this directive is national, governed by the Commonwealth of Australia, and it applies to any aircraft of the specified Fokker F28 series operating within Australia. The regulation sets specific compliance dates for each modification, ensuring that all modifications are completed by the specified deadlines to maintain compliance with safety standards. Subordinate instruments may further extend or restrict the application of these directives as necessary.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, outlines a directive related to the airworthiness of Fokker F28 Series aeroplanes. This directive, known as AD/F28/24C, pertains to the cargo door lock mechanism of Fokker F28 Series aeroplanes with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 11003 to 11993. The directive mandates a series of inspections and modifications to ensure the safety and proper functionality of the cargo door locking mechanisms. Section 2 of the directive requires the inspection of the door locking mechanism in accordance with Part 2 of Service Bulletin (SB) F28/52-53, specific to the aircraft serial number as referenced in the applicable service bulletin. Section 3 mandates the modification of the door locking mechanism by fitting a reinforced safety catch and stop assembly, as detailed in SB F28/52-51, for aircraft with serial numbers referenced in that service bulletin. Further, Section 4 requires the fitting of a revised switch operating mechanism as per SB F28/52-49 for aircraft with serial numbers referenced in that bulletin. Finally, Section 5 necessitates the reinforcement of the door locking handle access panel, as detailed in SB F28/52-81, for aircraft with serial numbers and cargo door configurations referenced in that bulletin. Compliance with these directives is crucial for maintaining the airworthiness of the affected aircraft. The obligations imposed by the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 on the parties or entities governed by AD/F28/24C include ensuring that all specified inspections and modifications are completed by the stipulated deadlines. For the inspection, the requirement is to be completed before 1 September 1974. For the first modification, the deadline is before 1 January 1975. For the second modification, the deadline is also before 1 January 1975. Lastly, for the reinforcement of the door locking handle access panel, the deadline is before 15 July 1978. These deadlines are strictly enforced to maintain the safety standards required by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/F28/24C may result in civil or criminal penalties. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the text, breaches of civil aviation regulations can lead to fines, sanctions, or other civil consequences. Additionally, severe non-compliance could result in criminal charges, especially if the breach leads to safety incidents or accidents. The exact penalties depend on the nature and severity of the breach, but adherence to the regulations is mandatory to avoid any adverse legal outcomes.