AD/F28/34 - Flap Control System - Automatic Reset Feature - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, aim to provide comprehensive regulations governing civil aviation safety, including the oversight and management of airworthiness directives. One such directive, AD/F28/34, pertains specifically to the Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes, targeting models with serial numbers ranging from 11003 to 11098 inclusive. This directive was introduced to address the identified problem of the flap control system's automatic reset feature, requiring modifications to ensure compliance with safety standards. The policy objective behind this regulation is to enhance the safety of civil aviation by mandating specific modifications to aeroplanes to mitigate potential risks associated with the flap control system. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, with a specified deadline of 1 December 1977, ensuring that all affected aircraft meet the necessary safety requirements.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, apply to all Fokker F28 series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 11003 to 11091 inclusive, 11991 to 11993 inclusive, and 11092 to 11098 inclusive. This legislation mandates compliance with Airworthiness Directive AD/F28/34, which pertains to the flap control system's automatic reset feature. The regulation requires modifications to these specific aircraft models, with a compliance deadline set before 1 December 1977. This directive is issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and is applicable nationwide, encompassing the entire Commonwealth of Australia. The regulation does not specify any exclusions or exemptions, and adherence to the outlined modifications is mandatory for the specified Fokker F28 series aeroplanes. The application of this directive may be further elaborated through subordinate instruments, which can provide additional details or clarifications on implementation.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 105, includes an airworthiness directive concerning Fokker F28 series aeroplanes. This directive, AD/F28/34, mandates modifications to the flap control system's automatic reset feature (Section 11/76). The applicability of this directive extends to all Fokker F28 models with serial numbers ranging from 11003 to 11091 inclusive, 11991 to 11993 inclusive, and 11092 to 11098 inclusive. Compliance with the directive must be achieved by 1 December 1977. The directive references two specific documents for compliance purposes: Fokker SB F28/27-112 and RLD AD A53/76. The obligations imposed by this airworthiness directive are clear. Operators of Fokker F28 aeroplanes within the specified serial number range must ensure that the modifications to the flap control system's automatic reset feature are completed as per the directive. This includes adhering to the timelines provided, ensuring that all necessary modifications are completed before the deadline of 1 December 1977. The directive specifies the documents that must be followed to ensure compliance, namely Fokker SB F28/27-112 or RLD AD A53/76. Failure to comply with these obligations can have significant ramifications, including potential safety risks that could affect the airworthiness of the aircraft. Breach of the requirements set out in this airworthiness directive can lead to various consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, it is well-established that non-compliance with airworthiness directives can result in severe penalties under Australian aviation law. These can include fines, suspension or revocation of an operator's certificate, and potential criminal charges if the breach results in safety incidents. The exact penalties can vary, but they are designed to ensure that all operators take the directives seriously and prioritise the safety of their aircraft and passengers.