AD/F28/37 - Cargo Door Lock Warning Switch Actuating Mechanism - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, establish the standards for ensuring the safety of civil aviation in Australia. This legislative framework was enacted to address the need for comprehensive regulation of civil aviation, ensuring the safety of passengers, crew, and the general public. The Regulations include detailed provisions on airworthiness, licensing, operations, and maintenance of aircraft, which are essential to maintaining a high standard of aviation safety. One such regulation is found in Part 39 - 105, which provides specific Airworthiness Directives (ADs) for certain aircraft models, such as the Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes. The Airworthiness Directive AD/F28/37 specifically targets the modification of the cargo door lock warning switch actuating mechanism for Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes with certain serial numbers. This directive was introduced to address potential safety risks associated with the cargo door lock warning system, ensuring that all applicable aircraft meet the required safety standards before August 1, 1978. The policy objective behind such directives is to mitigate safety risks and enhance the overall safety of civil aviation operations within Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, specifically pertain to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Fokker F28 Series aeroplanes. This regulation is narrowly focused on ensuring the airworthiness of particular models of Fokker F28 aeroplanes by mandating specific modifications to the cargo door lock warning switch actuating mechanism. The directive applies to all Fokker F28 models with specific serial numbers, namely those ranging from 11003 to 11112, 11115, 11116, 11120, and 11991 to 11993. Compliance with the directive is mandatory for these models, with a compliance deadline set before 1 August 1978. The geographic reach of this regulation is national, applying to all such aircraft operating within Australia. The Act does not explicitly state any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds beyond the specified serial numbers and compliance date, and its application is extended through subordinate instruments such as Fokker Service Bulletin No. F28/52-80 and RLD Directive 78-13-52.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly in Part 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, provides specific requirements for the Fokker F28 series aeroplanes, particularly for the Cargo Door Lock Warning Switch Actuating Mechanism. The main operative sections are found in AD/F28/37, which pertains to the modification of the cargo door lock warning switch actuating mechanism for specific models of the Fokker F28 series. According to section 1, compliance with this directive is mandatory for all models with serial numbers (S/Nos.) 11003 to 11112, 11115, 11116, 11120, and 11991 to 11993. The directive mandates that these models must comply with either Fokker Service Bulletin No. F28/52-80 or RLD Directive 78-13-52, and this compliance must be achieved before 1 August 1978. The obligations and requirements imposed by this directive are focused on ensuring the safety of the cargo door lock warning switch actuating mechanism. Owners and operators of the affected Fokker F28 series aeroplanes must ensure that their aircraft meet the specified modifications outlined in either Fokker SB No. F28/52-80 or RLD Directive 78-13-52. This involves detailed inspections and necessary repairs or replacements of the cargo door lock warning switch actuating mechanism. Operators must document all modifications and maintain records of compliance, which can be requested by CASA during inspections or audits. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, thereby preventing it from being operated until the modifications are completed. Breaching the requirements of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically those outlined in the AD/F28/37 directive, can lead to severe consequences. Under the regulations, non-compliance can be considered a serious safety violation. The Civil Aviation Act 1988 provides for various penalties for such breaches. For corporations, the maximum penalty can include fines of up to $210,000 as per section 54A. Additionally, individuals responsible for the oversight of the non-compliant aircraft may face personal penalties, which can include fines of up to $42,000 and imprisonment for up to five years under section 54B. These penalties underscore the importance of adhering to the directive to ensure the continued safety and airworthiness of the Fokker F28 series aeroplanes.