COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes
AD/F28/5 Fuel and Hydraulic Valves - Inspection NK
Applicability: All models S/N 11003 to 11041 and S/N 11991 to 11994 not incorporating SB F28/76-7 and SB F28/28-13.
Document: Fokker Alert SB F28/76-3.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, aim to ensure the safety of civil aviation operations within Australia. One specific aspect of these regulations is the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which provides detailed safety instructions and requirements for specific aircraft types. The legislative instrument F2006B09784, introduced to address safety concerns associated with Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes, is an example of such directives. This particular directive, AD/F28/5, mandates the inspection of fuel and hydraulic valves for Fokker F28 aircraft models within certain serial number ranges. This directive was introduced to address specific safety issues identified with these aircraft models and is part of the broader policy objective to maintain high safety standards in Australia's civil aviation industry.
The Civil Aviation (Safety) Regulations 1998, as amended and enforced by CASA, play a crucial role in ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft operating in Australia. By specifying directives such as AD/F28/5 for Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes, these regulations help to mitigate risks and ensure compliance with safety standards. The policy objective behind these regulations is to protect the public and enhance the safety of civil aviation through rigorous oversight and enforcement of safety directives.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, encompasses the Airworthiness Directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) which are critical for ensuring the safe operation of aircraft within Australia. The particular Airworthiness Directive AD/F28/5 pertains to the Fokker F28 Series aeroplanes and mandates the inspection of fuel and hydraulic valves on all models with serial numbers ranging from 11003 to 11041 and from 11991 to 11994, excluding those that have already incorporated Service Bulletins F28/76-7 and F28/28-13. This directive applies to operators of these specific Fokker F28 aeroplanes, ensuring that they meet the required safety standards set forth by CASA to maintain airworthiness. The directive extends to the entire Commonwealth of Australia, thereby imposing a nationwide obligation on relevant operators to comply with the inspection requirements as stipulated in Fokker Alert Service Bulletin F28/76-3.
Key Provisions
The primary operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically AD/F28/5, mandate that all Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 11003 to 11041 and from 11991 to 11994 must undergo an inspection of their fuel and hydraulic valves. This inspection is crucial for those aircraft that have not incorporated Service Bulletins F28/76-7 and F28/28-13. This directive is aimed at ensuring that the specified aircraft models are maintained in a safe and airworthy condition. Section 39.105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 details the specific requirements and procedures for this inspection.
The Act imposes several obligations and requirements on the entities governed by it. Firstly, operators of the affected Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes must ensure that a thorough inspection of the fuel and hydraulic valves is conducted by a qualified individual or team. This inspection must adhere to the guidelines outlined in Fokker Alert Service Bulletin F28/76-3, which provides detailed instructions on the inspection process and acceptable maintenance standards. Additionally, operators are required to maintain records of these inspections, which must be kept for a period of six years from the date of inspection, as per the regulations set out in section 39.105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998.
Breaching the provisions outlined in AD/F28/5 can lead to serious consequences, both civil and criminal. In terms of civil liability, failure to comply with the inspection requirements can result in penalties, including fines and the possibility of grounding the aircraft until the required inspections are completed. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance can also result in criminal charges, which may lead to imprisonment for individuals or substantial fines for corporations. The maximum penalties for these offences can include fines of up to $210,000 for individuals and $1,050,000 for corporations, as well as imprisonment terms that vary depending on the severity of the breach. It is critical for operators to adhere strictly to the regulatory requirements to avoid these potential legal and financial repercussions.