COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes
AD/F28/57 Frame 1600 Centre Bracket 9/94
CANCELLED.
Background: This Directive required inspection for fatigue cracks, and repair or replacement of the frame 1600 centre bracket. As the initial and repeat inspections for this bracket have since been incorporated in the F28 Structural Integrity Program (under Item 53-10- 21), which is covered by AD/F28/45, there is no longer a requirement for AD/F28/57.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, form a comprehensive framework governing the safety and regulation of civil aviation within Australia. Among the many parts and schedules within these regulations, Part 39 – 105 is particularly dedicated to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives. One such directive, AD/F28/57 concerning Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes, specifically targeted the inspection and potential repair or replacement of the frame 1600 centre bracket to address fatigue cracks. This directive was introduced to ensure that aircraft maintain the required safety standards, and it has since been rendered obsolete as these checks are now integrated into the F28 Structural Integrity Program, as stipulated in AD/F28/45. The objective of this legislative instrument is to maintain and enhance aviation safety by ensuring that aircraft structural components are regularly inspected and maintained according to stringent safety standards.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/F28/57, applies to Fokker F28 Series aeroplanes, focusing on the inspection and potential repair or replacement of the frame 1600 centre bracket to address fatigue cracks. This regulation falls under the broader regulatory framework established in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. It pertains to the aircraft's structural integrity, ensuring compliance with safety standards within Australia's jurisdiction. Given that AD/F28/57 has been cancelled, its requirements are now encapsulated within the F28 Structural Integrity Program, detailed under AD/F28/45. This consolidation ensures that all necessary safety measures are integrated under a singular directive, streamlining compliance for operators of Fokker F28 Series aeroplanes. The geographic reach of this regulation is limited to the Commonwealth of Australia, applying uniformly across state and territory boundaries as per CASA's mandate. There are no specific exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds mentioned in the directive itself, although the overarching regulations may include provisions for these aspects. The application of AD/F28/57 and its successor, AD/F28/45, may be further detailed or extended through subordinate instruments issued by CASA.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, include provisions related to the Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes. Among these is the directive AD/F28/57, which was concerned with the inspection of the frame 1600 centre bracket for fatigue cracks and the subsequent repair or replacement if necessary. However, it is important to note that this directive, AD/F28/57, has been cancelled effective from September 1994. The cancellation is due to the fact that the requirements initially outlined in AD/F28/57 have been subsumed into the F28 Structural Integrity Program, which is detailed in AD/F28/45, under Item 53-10-21.
In terms of obligations, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 require operators and owners of Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes to ensure that all airworthiness directives are followed. This includes the adherence to the F28 Structural Integrity Program, which now incorporates the inspection and maintenance requirements previously outlined in AD/F28/57. The regulations mandate that these inspections and maintenance activities are carried out in accordance with the specified standards and schedules to ensure the continued airworthiness of the aircraft.
Failure to comply with the airworthiness directives, including the now-cancelled AD/F28/57 and the overarching requirements of the F28 Structural Integrity Program, can lead to significant consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with these directives can result in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The authority may issue fines, suspend or revoke an aircraft's airworthiness certificate, or take other regulatory actions against the operator or owner. The exact penalties can vary depending on the severity and circumstances of the non-compliance, but they are intended to enforce the high safety standards required in the aviation industry.
It is crucial for operators and owners to stay updated with the latest directives and ensure that all maintenance and inspection activities are conducted as required. Non-compliance not only risks the safety of the flight operations but also exposes the operators to potential legal and financial penalties. The regulations are designed to maintain the highest safety standards and protect both the public and the aviation industry as a whole.