AD/F28/66 Amdt 4 - Corrosion Prevention and Control Program

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the critical issue of airworthiness and safety in civil aviation by introducing various airworthiness directives, including AD/F28/66 Amendment 4 for Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes. This legislative instrument was enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The primary policy objective is to ensure that aircraft meet necessary safety standards through the implementation of effective corrosion prevention and control programs, thus safeguarding the structural integrity of aircraft and, by extension, the safety of passengers and crew. The 1995 Amendment 4 to the directive responds to the need for a robust corrosion control program as mandated by the relevant country of origin airworthiness authority, ensuring compliance with the latest regulatory standards and Fokker's own corrosion control programme document.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating within Australia. This regulation applies to Fokker F28 series aeroplanes, excluding those of the MK 0100 series, and mandates compliance with the technical requirements outlined in RLD AD 91-051/4(A). The applicability extends to all Fokker F28 aircraft models in commercial service within Australia, ensuring that these aircraft meet stringent safety standards. The regulation specifies different reporting protocols based on the level of corrosion identified, with level 1 corrosion not needing a report, level 2 corrosion requiring a consolidated report of corrective action within sixty days, and level 3 corrosion necessitating individual reports. These reports must be submitted to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority District (Airport) Office, as detailed in the Maintenance Defect Report (MDR). The regulation also refers to Fokker Document No. SE-253 Rev.4, which provides further technical guidance on the corrosion prevention and control program. This legislative instrument not only mandates specific actions for corrosion prevention and control but also outlines the compliance requirements, ensuring that operators and maintenance personnel adhere to the specified standards to maintain the structural integrity of the aircraft.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, include a schedule of airworthiness directives that govern the safety of various aircraft models, including the Fokker F28 series. This directive (AD/F28/66 Amendment 4) pertains specifically to the Fokker F28 series aeroplanes, excluding the MK 0100 series, and mandates a corrosion prevention and control program. The directive requires the action to be in accordance with the technical requirements of RLD AD 91-051/4(A) (Section 12/95). These regulations set forth specific requirements for reporting corrosion levels. Corrosion classified as level 1 does not need to be reported under this directive, while level 2 corrosion can be consolidated with a sixty-day report of corrective action and submitted to the Authority District Office under a single MDR (Maintenance Data Record). For level 3 corrosion, individual MDRs must be submitted. The directive references Fokker Document No. SE-253 Rev.4 for further details and specifies compliance with the requirement document. This Amendment 4 became effective from 9 November 1995 and reflects the latest RLD AD and Fokker corrosion control program document, along with minor textual amendments. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear: operators of Fokker F28 series aeroplanes must implement a corrosion prevention and control program as specified. This involves regular inspections and maintenance actions to identify and address corrosion at different levels, ensuring that any findings are reported appropriately. The directive requires operators to maintain detailed records of any inspections, findings, and actions taken to address corrosion, as well as to submit the necessary reports to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority within the specified timeframes. Failure to comply with these provisions can result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. Offences under these regulations can lead to both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties can include fines up to the statutory maximum, which can be significant depending on the severity and impact of the non-compliance. Additionally, criminal penalties may be imposed, which can include imprisonment for individuals found to be responsible for breaches. The exact penalties are determined by the court based on the specific circumstances of the offence, but the potential for both substantial fines and imprisonment underscores the importance of strict compliance with these directives.