COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes
AD/F28/68 Fuselage Lap Joint at Stringer 73 12/91
Applicability: All model F28 with serial numbers referenced in the Requirement Document. Requirement: Modify the fuselage lap joint in accordance with the Technical Requirements of RLD
AD 90-006 issue 2.
Compliance: As specified in the Requirement Document.
Background: Investigation following the discovery of cracks in a fuselage lap joint on two aircraft prompted the requirement for a low frequency eddy current inspection, which has now been incorporated into the F28 Structural Integrity Program (S.I.P). The Dutch airworthiness authority has since determined that safety cannot be reliably maintained by inspection, hence this Directive provides for a permanent repair/modification of the affected lap joint.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth) were enacted to regulate civil aviation safety within Australia, ensuring that all aviation activities comply with safety standards and regulations. Part 39 of these regulations, specifically focusing on Airworthiness Directives, aims to address identified safety issues through the issuance of directives to ensure the continuing airworthiness of aircraft. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), under the authority of the Australian Parliament, issues these directives to mitigate risks and ensure public safety in air travel. The specific Airworthiness Directive AD/F28/68, issued in 1991, was introduced in response to the discovery of cracks in the fuselage lap joints of Fokker F28 series aeroplanes. This directive mandates modifications to the fuselage lap joint at stringer 73 to prevent structural failure, thereby enhancing the safety and reliability of these aircraft. The directive was implemented following an investigation that determined safety could no longer be reliably maintained through inspection alone, leading to the requirement for a permanent repair.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes, applies to all model F28 aircraft with serial numbers referenced in the Requirement Document. The regulation mandates a modification to the fuselage lap joint at Stringer 73, as detailed in Technical Requirements of RLDAD 90-006 issue 2, to address safety concerns identified following the discovery of cracks in the lap joint on two aircraft. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be carried out as specified in the Requirement Document, ensuring the structural integrity of the aircraft is maintained. This directive extends the national geographic and jurisdictional reach, applying to all Fokker F28 aircraft operating within Australia, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The regulation does not provide specific exclusions or exemptions but focuses on ensuring that all affected aircraft are modified to prevent potential safety hazards. Subordinate instruments may further elaborate on compliance procedures and inspection protocols, but the primary directive remains the mandatory modification of the specified fuselage lap joint.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes Airworthiness Directives (ADs) that are essential for maintaining the safety of aircraft operations. In this context, AD/F28/68 pertains to Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes and mandates modifications to the fuselage lap joint at Stringer 73. This directive applies to all model F28 aeroplanes with specific serial numbers outlined in the Requirement Document (section 1). The primary requirement is that the fuselage lap joint must be modified in accordance with the technical specifications provided in RLDAD 90-006, issue 2 (section 2).
These regulations impose clear obligations on the owners and operators of the affected aircraft. They must ensure that the modifications are carried out by certified personnel following the guidelines specified in the Requirement Document (section 3). Compliance with these directives is crucial for maintaining airworthiness and ensuring that the aircraft meet safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Failure to comply with the AD can result in significant consequences, including the potential grounding of the aircraft until the required modifications are completed.
Failure to adhere to the provisions of AD/F28/68 can result in serious legal and safety ramifications. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 outline specific offences and penalties for non-compliance with ADs. In this case, non-compliance could lead to civil penalties, which might include fines or other financial penalties. Additionally, there may be criminal consequences for individuals or entities responsible for the non-compliance, particularly if the failure to adhere to the AD results in an aviation accident or incident. The exact penalties can vary, but they are designed to enforce strict adherence to safety standards and ensure that all aircraft remain airworthy.
In summary, AD/F28/68 is a critical regulation under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, requiring specific modifications to the fuselage lap joint of Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes. It imposes clear obligations on aircraft owners and operators to ensure that these modifications are carried out correctly and in a timely manner. The consequences of non-compliance are severe, encompassing both civil and criminal penalties, with the overarching goal of maintaining the highest safety standards in aviation.