AD/F28/72 Amdt 1 - Elevator Gust Lock and Support Structure

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, addresses the scheduling of airworthiness directives for specific aircraft types, including the Fokker F28 series aeroplanes. This regulatory framework was enacted to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating within Australian airspace, aligning with international standards and practices. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the enacting body responsible for these regulations, with a policy objective of maintaining the highest safety standards for aviation operations. One such directive, AD/F28/72 Amendment 1, pertains to the elevator gust lock and support structure of the Fokker F28 series aeroplanes, excluding the Mk. 0100 model. This amendment was introduced in response to reported failures of the elevator gust lock housing during maintenance, particularly when the cockpit control column was moved with the gust lock engaged and the hydraulic system active. The directive requires an inspection of the elevator gust lock housing and support structure for cracks, with specific compliance instructions outlined in Fokker Service Bulletin F28/55-30. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, with an initial accomplishment time set for 2 July 1993, ensuring that any identified issues are promptly addressed to maintain the safety and operational integrity of the aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, pertains specifically to the Fokker F28 series aeroplanes, excluding the Mk. 0100 model, and applies to all serial numbers of these aircraft. This legislation mandates that the elevator gust lock housing and support structure be inspected for cracks as per the Accomplishment Instructions outlined in Fokker Service Bulletin F28/55-30. Compliance with Fokker Service Bulletin F28/55-31 is recognised as a terminating action for the support structure inspections, thereby reducing the need for repetitive checks. This amendment, which became effective from 24 June 1993, addresses an incident where the elevator gustlock housing failed during maintenance when the cockpit control column was manipulated with the gustlock activated and the hydraulic system operational, leading to damage of the support structure. The requirement for compliance with this Airworthiness Directive is specified in the Requirement Document, with an initial accomplishment date set for 2 July 1993, and the compliance timeline remains unchanged.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39, contain various Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to ensure the safety of aircraft operations. One such AD is AD/F28/72 Amendment 1, which pertains to Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes (excluding the Mk. 0100 model). This AD mandates an inspection of the elevator gust lock housing and its support structure for any signs of cracks, as outlined in the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin F28/55-30 (section 1). The directive applies to all serial numbers of the F28 model and was first introduced on 7 July 1993. The directive requires compliance by 2 July 1993, with the amendment becoming effective from 24 June 1993. This AD was issued following an incident where the elevator gustlock housing failed during maintenance due to the cockpit control column being moved while the gustlock was engaged and the hydraulic system was active, resulting in damage to the support structure as well. Operators and maintenance providers of the Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes are required to adhere to the AD/F28/72 Amendment 1 by conducting the specified inspections as per the stipulated instructions. The inspection protocol must be strictly followed to ensure the integrity of the elevator gust lock housing and its support structure. Any deviations from the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin F28/55-30 would be considered non-compliance. Additionally, compliance with Fokker Service Bulletin F28/55-31 is deemed to meet the terminating action requirements for the support structure inspections, as noted in the directive. Failure to comply with the AD/F28/72 Amendment 1 may result in significant consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive is not only a regulatory breach but can also lead to severe operational disruptions and safety risks. Although specific penalties are not detailed within the AD itself, the broader regulatory framework under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 includes potential administrative actions, financial penalties, and enforcement measures against the operators and maintenance providers found in violation. These consequences underscore the importance of adhering to the AD to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety.