AD/F28/77 Amdt 1 - Rear Cargo Door and Aux. Structure Corrosion

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, addresses the issue of airworthiness directives concerning Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes. Enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, this legislation aims to ensure that civil aviation operations maintain high safety standards. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the designated authority under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 to issue and enforce these directives. The primary objective of these regulations is to mitigate safety risks by mandating specific actions to rectify unsafe conditions identified in aircraft, thus safeguarding the public and ensuring compliance with international aviation safety standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Airworthiness Directives issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This legislation applies to Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes, specifically marking F28 models 1000 to 4000 with serial numbers ranging from 11021 to 11241, 11991, and 11992. The directive addresses severe corrosion issues found inside the rear cargo door, which has arisen from spilled toilet fluids absorbed by insulation blankets creating a corrosive environment. The directive mandates specific actions, as outlined in Fokker Service Bulletin F28/52-111 dated 12 March 1994, to rectify and prevent this condition. Operators must inspect and modify affected aircraft within two years from the initial issue date of the directive, with subsequent inspections required at intervals not exceeding three years or 6000 hours of service time, whichever comes first. This regulation is enforced within the Commonwealth of Australia and is applicable to the identified Fokker F28 models operating within the national airspace.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, contain specific airworthiness directives concerning Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes, particularly focusing on corrosion issues identified with the rear cargo door and auxiliary structure. This AD/F28/77 Amendment 1, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), mandates corrective actions to address severe corrosion found inside the rear cargo door. According to section 39.1 (1) of the CAR 1998, the CASA delegate has revoked the previous AD/F28/77 and issued this updated directive to rectify the identified unsafe condition. This directive applies to Fokker F28 Mks. 1000 to 4000 with serial numbers ranging from 11021 to 11241, 11991, and 11992. The requirement section stipulates that corrective action must be taken in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F28/52-111 dated 12 March 1994, referencing Netherlands AD BLA nr 1995-126(A). The compliance section mandates that the inspection and necessary modifications must be completed within two years from the effective date of the directive, with subsequent inspections to be carried out at intervals not exceeding three years or 6000 hours of time in service, whichever comes first. The amendment became effective on 15 June 2000. The obligations under this directive impose specific duties on the operators of the affected Fokker F28 aircraft. They must adhere to the inspection and modification requirements outlined in the directive to ensure the continued airworthiness of their aircraft. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, potentially leading to grounding and other regulatory actions. Additionally, operators must ensure that all maintenance and inspection activities are conducted by appropriately certified personnel and that all modifications are documented accurately. Breach of the provisions stipulated in this airworthiness directive could result in significant consequences. Civil and criminal penalties may apply, depending on the severity and intent of the non-compliance. The maximum penalties for offences under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 can include fines of up to $275,000 for corporations and $55,000 for individuals, along with potential imprisonment. The enforcement of these penalties aims to ensure the highest standards of aviation safety and compliance with regulatory requirements.