AD/F28/8 - Aileron Control Unit - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, form a crucial component of the regulatory framework governing civil aviation safety in the country. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives includes detailed safety mandates and compliance requirements for various aircraft, including the Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes. This legislation was introduced to address safety concerns and ensure that aircraft operating in Australian airspace meet stringent safety standards. The policy objective behind these regulations is to enhance aviation safety by mandating regular inspections and modifications, thereby preventing potential hazards and ensuring the airworthiness of the aircraft. In relation to the Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes, the legislation mandates specific actions concerning the aileron control unit. For instance, Airworthiness Directive AD/F28/8 requires all Fokker F28 models with serial numbers ranging from 11003 to 11029 and 11991 to 11994 to undergo an inspection and modification of the aileron control unit. Compliance is expected within 50 hours of time in service after 30 November 1970, and the directive must be fully met before 1 February 1971. This directive is part of a broader effort to mitigate risks associated with identified safety issues, thereby safeguarding the integrity and safety of air travel in Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to the Fokker F28 series aeroplanes, with serial numbers ranging from 11003 to 11029 and 11991 to 11994. These regulations pertain to the inspection and modification of the aileron control unit, as outlined in the Airworthiness Directive AD/F28/8. The legislation is applicable to all entities operating these specific models of the Fokker F28 series, ensuring compliance with stringent safety standards. It mandates that Part 1 of the directive must be adhered to within 50 hours of the aircraft being in service after 30 November 1970, while Part 2 must be completed before 1 February 1971. This regulatory framework is overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and is subject to enforcement within the Commonwealth of Australia, encompassing both state and territory jurisdictions. The regulations do not explicitly state any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds beyond those mentioned, and any further clarification or extension of application is managed through subordinate instruments issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes a schedule of airworthiness directives, one of which pertains to Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes (section 105). The directive AD/F28/8 focuses on the aileron control unit and mandates both inspection and modification of certain models. According to the directive, the Fokker F28 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 11003 to 11029 and 11991 to 11994 are required to comply with the specified requirements (section 105.1). The compliance timeline is outlined such that Part 1 must be completed within 50 hours of the aircraft being in service after 30 November 1970, and Part 2 must be finished before 1 February 1971 (section 105.2). The obligations imposed by this directive are stringent and precise. Aircraft operators must ensure that the aileron control unit on the specified Fokker F28 models is inspected and modified as per the directives outlined in the Fokker SB F28/27-32 document. These obligations include the requirement for operators to conduct the necessary inspections and modifications within the specified timeframes to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft (section 105.3). Failure to comply with these obligations can lead to serious safety implications and potential legal consequences for the operators. Breach of the requirements set out in AD/F28/8 can result in significant civil and criminal consequences. Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose penalties for non-compliance, which may include fines and other administrative actions. In more severe cases, failure to comply with airworthiness directives can lead to criminal charges. The maximum penalties for such breaches are not explicitly stated in the excerpt, but they are severe enough to warrant strict adherence to the directives to avoid legal repercussions (section 105.4). The overarching aim is to ensure that all Fokker F28 aeroplanes within the specified serial number range maintain their airworthiness and operational safety standards.