Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as enacted by the Australian Government, were designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation operations within Australia. Among these regulations, Part 39 focuses on airworthiness directives, which are legally enforceable rules to correct unsafe conditions in aeronautical products. Specifically, the Airworthiness Directive AD/F28/83 issued in 2000 addresses an issue with Fokker F28 Series aeroplanes, particularly Models 1000 to 4000. This directive was introduced to tackle the problem of engine support filler plates that were found to be hindering proper inspection procedures, potentially leading to undetected cracks which pose a safety risk. The directive requires a one-time inspection and rectification in accordance with Fokker's Service Bulletin, mandating the removal of these filler plates and additional inspection for cracks, with compliance required before 31 December 2000. The objective of this policy is to ensure the airworthiness and safety of the aircraft by mitigating risks associated with these filler plates.

Scope and Application

The Airworthiness Directive AD/F28/83 issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 applies to all Fokker F28 series aeroplanes, specifically models 1000 to 4000, regardless of their serial numbers. The directive mandates that these aircraft undergo an inspection and any necessary rectification of the engine support filler plates to ensure they do not interfere with the structural integrity or proper inspection of the fittings, which is crucial for the safety of the aircraft. The directive was issued to address the safety concern that these filler plates could be misinterpreted as part of the fitting, leading to undetected cracking and thus posing a safety risk. The directive requires compliance by 31 December 2000, with the directive becoming effective from 24 February 2000. This directive is part of the overarching legislative framework provided by the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which governs the safety standards for civil aviation in Australia, thereby ensuring the safety of air travel across the nation.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, establish a regulatory framework for ensuring the safety of aviation products, including aeroplanes. Section 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 authorises the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to issue Airworthiness Directives (ADs) when necessary to correct unsafe conditions. In this case, AD/F28/83 is issued for Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes, models 1000 to 4000, to address the issue of engine support filler plates that may hinder proper inspection and potentially lead to undetected cracking. The AD requires a one-time inspection of the engine support fittings to check for the presence of filler plates and, if found, to rectify the issue by discarding these plates. This must be carried out in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F28/53-149 and should be completed before 31 December 2000. The directive also references RLD BLA No. 1999-153 as a relevant document for further guidance. The AD became effective on 24 February 2000, and its publication in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 27 January 2000 ensures that all relevant parties are informed of the requirement. The obligations imposed by this AD on the parties it governs include conducting a thorough inspection of the specified engine support fittings on Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes, models 1000 to 4000, and removing any filler plates that are found during the inspection. Operators of these aircraft must ensure that the inspection and rectification are performed in compliance with the instructions provided in Fokker SB F28/53-149 and that the work is completed by the specified deadline, 31 December 2000. Failure to adhere to these requirements may result in the aircraft being considered unairworthy, which could lead to severe operational consequences. Breaches of the AD could result in serious civil and criminal consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive may lead to enforcement actions, including fines, suspension or revocation of air operator certificates, and potential criminal charges for individuals responsible for ensuring compliance. The specific penalties for such breaches are not detailed in the AD itself but are governed by the broader regulatory framework, which can include substantial fines and imprisonment for serious violations.