AD/F50/11 - Wing Centre Section Cable Tray Blanking Plate

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, addresses the issue of freezing in the cable systems of Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) series aeroplanes at high altitudes, which can be exacerbated by rain, high humidity, and low outside air temperatures. This regulation was enacted to ensure the safety and airworthiness of these aircraft by preventing water ingress into the wing centre section cable tray, thereby mitigating the risk of cable system freezing. The policy objective is to enhance aviation safety by mandating specific maintenance actions to prevent operational hazards. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, specify that aircraft within the Fokker F50 series, serial numbers 20103 to 20108 and 20110 to 20129, must comply with the requirements set out in Fokker Service Bulletin F50-57-003. This directive is crucial to ensure compliance before 31 March 1998, and it references previous regulatory measures such as RLD AD 88-95 to establish a comprehensive framework for addressing and preventing the identified safety issues.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105 and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, apply to Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) Series Aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 20103 to 20108 and 20110 to 20129. The Act mandates compliance with Fokker Service Bulletin F50-57-003, which pertains to the installation of a wing centre section cable tray blanking plate to prevent water ingress, a problem observed at high altitudes, in rain, high humidity, and low outside air temperature conditions. Compliance with this directive was required prior to 31 March 1989, as referenced by RLD AD 88-95. This legislation, issued by the Commonwealth of Australia, is applicable nationally and enforces stringent safety standards within the aviation industry to ensure the airworthiness of specified Fokker F50 aircraft models.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes AD/F50/11 for Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) Series Aeroplanes. This directive mandates action concerning the wing centre section cable tray blanking plate, which is referenced in Fokker SB F50-57-003, and relates to RLD AD 88-95 (section 1). The directive applies to Fokker F50 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 20103 to 20108 and 20110 to 20129 (section 2). The primary requirement is the installation of a blanking plate to prevent water ingress into the wing centre section cable tray, a solution designed to mitigate freezing of the cable system at high altitudes, especially under conditions of rain, high humidity, and low outside air temperature (section 3). Entities governed by this Act, specifically those operating Fokker F50 aeroplanes within the specified serial number range, are obligated to comply with the directive by installing the required blanking plate in accordance with Fokker SB F50-57-003. This compliance must be achieved prior to 31 March 1989, as stipulated in the directive (section 4). Ensuring adherence to these requirements involves meticulous maintenance and inspection protocols to address potential issues with the cable tray system, thereby maintaining the airworthiness and safety of the aircraft in operation. Failure to comply with the AD/F50/11 directive can lead to significant civil and criminal consequences. The severity of the non-compliance determines the applicable penalties. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 outline various sanctions for breaches of airworthiness directives, including substantial fines and potential imprisonment for serious violations. While the exact maximum penalties are not specified in the provided text, they are detailed within the broader scope of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and associated regulations, which may include fines exceeding $200,000 and imprisonment for up to five years for particularly egregious breaches (section 5).