AD/F50/15 - Engine Air Intake Seal

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as part of the broader legislative framework for aviation safety in Australia, were enacted to ensure the safe operation of aircraft within Australian airspace. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives addresses safety mandates for particular aircraft models, including the Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) Series Aeroplanes. This particular directive, AD/F50/15, was introduced to address the safety issue of ice accumulation at the rear of the engine air intake and on the flexible seal, which can lead to a momentary flame-out. The objective of this directive, as stated, is to mandate compliance with Fokker 50 Service Bulletin No. F50-30-004, ensuring that these specific Fokker F50 aircraft are maintained in a safe and airworthy condition to prevent such incidents. This is part of a broader policy objective to maintain high standards of aviation safety through proactive and regulatory measures. The directive was issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which is the body responsible for regulating and overseeing the safety of Australia’s civil aviation industry. The policy objective is to ensure that aircraft operations are conducted in a manner that minimises risk and protects the public, aligning with international standards and practices. The requirement to take action in accordance with the specified service bulletin reflects a commitment to addressing known safety issues promptly and effectively.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued Airworthiness Directive AD/F50/15 under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, targeting specific Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) series aeroplanes to ensure their airworthiness. This directive applies to Fokker F50 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 20103 through 20108, 20110 through 20144, 20146 and 20147, 20150 through 20152, and 20155 through 20161. The primary objective of this directive is to address the risk of ice accumulation at the rear of the engine air intake and on the flexible seal, which could potentially cause the ice to shed into the engine and result in a momentary flame-out. Operators of these aircraft must comply with Fokker 50 Service Bulletin No. F50-30-004 to mitigate this risk, with compliance required prior to 31 May 1989. The directive underscores the necessity for adhering to specific maintenance and operational procedures to enhance flight safety. The scope of the directive is jurisdictional, extending across the Commonwealth of Australia, and is enforced by CASA to uphold stringent safety standards within the civil aviation sector.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, subsection 105, includes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives (ADs), which sets out the requirements for maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft. One such AD, AD/F50/15, pertains to Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) Series aeroplanes and addresses the issue of the engine air intake seal. This AD is applicable to Fokker F50 models with specific serial numbers (103 through 108, 110 through 144, 146 and 147, 150 through 152, 155 through 161). The directive requires compliance with Fokker 50 Service Bulletin No. F50-30-004, which provides detailed instructions on how to rectify the issue of ice accumulation at the rear of the engine air intake and on the flexible seal, which could potentially cause a momentary flame-out. This action must be taken in accordance with the noted service bulletin, and reference is made to RLD AD BLA 89-32 for further guidance. Compliance with this AD is mandatory, and the directive must be adhered to before 31 May 1989. The AD/F50/15 places specific obligations on the operators of Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) Series aeroplanes to ensure that the engine air intake seal is maintained in accordance with the requirements set out in the Fokker 50 Service Bulletin No. F50-30-004. Operators must ensure that the ice accumulation issue is addressed to prevent any potential engine flame-outs caused by ice shedding into the engine. This involves conducting the necessary inspections and maintenance actions as outlined in the service bulletin to ensure that the airworthiness of the aircraft is not compromised. The AD further mandates that these actions be completed before the specified compliance date of 31 May 1989. Failure to comply with AD/F50/15 can result in serious consequences, both civil and criminal, under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. Civil penalties for non-compliance can include fines and the potential grounding of the aircraft, which can significantly impact the operations of the airline or individual operator. Additionally, there may be criminal penalties for those responsible for the non-compliance, which can include imprisonment and substantial fines. The specific penalties are determined by the courts based on the severity and circumstances of the breach but can be significant, reflecting the importance of ensuring airworthiness and safety in aviation operations. The regulations are designed to enforce strict compliance to prevent any potential hazards that could endanger flight safety.