COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) Series Aeroplanes
AD/F50/17 Fuel Collector Tank Supply Line 5/89
Applicability: Model F27 Mark 050 with serial numbers 20104 through 20108.
Requirement: 1. Inspect the fuel collector tank supply line (fwd line looking in the direction of flight) and the sheepskin - covered edges of the feedthrough holes at STA 3038 of both engine nacelles for evidence of chafing.
2. Action in accordance with Fokker 50 SB No. F50-28-003.
Note: RLD AD BLA 89-18 refers.
Compliance: 1. Within 65 hours time in service after 31 May 1989, until modified in accordance with Fokker 50 SB No. F50-28-003.
2. Prior to 31 August 1989.
Background: The manufacturer has determined that a modification to enlarge the STA 3038 nacelle feedthrough hole and fit ant-chafe material to the fuel supply line, will eliminate interference and possible fuel leakage.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the critical issue of ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft through the issuance of Airworthiness Directives. This legislation was enacted by the Australian Government to ensure that all civil aircraft operated within Australian airspace meet stringent safety standards, thereby protecting the public and maintaining the integrity of the national aviation system. One such directive, AD/F50/17, pertains to Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) Series Aeroplanes, focusing on the requirement to inspect and modify the fuel collector tank supply line to prevent chafing and potential fuel leakage. This directive is intended to rectify a specific safety concern identified by the manufacturer, Fokker, and aligns with the overarching policy objective of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 to safeguard aviation safety through regulatory oversight and enforcement of safety standards.
The Airworthiness Directive AD/F50/17, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority under the authority of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, mandates that operators of Fokker F27 Mark 050 aircraft with specific serial numbers conduct thorough inspections of the fuel collector tank supply line and the sheepskin-covered edges of the feedthrough holes at STA 3038 of both engine nacelles for signs of chafing. This directive further requires corrective action in accordance with Fokker 50 Service Bulletin No. F50-28-003. The directive was formulated to address a recognised risk of interference and possible fuel leakage, which could compromise the safety of the aircraft. By implementing these measures, the legislation aims to ensure the continued safe operation of the affected aircraft within Australia's civil aviation environment.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, addresses the maintenance and safety standards for particular aircraft models, including the Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) series aeroplanes. This regulation applies to Fokker F27 Mark 050 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 20104 through 20108. The regulation mandates that these aircraft undergo an inspection of the fuel collector tank supply line, focusing on the forward line in the direction of flight and the sheepskin-covered edges of the feedthrough holes at Station 3038 in both engine nacelles for any signs of chafing. This requirement is to ensure safety and prevent potential fuel leakage, in line with Fokker 50 Service Bulletin No. F50-28-003. Compliance with this directive is crucial, with inspections needing to be conducted within 65 hours of time in service after 31 May 1989 or prior to 31 August 1989, whichever is later. This regulation does not extend beyond the specified Fokker F27 Mark 050 models with the given serial numbers, and adherence to it is mandatory for maintaining the airworthiness of these aircraft within the Australian jurisdiction.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39, Section 105, specifically addresses airworthiness directives for certain aircraft types, including Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) series aeroplanes. Under this section, specific requirements and actions are mandated for maintaining the airworthiness of these aircraft. One such directive, AD/F50/17, pertains to the fuel collector tank supply line of Model F27 Mark 050 with serial numbers 20104 through 20108. This directive (Section 105.23) requires an inspection of the fuel collector tank supply line and the sheepskin-covered edges of the feedthrough holes at STA 3038 of both engine nacelles for evidence of chafing. Furthermore, it mandates action in accordance with Fokker 50 Service Bulletin No. F50-28-003, which provides detailed instructions on the necessary modifications.
The obligations imposed by this directive are specific and time-bound. The aircraft operators are required to conduct the inspection within 65 hours of time in service after 31 May 1989 and ensure that the modifications are completed in accordance with the service bulletin. Moreover, all compliance must be achieved prior to 31 August 1989. This timeline is crucial to ensure that the identified issues are promptly addressed to maintain the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.
Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in AD/F50/17 may result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Section 105.27, stipulate that non-compliance with an airworthiness directive can be considered an offence. Such offences may lead to civil or criminal penalties, depending on the severity and intent of the breach. While the specific penalties are not detailed in this directive, general provisions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 could impose fines and, in severe cases, imprisonment. The exact penalties may vary, but the overarching aim is to ensure that all aircraft remain in a safe and airworthy condition at all times.