AD/F50/19 - Engine Controls

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses safety concerns for the Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) series aeroplanes. Enacted by the Parliament of Australia, the objective of this regulation is to ensure the airworthiness of aircraft by mitigating risks associated with engine control failures. The regulation aims to prevent the occurrence of uncontained propeller overspeeds, which can arise from the ineffectiveness of the automatic flight idle stop mechanism when a failure occurs in the power lever control cable system. This particular regulation, AD/F50/19, targets Fokker F50 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 20103 to 20108 and 20110 to 20135. It mandates compliance with Fokker Service Bulletin SB F50-76-002, ensuring that the necessary corrective actions are implemented before 15 September 1989. The regulation references RLD AD 89-39 and is designed to safeguard the integrity of the aircraft's engine controls, thereby enhancing overall flight safety.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 20103 to 20108 and from 20110 to 20135. This regulation is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and applies across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that all aviation entities operating within the nation comply with the specified safety directives. The directive mandates that the action outlined in Fokker Service Bulletin SB F50-76-002 must be undertaken, with a compliance deadline set prior to 15 September 1989. This requirement is crucial as it addresses a critical safety issue where a failure in the power lever control cable system could render the automatic flight idle stop mechanism ineffective, potentially leading to uncontained propeller overspeed. The regulation does not specify any exclusions or exemptions, thereby ensuring that all covered aircraft are subject to these safety measures. Subordinate instruments may further extend or clarify the application of this directive.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate compliance with Airworthiness Directives (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). For Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) series aeroplanes, AD/F50/19 outlines a critical requirement concerning the engine controls (Section 1). This directive applies to all F27-050 series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 20103 to 20108 and 20110 to 20135. The directive necessitates adherence to Fokker Service Bulletin SB F50-76-002, referencing RLD AD 89-39, to ensure airworthiness. This action must be taken before 15 September 1989 to address potential safety concerns. Entities governed by these regulations, including aircraft operators and maintenance service providers, must ensure that their Fokker F50 aeroplanes meet the specified requirements. This involves following the outlined service bulletin and ensuring all necessary actions are completed within the stipulated timeframe. It is essential that these entities maintain detailed records of compliance, including any modifications, inspections, or repairs carried out on the engine control systems of the affected aircraft. Failure to comply with these ADs may result in severe consequences. Civil penalties can be imposed under Section 21 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, which includes fines up to a maximum of 120 penalty units (approximately AUD 21,600 as of 2023). Additionally, non-compliance could lead to enforcement actions by CASA, potentially resulting in the grounding of non-compliant aircraft. Such actions not only pose financial burdens but also threaten the operational integrity and safety of the aircraft, leading to potential criminal charges for those responsible for the oversight.