AD/F50/22 - Elevator Trim Cable Pulley Bracket and Mounting

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, include an airworthiness directive AD/F50/22 issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address safety concerns related to the Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) Series Aeroplanes. Enacted by the Australian government, this directive responds to identified issues with the elevator trim cable pulley brackets and mountings, which were found to experience decreased fatigue life due to increased tension in the elevator trim cables. The directive applies to aircraft within the specified serial number range and mandates reinforcement in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F50-27-008 dated 3 February 1989, referencing Netherlands AD 89-24. The policy objective is to ensure compliance with the directive before the accumulation of 8000 flight cycles, thereby mitigating the risk of structural failure and enhancing overall flight safety. This legislative instrument, established to rectify identified safety gaps in Fokker F50 aeroplanes, was enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia and is managed under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. The directive's purpose is to mandate specific modifications to the elevator trim cable pulley brackets and mountings, thereby extending the fatigue life of these components and reducing the likelihood of in-flight incidents. By requiring compliance before a certain number of flight cycles are reached, the directive aims to uphold stringent safety standards and protect the integrity of aviation operations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to the Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) Series Aeroplanes within the Commonwealth of Australia, focusing on the safety directives that govern their airworthiness. This regulation mandates the reinforcement of elevator trim cable pulley brackets and mountings, as outlined in AD/F50/22, for aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 20103 through 20108 and 20110 through 20123. This requirement must be adhered to in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F50-27-008 dated 3 February 1989, and the directive aligns with the Netherlands AD 89-24. The compliance must be achieved prior to the aircraft accumulating 8000 flight cycles, addressing the issue that increased tension in the elevator trim cables reduces the fatigue life of the pulley brackets and mountings. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority enforces this regulation to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the specified Fokker F50 aircraft within Australian jurisdiction.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 105, outlines Airworthiness Directives (ADs) that govern the maintenance and operation of aircraft to ensure safety. Section AD/F50/22 pertains to Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) Series Aeroplanes, focusing on the elevator trim cable pulley bracket and mounting. This directive applies to aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 20103 through 20108 and 20110 through 20123. The main requirement (Section 105.12) is to reinforce the elevator trim cable pulley brackets and mountings according to Fokker Service Bulletin F50-27-008 dated 3 February 1989. This reinforcement is critical to prevent potential failure due to the increased tension in the elevator trim cables, which could compromise the aircraft's safety. The obligations imposed by this AD are clear and direct. Operators and owners of the affected Fokker F50 aircraft must adhere to the specifications detailed in Fokker Service Bulletin F50-27-008. This involves reinforcing the elevator trim cable pulley brackets and mountings to ensure they can withstand the stresses encountered during flight operations. The reinforcement must be completed before the aircraft accumulates 8000 flight cycles, underscoring the urgency and importance of compliance. The AD also references Netherlands AD 89-24, indicating that the directive is aligned with international safety standards. Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/F50/22 can result in significant legal and safety consequences. Under Section 105.15 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with ADs is considered a breach of the regulations. The penalties for such breaches can be severe and include substantial fines and potential criminal charges. The exact penalties may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the breach, but they are designed to ensure that operators and owners take the mandated safety measures seriously. This reflects the high priority placed on maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft to protect passengers, crew, and the general public.