AD/F50/24 - Engine Control Rod Clearance

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. This legislation, which includes Part 39 - 105, was established by the Australian Government to provide comprehensive regulations governing the operation of aircraft within Australian airspace. A significant problem the regulations aim to address is the maintenance and safety compliance of aircraft to prevent mechanical failures and ensure passenger safety. This specific legislative instrument, AD/F50/24, targets Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) series aeroplanes, outlining the necessity for specific action to be taken regarding the engine control rod clearance to mitigate the risk of jamming due to ice formation. The policy objective is to maintain a high standard of airworthiness, ensuring that all aircraft operating in Australia meet stringent safety criteria. This directive is issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, reflecting the Commonwealth's commitment to ensuring the highest standards of aviation safety. By mandating compliance with Fokker SB F50-54-006, the regulations seek to prevent mechanical failures that could potentially lead to hazardous situations in flight, thereby safeguarding both passengers and crew. The requirement for compliance prior to 31 December 1989 underscores the urgency and importance of addressing this specific safety issue, as highlighted by the referenced Netherlands AD 89-100.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to airworthiness directives, and in this instance, it applies to Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) series aeroplanes. The regulation in focus, AD/F50/24, concerns the engine control rod clearance and applies to F27 MK50 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 20103 to 20108 and 20110 to 20167. This regulation mandates compliance with Fokker Service Bulletin F50-54-006, referencing Netherlands Airworthiness Directive 89-100. The requirement is that any action necessary to ensure compliance must be completed before 31 December 1989. The directive was issued due to concerns regarding the potential for water freezing on the control rod at the feedthrough hole, which could cause jamming, thereby necessitating this safety measure. This regulation applies within the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds within the text of this specific directive, though broader application and exceptions may be defined in other parts of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, mandate the application of Airworthiness Directives (AD) to ensure the safe operation of aircraft. One such directive, AD/F50/24, pertains to Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) series aeroplanes, addressing engine control rod clearance issues. This directive applies to F27 Mk 50 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 20103 to 20108 and from 20110 to 20167 (section 39-105). The directive requires compliance with Fokker Service Bulletin F50-54-006, which is aimed at preventing potential jamming caused by freezing water on the control rod at the feedthrough hole. This measure is crucial to maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the affected aircraft. Under this legislation, the primary obligation falls on the aircraft operators or owners of the specified Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) series aeroplanes. They must ensure that all necessary actions are taken in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F50-54-006, which includes implementing the required modifications or inspections to address the identified issue. This requirement is to be fulfilled prior to 31 December 1989, ensuring that the directive is adhered to within the stipulated timeframe (section 39-105). The Netherlands AD 89-100 also references this directive, indicating a broader recognition and agreement on the safety measures needed. Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in AD/F50/24 may lead to significant legal and safety repercussions. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose strict penalties for non-compliance with Airworthiness Directives. Any breach of these requirements could result in civil or criminal consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the extract, it is understood that non-compliance with such safety directives can lead to severe penalties, potentially including fines and imprisonment. Ensuring adherence to these regulations is paramount to maintaining the safety standards required by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).