AD/F50/38 - Auto Flight Idle Stop Mechanism Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, form a comprehensive framework governing the safety and operations of civil aviation in Australia. This legislative instrument addresses safety concerns and establishes stringent standards to ensure the highest levels of airworthiness and operational safety. One specific legislative instrument, F2006B09864, pertains to the Fokker F50 series aeroplanes, aiming to mitigate the risk of incidents where the power levers could not be retarded below flight idle during landing. This directive was introduced to address safety gaps identified in the auto flight idle stop mechanism of certain Fokker F50 series aeroplanes, ensuring compliance with international safety standards and protecting both passengers and crew. The policy objective is to enhance the reliability and safety of these aircraft by mandating specific modifications as outlined in Fokker Service Bulletin F50-76-008 Revision 1, ensuring adherence to stringent safety protocols before the specified compliance date.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s Airworthiness Directive (AD) for Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) series aeroplanes, specifically AD/F50/38, applies to a specific subset of Fokker F50 series aeroplanes identified by their serial numbers, ranging from 20103 to 20108, 20110 to 20159, 20161 to 20173, and 20176 to 20178. This directive mandates that these particular aircraft must undergo a modification of the auto flight idle stop mechanism, as outlined in Fokker Service Bulletin F50-76-008 Revision 1. The requirement necessitates adherence to this directive before 1 January 1991 to address incidents where the power levers could not be retarded below flight idle during landing. This legislative instrument is part of the broader Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, reflecting the Commonwealth of Australia’s commitment to ensuring civil aviation safety through precise and targeted regulatory measures.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Regulations) under Part 39 - 105 impose specific requirements on the Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) series aeroplanes, particularly those with serial numbers 20103 through 20108, 20110 through 20159, 20161 through 20173, and 20176 through 20178. The main operative sections of this directive, AD/F50/38, require aircraft operators to perform a modification of the auto flight idle stop mechanism (section 10/90). This modification must comply with Fokker Service Bulletin F50-76-008 Revision 1 (section 10/90). This directive references RLD AD 90-043 and mandates compliance with the modification prior to 1 January 1991 (section 10/90). The obligations imposed by the Regulations on the parties or entities governed by this directive include ensuring that the specified Fokker F50 series aeroplanes undergo the required modification to the auto flight idle stop mechanism. This is to prevent incidents where the power levers could not be retarded below flight idle during landing, which has been reported previously (section 10/90). The modification involves adjustments to the mechanism located on the engine, which is crucial for safe aircraft operation (section 10/90). Compliance with this directive is mandatory, and failure to adhere to the specified requirements could lead to serious safety implications. The Regulations also outline potential consequences for non-compliance with AD/F50/38. Any breach of this directive could lead to civil or criminal penalties, depending on the severity of the violation. While the specific maximum penalties are not detailed in the legislative instrument provided, it is understood that non-compliance with aviation safety directives can result in significant legal ramifications. This includes potential fines, enforcement actions, and in severe cases, criminal charges against the responsible parties. The overarching aim of these penalties is to enforce strict adherence to safety standards and ensure the highest level of safety in civil aviation operations.