Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), were enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. Among these regulations, PART 39 - 105 pertains to the scheduling of airworthiness directives, which are legally binding instructions that must be followed to ensure the safe operation of aircraft. One such directive, AD/F50/49, focuses on Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) series aeroplanes and mandates the replacement of windshield wiper rotary selector switches. This directive was introduced to address the issue of certain switches, manufactured by Marquette, being prone to burn out, which could lead to electrical damage, smoke on the flight deck, and potential hazards during flight. The requirement for compliance with Fokker Service Bulletin F50-30-012 Revision 1, as referenced in this directive, ensures that these vulnerabilities are mitigated effectively. The policy objective behind AD/F50/49 is to enhance aviation safety by preventing the potential electrical failures and associated risks that could compromise the integrity of the aircraft and the safety of its occupants. This directive aligns with international standards, as evidenced by its reference to Netherlands AD 91-123, reflecting a commitment to harmonised safety protocols in civil aviation. The directive is applicable to all F27 Mk 50 aircraft within the specified serial number range and mandates compliance prior to 2 March 1992, underscoring the importance of timely action to address identified safety concerns.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as outlined in Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, includes Airworthiness Directives (ADs) that apply to specific aircraft types within Australia's jurisdiction. Specifically, AD/F50/49 pertains to Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 20103 to 20199 inclusive. This regulation mandates the replacement of the windshield wiper rotary selector switch in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F50-30-012 Revision 1, referencing also Netherlands AD 91-123. The directive is critical to ensure compliance with safety standards to prevent potential electrical failures that could lead to damage and safety hazards on board. This directive applies to all relevant aircraft within the specified serial number range, necessitating adherence to the stipulated action by 2 March 1992 to mitigate risks associated with the identified switch malfunctions.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses the Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) series aeroplanes with AD/F50/49. This directive pertains to the replacement of the windshield wiper rotary selector switch, which is critical for ensuring the safety and operational integrity of the aircraft. The directive applies to all F27 Mk 50 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 20103 to 20199 inclusive (AD/F50/49). The action required is to follow Fokker Service Bulletin F50-30-012 Revision 1, which outlines the specific procedures and steps for the replacement of the rotary selector switch. Additionally, it references Netherlands AD 91-123 for further guidance. The primary obligations imposed by this directive on the aircraft operators and owners are to ensure compliance with the specifications provided in the Fokker Service Bulletin F50-30-012 Revision 1. This involves replacing the windshield wiper rotary selector switch in the affected aircraft to mitigate the risk of burnout, which could lead to electrical damage, fire hazards, and other safety issues. Operators must ensure that this action is completed before 2 March 1992 to adhere to the compliance timeline set by the directive. The directive underscores the importance of maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft by addressing known safety concerns. Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/F50/49 could result in significant civil and criminal consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 stipulate that non-compliance with airworthiness directives is a serious matter. Operators who fail to replace the windshield wiper rotary selector switch as mandated may face enforcement actions from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. These actions could include fines, operational restrictions, or even the grounding of the aircraft. In severe cases, where non-compliance leads to an accident or incident, the penalties can escalate to criminal charges, including imprisonment. The exact penalties depend on the severity of the breach and the impact on aviation safety, but the potential consequences are substantial.