AD/F50/55 - Autoflight - Autopilot Computer - Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, include specific provisions designed to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating within Australian airspace. One such provision is found in Part 39, which outlines the Airworthiness Directives applicable to various types of aircraft, including the Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) Series Aeroplanes. The legislation specifically addresses an issue identified in the autoflight system of these aircraft, particularly the autopilot computer, through Airworthiness Directive AD/F50/55. This directive was introduced to address a problem where the autopilot engage button on the Flight Mode Panel exhibited a tendency to stick in the 'engage' position, leading to unintended re-engagement of the autopilot under certain conditions. The policy objective behind this directive is to enhance the safety of air travel by ensuring that critical flight control systems function reliably and as intended, thereby preventing incidents arising from such malfunctions.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates Airworthiness Directives for various aircraft, including the Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) Series Aeroplanes. The directive AD/F50/55 concerns the replacement of the autoflight autopilot computer to address an issue where the autopilot engage button on the Flight Mode Panel may stick in the 'engage' position. This malfunction can result in the autopilot re-engaging when either the autopilot disconnect button on the control wheel or the 'go-around' button on the power levers is released. Compliance with this directive is required as specified in the Fokker Service Bulletin F50-22-005, which details the necessary modifications to the autopilot computer. This directive applies to all aircraft specified in the Requirement Document, ensuring the safety and proper operation of the Fokker F50 series aeroplanes within the Commonwealth of Australia. The regulation extends its reach to any person or entity operating these aircraft, thereby enforcing a national standard for airworthiness and safety.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, outline the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) requirements for ensuring the airworthiness of Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) series aeroplanes. Section AD/F50/55, which pertains to the autoflight system, mandates that all aircraft specified in the Requirement Document must comply with Fokker Service Bulletin F50-22-005. This involves replacing or modifying the autopilot computer to address a known issue where the autopilot engage button on the Flight Mode Panel can become stuck in the 'engage' position (Section 6/92). The primary objective of this directive is to ensure that the autopilot disengages properly when the autopilpot disconnect button on the control wheel or the 'go-around' button on the power levers is released. The obligations imposed by this legislation are clear and specific. Operators of Fokker F50 series aeroplanes must adhere to the instructions detailed in the Requirement Document, which includes the replacement or modification of the autopilot computer as per Fokker Service Bulletin F50-22-005. This involves ensuring that the modifications are carried out by authorised personnel who are familiar with the technical specifications and safety requirements outlined in the bulletin. The compliance process must be meticulously documented, and records must be maintained for CASA's review and verification (Section 6/92). The overarching goal is to enhance flight safety by preventing the autopilot from re-engaging inadvertently. Failure to comply with the provisions of this directive can lead to severe consequences. CASA has the authority to enforce penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives, and this includes both civil and criminal penalties. Operators found in breach of the regulations may face substantial fines, and in more serious cases, the grounding of the affected aircraft until the required modifications are made. The maximum penalties can include fines up to a significant amount, depending on the severity and impact of the non-compliance, as well as potential legal action against the responsible parties (Section 6/92). Ensuring adherence to these directives is crucial for maintaining the safety and airworthiness of Fokker F50 series aeroplanes within the Australian aviation sector.