AD/F50/6 - Control Cables in Accessory Compartment

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, was enacted to ensure the safety and operational integrity of aircraft in Australian airspace. This legislative instrument addresses the problem of freezing control cables in Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) Series Aeroplanes, which has been identified as a safety risk at high altitudes due to factors such as rain, high humidity, and low outside air temperature. The objective of this regulation is to mandate the installation of covers to prevent moisture from affecting the cable pulleys, thereby enhancing aircraft safety. The Australian Parliament, through the enactment of these regulations, aims to ensure that all Fokker F50 aircraft operating within Australia comply with specified maintenance standards to mitigate identified safety hazards. Compliance with these directives is mandatory, with a compliance deadline set prior to 31 March 1989, underscoring the urgency and importance of addressing this safety issue. This regulation is part of a broader framework designed to uphold the highest safety standards in civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to the Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) Series Aeroplanes, affecting aircraft with serial numbers ranging from F27-050 S/Nos 20103 to 20108 and 20110 to 20138. This regulation mandates compliance with Fokker Service Bulletin F50-27-010, which stipulates actions to address the freezing of control cables in the accessory compartment at high altitudes. The factors contributing to this issue include rain, high humidity, and low outside air temperature. To mitigate these risks, the installation of a cover to prevent moisture from reaching the cables and pulleys is required. Compliance with this Airworthiness Directive must be achieved before 31 March 1989, as referenced by RLD AD 88-84. The scope of this regulation is national, applying across the Commonwealth of Australia, and it extends to ensuring the airworthiness and safety of the specified Fokker F50 aircraft series within Australian airspace.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, mandate specific requirements for the maintenance and safety of Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) series aeroplanes. Section AD/F50/6 addresses the issue of control cables in the accessory compartment, particularly affecting Fokker F50 aircraft with serial numbers between 20103 and 20108, and 20110 to 20138. The requirement, as stated in the legislation, mandates that the action be taken in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F50-27-010, which provides detailed instructions on the installation of a cover to protect the control cables from moisture, thereby preventing freezing that could occur at high altitudes. The note referencing RLD AD 88-84 indicates that this directive is linked to previous safety concerns documented in related airworthiness directives. The obligations imposed by this legislation on the operators of the affected Fokker F50 aeroplanes are quite specific. Operators must ensure that the control cables in the accessory compartment are protected by installing a cover as specified in the Fokker Service Bulletin F50-27-010. This installation must be completed prior to 31 March 1989 to comply with the directive. Failure to adhere to these requirements could potentially compromise the safety of the aircraft, particularly in conditions of high altitude, rain, high humidity, and low outside air temperature (OAT). Failure to comply with the provisions of this directive can result in significant consequences. The legislation does not explicitly state the penalties or consequences for non-compliance; however, given the importance of airworthiness directives, any breach could lead to severe civil or criminal liabilities. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may take enforcement actions against the operator, which could include fines, suspension of operations, or other regulatory penalties. Furthermore, non-compliance could result in the grounding of the aircraft until the necessary modifications are made, thereby impacting operational schedules and potentially leading to financial losses.