AD/F50/65 - Aileron Hinge Bolt and Spring-Tab Balance Unit

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as part of the broader legislative framework aimed at ensuring the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia, were enacted to address various aviation safety issues and establish regulatory standards for aircraft operations, maintenance, and airworthiness. This particular legislative instrument, F2006B09894, pertains to the Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) Series Aeroplanes, specifically targeting aileron hinge bolt and spring-tab balance unit issues. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, established under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, oversees the implementation and enforcement of these regulations, with a policy objective of maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety. The regulation was introduced in response to reports of damage to the ailerons of F50 aircraft when parked in heavy and gusty tailwind conditions, leading to failures in the gustlock mechanism of the spring tab balance units. This legislative instrument mandates specific actions in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F50-27-036, referencing the earlier RLD AD 94-025 (A). The requirement stipulates compliance prior to 1 July 1995, addressing the identified safety concern by ensuring that the specified Fokker F50 series aircraft undergo necessary modifications to prevent future incidents related to the aileron hinge bolts and spring-tab balance units. This proactive measure aims to enhance the overall safety and reliability of these aircraft, thereby contributing to the overarching goal of safeguarding public safety 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 identified by the serial numbers ranging from 20103 to 20266, 20270 to 20292, and 20294 to 20304. These regulations mandate compliance with Fokker Service Bulletin F50-27-036, which addresses the issue of damage to the aileron hinge bolt and spring-tab balance unit. This requirement is a direct response to reports of aileron damage under specific conditions, where tailwinds exerted enough force on the aircraft while parked to cause the failure of the gustlock mechanism of the spring tab balance units. Compliance with these directives is mandatory and must be achieved prior to 1 July 1995. This legislation thus applies to specific aircraft models within the designated serial number ranges, ensuring that maintenance and safety standards are met to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, establish the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives. The specific directive in focus here is AD/F50/65, which addresses the aileron hinge bolt and spring-tab balance unit for Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) series aeroplanes (s 105). This directive mandates specific actions to be taken in response to identified issues with the aileron hinge bolts and the balance units of the spring tabs on these aircraft models. The directive applies to F27 Mk 050 series aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 20103 through 20266, 20270 through 20292, and 20294 through 20304 (s 105). The directive stipulates that action must be taken in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F50-27-036, and references RLD AD 94-025 (A) for additional context (s 105). Entities governed by these regulations must ensure compliance with the directive by adhering to the specified actions outlined in Fokker Service Bulletin F50-27-036. This compliance must be achieved prior to 1 July 1995 (s 105). The directive stems from reports submitted to the RLD, detailing instances where the ailerons of F50 aircraft were damaged while parked in heavy and gusty tailwind conditions (s 105). These conditions led to the failure of the gustlock mechanism of the spring tab balance units of both ailerons due to the wind force exerted on the ailerons (s 105). Failure to comply with AD/F50/65 may result in severe consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance with this specific directive. However, general provisions within the Act outline potential civil and criminal penalties for breaches of airworthiness directives. Civil penalties can include fines, while criminal penalties may involve imprisonment or both, depending on the severity of the breach. The specific maximum penalties are not detailed within the directive itself but are stipulated elsewhere in the broader regulatory framework (s 105).