COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) Series Aeroplanes
AD/F50/66 Lavatory Pump and Filter Assembly Electrical Grounding
12/94
Applicability: Model F27 Mk50 aircraft serial numbers 20103 through 20226 inclusive, 20270 through 20292 inclusive, 20296 through 20304 inclusive, 20306, 20307, 20309,
20310 and 20312.
Requirement: Action in accordance with accomplishment instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin F50-25-046 Revision 1 dated 5 August 1994.
Note: RLD AD 94-129 (A) dated 31 August 1994 refers.
Compliance: Prior to 10 May 1995.
Background: The Lavatory Pump and Filter Assembly is driven by a 115V AC motor and the metal toilet bowl is connected to the housing of the electric motor.
However, the motor housing is not connected to an effective ground. Consequently, should a failure of the electric motor occur, the toilet bowl may carry a high voltage. This Directive requires the installation of an electrical ground connection.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended through F2006B09895, address the critical safety issue of electrical grounding in the lavatory pump and filter assembly of Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) series aeroplanes. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, this legislation aims to mitigate the risk of high voltage exposure in the event of an electrical motor failure. The problem this legislation seeks to resolve is the lack of an effective electrical ground connection in the motor housing of the lavatory pump, which could potentially lead to hazardous conditions. The policy objective is to ensure that aircraft meet the necessary safety standards by mandating compliance with the specified service bulletin, thereby protecting passengers and crew from electrical hazards.
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, through this amendment, require specific action to be taken on certain Fokker F50 aircraft models to install an electrical ground connection as per Fokker Service Bulletin F50-25-046 Revision 1 dated 5 August 1994. This directive applies to a defined range of aircraft serial numbers and mandates that the required modifications be completed prior to 10 May 1995. By doing so, the legislation underscores the importance of maintaining rigorous safety standards in civil aviation to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of all individuals on board.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39, specifically Section 105, includes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives which applies to Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) Series Aeroplanes, particularly those with serial numbers within certain ranges. The directive mandates that actions must be taken in accordance with the instructions outlined in Fokker Service Bulletin F50-25-046 Revision 1 dated 5 August 1994. The directive applies to Fokker F50 aircraft with specific serial numbers, ensuring compliance with safety standards by installing an electrical ground connection to prevent potential hazards associated with the lavatory pump and filter assembly. Compliance with this directive must be achieved prior to 10 May 1995. The directive references RLD AD 94-129 (A) dated 31 August 1994, which further details the safety measures required for these aircraft models. This legislation is applicable on a Commonwealth level, ensuring that all relevant aircraft within the specified serial number ranges adhere to the mandated safety requirements.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, contain specific Airworthiness Directives (ADs) for various aircraft models. One such AD, AD/F50/66, applies to Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) series aeroplanes. This AD, dated 12/94, focuses on the lavatory pump and filter assembly electrical grounding issue. Specifically, it mandates compliance for Fokker F50 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 20103 to 20226 inclusive, 20270 to 20292 inclusive, 20296 to 20304 inclusive, and the serial numbers 20306, 20307, 20309, 20310, and 20312 (section 1). The requirement outlined in this directive necessitates action in accordance with the accomplishment instructions provided in Fokker Service Bulletin F50-25-046 Revision 1 dated 5 August 1994 (section 2). The directive refers to RLD AD 94-12-9 (A) dated 31 August 1994 for additional context (section 3).
Operators and owners of the specified Fokker F50 aircraft models must ensure compliance with AD/F50/66 by installing an electrical ground connection as per the instructions in Fokker Service Bulletin F50-25-046 Revision 1. This involves addressing the electrical grounding of the lavatory pump and filter assembly to prevent the metal toilet bowl from carrying high voltage in case of a motor failure. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, with a deadline set for 10 May 1995 (section 4). The directive underscores the importance of maintaining safety standards in the operation of these aircraft by mitigating potential electrical hazards.
Failure to comply with AD/F50/66 may result in serious safety risks, including potential electrocution or fire hazards due to the high voltage in the toilet bowl in case of motor failure. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) enforces these regulations, and non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions. While the specific penalties for breaching AD/F50/66 are not detailed in the provided text, general penalties for non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations can include fines, suspension of airworthiness certificates, and other regulatory actions that may impact the operational status of the aircraft.
The directive also references RLD AD 94-12-9 (A) for additional guidance, indicating the interconnected nature of aviation safety regulations and the importance of adhering to comprehensive safety standards. By ensuring the installation of the required electrical ground connection, operators and owners can comply with the regulatory requirements and maintain the safety and airworthiness of their Fokker F50 aircraft.