AD/F50/69 Amdt 2 - In Wing Aileron Control Cables

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the authority of the Parliament of Australia, provide a comprehensive framework for ensuring the safety of civil aviation operations within Australia. One particular aspect of these regulations pertains to the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs), which are legally enforceable rules designed to address specific safety issues identified in aircraft design, manufacture, or maintenance. The ADs are critical in mitigating risks to aviation safety by mandating corrective actions or modifications to aircraft that have been found to have specific safety deficiencies. The Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) Series Aeroplanes AD/F50/69 Amendment 2, introduced to address issues with the wing aileron control cables, exemplifies how ADs are used to maintain high safety standards in civil aviation. This amendment to the AD was introduced to tackle a problem identified in certain Fokker F50 aircraft, where the aileron control cables' tension was found to be insufficient, potentially leading to cable turnbuckles rubbing against the edges of the structure lightening holes and compromising safety. The policy objective behind issuing this AD is to ensure that the identified safety issue is rectified, thus preventing any recurrence of incidents related to the aileron control cables. The directive mandates specific actions, including increasing or verifying the aileron cable tension and replacing the affected cables, to be completed within prescribed timeframes, thereby directly addressing the identified safety risk.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, pertain to the Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) series aeroplanes, specifically those with serial numbers ranging from 20103 to 20172, which are required to comply with certain airworthiness directives. These directives are designed to address safety concerns related to the aileron control cables in the wings of the aircraft. The regulations apply to all aircraft falling within the specified serial number range that have not yet complied with the previous issues of the directive. The directives mandate that, unless already completed, the tension of the aileron cables must be increased or verified according to specific instructions outlined in Fokker Service Bulletin F50-27-016. Additionally, all specified aileron control cables must be replaced in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F50-27-040. These directives ensure compliance with safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and aim to prevent incidents where the aileron cables experience insufficient tension, potentially leading to structural damage. The regulations are enforced under the Commonwealth of Australia and are applicable nationally, ensuring uniform safety standards across the aviation industry.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, outlines the Airworthiness Directives for Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) Series Aeroplanes. Section AD/F50/69 Amendment 2, which pertains to the wing aileron control cables, is a critical provision that addresses safety concerns identified in earlier models. The directive mandates that aircraft within the specified serial number range, which have not previously complied with Fokker Service Bulletin F50-27-016 Part 2, must adjust their aileron cable tension according to the instructions in Part 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker SB F50-27-016 Revision 2. For aircraft that have already complied with the earlier service bulletin, the directive requires verification of the aileron cable tension in both the left and right wings, also as per the same accomplishment instructions. Additionally, all aileron control cables in the wings, identified by specific part numbers, must be replaced in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F50-27-040. Compliance with these directives is imperative to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the aircraft during operation. The obligations imposed by these directives are clear and stringent. Aircraft operators are required to adhere to the specified timelines for compliance. Specifically, Requirement 1 must be completed within 30 days following the date of notification, which is 9 November 1995. For Requirement 2, the replacement of all specified aileron control cables must be completed before 28 February 1997. Failure to meet these deadlines can result in non-compliance with the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, potentially leading to severe consequences for both the operators and the safety of the aircraft. These obligations also include documenting the compliance process meticulously, ensuring that all steps taken are in line with the specified service bulletins and accomplishment instructions. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, through these Airworthiness Directives, impose significant penalties and consequences for non-compliance. Any breach of these requirements can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The potential penalties for non-compliance may include fines, suspension or revocation of the aircraft's airworthiness certificate, and in severe cases, criminal charges against the responsible individuals or entities. The seriousness of these consequences underscores the importance of adhering strictly to the directives to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety. The regulations reflect a commitment to preventing incidents that could compromise the safety and reliability of Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) Series Aeroplanes.