AD/F50/70 - LH Elevator Drainage

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s schedule of airworthiness directives, were enacted to ensure the safety of aircraft in Australian airspace. One such directive, AD/F50/70, addresses a specific problem with Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) Series Aeroplanes where the elevator bungee unit causes the elevators to deflect upwards when the aircraft is parked, potentially leading to water accumulation and subsequent freezing, which can result in elevator instability and damage to the aircraft. This legislative instrument was introduced to rectify safety concerns identified by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and is aimed at ensuring that all applicable aircraft meet the necessary safety standards. Compliance with these directives is mandatory, with actions required within a specified timeframe to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, address the safety and airworthiness of aircraft within Australia, and this particular legislative instrument pertains to Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) series aeroplanes. The regulation, identified as AD/F50/70, mandates specific action concerning the LH elevator drainage to mitigate potential risks associated with water accumulation and freezing. This directive applies to Fokker F50 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 20103 to 20188. The requirement necessitates compliance with Fokker Service Bulletin F50-55-006, which includes draining and cleaning the elevator drainage system to prevent water from becoming trapped aft of the left-hand (LH) elevator rear spar, a problem that can lead to elevator instability and subsequent damage to the aircraft. Compliance must be achieved within 500 hours of time in service after 20 June 1996, or before 31 December 1996, whichever comes first. This regulation underscores the importance of adhering to manufacturer-specific maintenance directives to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft in question.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 (section (a)), outline the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for the Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) Series Aeroplanes, with the directive AD/F50/70 addressing LH Elevator Drainage. This directive applies to aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 20103 to 20188 (section (b)). The primary requirement is to undertake action in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F50-55-006, which provides detailed instructions on the necessary maintenance to prevent water accumulation and its subsequent freezing, which could cause elevator instability (section (c)). The directive notes that it refers to the RLD AD 1996-033(A), indicating a cross-reference for additional context or related directives (section (d)). The Act imposes clear obligations on the parties responsible for the maintenance and operation of Fokker F50 aircraft. Owners and operators must ensure that the required action is taken in compliance with the directive within 500 hours of time in service after 20 June 1996, or before 31 December 1996, whichever comes first (section (e)). This means that any maintenance work or inspection related to the left-hand elevator drainage must be completed by the specified deadline to meet regulatory standards and ensure aircraft safety. Failure to comply with these obligations could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, thereby risking operational disruptions and potential safety hazards. Breaching the provisions of this Airworthiness Directive can lead to severe consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive is an offence that could result in significant penalties. Specifically, the maximum penalty for an individual is a fine of up to $126,000 or imprisonment for up to two years, or both (section (f)). For corporations, the penalty can be up to $630,000 or a combination of fines and imprisonment. These penalties underscore the importance of adhering to the directives to maintain the highest safety standards in aviation.