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/F50/72 Main Landing Gear Lock Link 3/97 DM
Applicability: All serial numbers.
Requirement: Unless already accomplished, action in accordance with Fokker SB F50-32-033.
Note: Netherlands BLA nr: 1996-146(A) refers.
Compliance: Within 7 days after 22 January 1997.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 22 January 1997.
Background: A MLG collapsed on roll out after landing. Investigation revealed that one of the two bolts that secure the downlock platform of the MLG locklink was missing. As a result of an AOT another operator reported broken lockwire and one of the affected bolts was loose. This unsafe condition if not corrected may result in further landing incidents.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, establish the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, with AD/F50/72 being one such directive for the Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) Series Aeroplanes. This legislation was enacted to address a specific safety issue related to the main landing gear lock link, which had been identified as a potential hazard following an incident where a main landing gear collapsed due to a missing bolt. The directive aims to ensure that all Fokker F50 series aircraft are maintained in a safe condition by requiring compliance with Fokker Service Bulletin F50-32-033. The compliance period is set at seven days from 22 January 1997, ensuring swift action is taken by operators to rectify the identified issue. The policy objective is to mitigate the risk of further landing incidents by mandating corrective measures for the specified safety concern.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to all Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) series aeroplanes, irrespective of their serial number. This legislation mandates that action must be taken in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F50-32-033 unless this has already been completed. The directive is designed to address safety concerns following an incident where a main landing gear (MLG) collapsed upon roll out after landing due to the absence of one of the two bolts securing the downlock platform of the MLG lock link. The Netherlands Civil Aviation Authority issued Bulletin of Airworthiness (BLA) number 1996-146(A), which is referenced in the directive. Compliance with this directive is required within seven days after the directive's effective date of 22 January 1997. The directive emphasises the critical nature of the required action to prevent potential future landing incidents resulting from the identified unsafe condition.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (ADs), which are legally binding instructions to ensure the continued airworthiness of aircraft. In the case of the Fokker F50 (F27 Mk 50) series aeroplanes, AD/F50/72 pertains to the main landing gear lock link (section 3/97 DM). This directive applies to all serial numbers of Fokker F50 aeroplanes (section Applicability). It mandates that unless already completed, action must be taken in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F50-32-033. The Netherlands Civil Aviation Authority issued a similar directive under number 1996-146(A) (section Requirement). The directive specifies that compliance must be achieved within 7 days of 22 January 1997, the date the directive became effective (section Compliance).
The obligations imposed by AD/F50/72 on the parties governed by the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 are clear and specific. Operators of Fokker F50 aeroplanes must adhere to the instructions outlined in Fokker Service Bulletin F50-32-033 to ensure the safety of the aircraft. This involves inspecting and, if necessary, replacing or repairing the downlock platform of the main landing gear lock link to prevent it from collapsing during landing. The directive also requires operators to ensure that the two bolts securing the downlock platform are properly installed and secure, and that any lockwire used is in good condition and properly installed. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in unsafe conditions that might lead to further landing incidents (section Applicability and Requirement).
Breaching the provisions of AD/F50/72 can result in significant civil or criminal consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, failure to comply with an Airworthiness Directive can lead to fines and penalties. The exact penalties can vary depending on the severity of the breach and the specific circumstances, but they can include substantial fines and potential imprisonment for serious breaches. Additionally, operators who fail to comply with the AD may face operational restrictions, including grounding of the affected aircraft until the required actions are completed and compliance is verified. This can have significant operational and financial repercussions for the operators (section Compliance).