AD/FA-200/24 - Elevator Torque Tube Corrosion

Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued Airworthiness Directive AD/FA-200/24 in 1989 to address the issue of corrosion in the elevator torque tubes of Fuji FA-200 series aeroplanes. This legislation was enacted to ensure the safety of aircraft by requiring the replacement of the affected elevator torque tubes. The directive applies to all Fuji FA 200 aircraft with serial numbers 12 and subsequent. The policy objective behind this directive was to prevent potential failures due to undetected corrosion, which could compromise the integrity of the elevator control system and, consequently, the safety of the aircraft. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under which this directive falls, were established to provide a comprehensive regulatory framework for the safe operation of aircraft in Australia. The directive mandates that compliance with the action required by FHI S.B. 200-009 must be achieved within 100 hours of the aircraft's time in service after 2 November 1989, or at the next scheduled inspection for the issue of a Maintenance Release after that date, whichever occurs later. Following initial compliance, the requirement must be met at intervals not exceeding five years. This regulatory approach ensures that the identified safety concern is systematically addressed to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, applies to the Fuji FA-200 Series Aeroplanes, specifically those with Serial Numbers 12 and subsequent. This regulation mandates action in accordance with Fuji Heavy Industries Service Bulletin 200-009 to address issues of elevator torque tube corrosion. The directive applies to all relevant aircraft regardless of their location within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring compliance with civil aviation safety standards. The requirement necessitates compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 2 November 1989 or at the next scheduled inspection for issuance of a Maintenance Release following that date, whichever is later, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding five years. This regulatory measure is crucial to prevent the risk of tube failure due to undetected corrosion, thereby ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. The regulation is explicit in its application to the specified Fuji FA-200 Series Aeroplanes, underscoring the importance of addressing corrosion in elevator torque tubes to maintain safety standards. Although the regulation itself sets out the primary requirements and compliance timelines, its scope is further extended through subordinate instruments and service bulletins that detail the specific actions required. These documents provide additional guidance to ensure that the maintenance and inspection processes are carried out effectively. The regulation does not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, thereby encompassing all applicable aircraft within its ambit.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, contain provisions regarding airworthiness directives for Fuji FA-200 Series Aeroplanes. These provisions, outlined in AD/FA-200/24, address elevator torque tube corrosion, which is a significant safety concern for these aircraft (Part 39 - 105). The applicability of this directive extends to all FA 200 aeroplanes with serial numbers 12 and subsequent. The directive mandates action in accordance with Fuji Heavy Industries Service Bulletin 200-009, which includes detailed steps and procedures for addressing the identified corrosion issue (AD/FA-200/24). The requirements set forth by the airworthiness directive mandate that affected aircraft must comply with the directive within 100 hours of time in service after 2 November 1989. Alternatively, compliance must be achieved at the next scheduled inspection for the issue of a Maintenance Release following 2 November 1989, whichever is later. Furthermore, compliance must be maintained at intervals not exceeding 5 years to ensure the ongoing airworthiness of the aircraft (AD/FA-200/24). The directive underscores the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to prevent potential tube failure due to undetected corrosion, which could have severe safety implications. The obligations imposed by the airworthiness directive are clear and must be met by the operators of Fuji FA-200 Series Aeroplanes. Operators are required to follow the instructions outlined in Fuji Heavy Industries Service Bulletin 200-009 meticulously. This involves conducting thorough inspections of the elevator torque tubes and implementing any necessary repairs or replacements as specified in the service bulletin. Additionally, operators must ensure that compliance with the directive is achieved within the specified timeframe and maintained at regular intervals to uphold the safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) (AD/FA-200/24). Failure to comply with the provisions of the airworthiness directive may result in serious consequences. Breaches of these regulations can lead to enforcement actions by CASA, which may include civil penalties. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, operators found in breach of airworthiness directives can face substantial fines. The maximum penalties for such breaches are detailed in the relevant sections of the Act, and non-compliance can also lead to criminal charges in severe cases, potentially resulting in imprisonment. It is crucial for operators to adhere strictly to the requirements to avoid these serious repercussions.