AD/F100/63 Amdt 1 - Escape Ropes (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE On the effective date specified below, and for the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/F100/63 and issues the following AD under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Fokker F100 (F28 Mk 100) Series Aeroplanes AD/F100/63 Amdt 1 Escape Ropes 6/2005

Applicability: All Model F28 Mk 0070 and Mk 0100 aircraft. Requirement: 1. Replace affected escape ropes with serviceable parts in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Services Service Bulletin F100-25-099, dated 28 June 2004, or later CAA-NL approved revision (for flight deck escape ropes).

2. Amend the aircraft's Maintenance Schedule to include a new discard task for the escape ropes after each 6 years time in service.

Note: CAA-NL AD 2004-159 refers. Compliance: For Requirements 1 and 2: Within one calendar year after 12 May 2005.

The compliance time remains unchanged by this issue. This Amendment becomes effective on 9 June 2005. Background: Reports have been received from operators of small cracks evident in the polyester block into which the cotton flight deck escape rope is cast. A repair was subsequently carried out and a tensile test was performed. The results established that these ropes had deteriorated over time and their load-bearing capability had been considerably reduced. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to escape ropes failing or becoming unusable during an emergency evacuation.