AD/B747/320 AFM Limitation RVSM Operations (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (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.

Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes

AD/B747/320 AFM Limitation - RVSM Operations 2/2005

Applicability:	Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F and 747-300 series aeroplanes together with Model 747SP and 747SR series aeroplanes, having variable numbers listed in Table 1 of this Directive or modified in accordance with FAA Supplemental Type Certificate SA960GL or SA1080EA-D.
Aeroplanes on which either Boeing Service Bulletin (SB) 747-34-2294, dated 25 May 1989, or SB 747-34-2296, dated 1 July 1989, has been accomplished, are excluded from the requirements of this Directive.
Table 1 - Applicable Aeroplanes Listed by Boeing Variable Number
RA521-RA528 inclusive RA532-RA535 inclusive RA537-RA548 inclusive RA671-RA675 inclusive RA677 RB071-RB075 inclusive RB601-RB607 inclusive RB681-RB685 inclusive RB687 RB690-RB693 inclusive RB695-RB697 inclusive RB721-RB723 inclusive RD055 RD082 RD083 RD221-RD227 inclusive RD231-RD235 inclusive RD301 RD302 RD381-RD383 inclusive RD461 RD601-RD607 inclusive	RD741 RD781-RD783 inclusive RG173 RG174 RH101 RH102 RJ321 RJ322 RR024 RR025 RR261-RR263 inclusive RR264-RR267 inclusive RR361 RR362 RR451 RR522 RR526 RR551-RR556 inclusive RR566 RS001 RS002 RS211	RS212 RS221 RS222 RS232 RS233 RS235 RS236 RS237-RS241 inclusive RS251-RS259 inclusive RS263 RS265-RS268 inclusive RS292 RS311-RS320 inclusive RS699 RS701-RS703 inclusive RS711-RS713 inclusive RS731 RS732 RS741-RS743 inclusive RS771 RS786
Requirement:	Revise the Limitations section of the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) to include the following statement.  This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this Directive in the AFM.

"Operation of the autopilot/flight director in command mode with Performance Management System (PMS) selected on the speed mode switch during cruise in Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) airspace is prohibited.

Use of PMS generated airspeeds and autopilot modes (e.g., IAS/ Mach) with manually crew-entered airspeeds (via Mode Selector Panel) are allowed."

When a statement identical to that above has been included in the general revisions of the AFM, the general revisions may be inserted into the AFM and the copy of this Directive may be removed from the AFM.

Note:  FAA AD 2004-25-06 Amdt 39-13894 refers.

Compliance:

Within 10 days after the effective date of this Directive.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 17 February 2005.

Background:

This Directive requires revising the AFM to prohibit operation of the autopilot/flight director in command mode with performance management system selected on the speed mode switch during cruise in reduced vertical separation minimum (RVSM) airspace.

United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has advised of receiving reports of unexpected autopilot disconnects induced by the passing of another aeroplane within 1,000 feet below the aeroplane while they were operating in RVSM airspace.  The Directive is issued to prevent unexpected disconnect of the autopilot during operation in RVSM airspace due to close passage of another aeroplane, which may result in altitude deviation and, consequently, could lead to a possible mid-air collision or a near miss with aggressive evasive action (by either or both aeroplanes).  Aggressive manoeuvring at cruise altitudes and airspeeds could result in loss of control of the aeroplane and/or injury to passengers and crew.

David Punshon
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

6 January 2005