Ad/BAe 146/133 - Airworthiness Limitations (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 39.001(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.

British Aerospace BAe 146 Series Aeroplanes

AD/BAe 146/133 Airworthiness Limitations 10/2008

Applicability:	BAe 146 and AVRO 146-RJ aircraft, all models, all serial numbers.
Requirement:	1.    Amend the approved aircraft maintenance schedule to incorporate the instructions of BAe 146 / AVRO 146-RJ Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) Chapters 05-10 “Time Limits”, 05-15 “Critical Design Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCL) - Fuel System Description and Operation” and 05-20 “Scheduled Maintenance Checks” at AMM Revision 93 dated 15 May 2008.
2.    Accomplish the tasks described in AMM Chapters 05-10, 05-15 and 05-20, within the thresholds and intervals indicated in that document.
The use of later approved revisions of the AMM are acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this Directive.
Note:  EASA AD 2008-0132 refers.
Compliance:	For Requirement 1 - Within the next three months after the effective date of this Directive.
For Requirement 2 - Following accomplishment of the Requirement 1 amendment.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 25 September 2008.
Background:	The BAe 146 / AVRO 146-RJ Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) includes Chapters 05-10 “Time Limits” and 05-20 “Scheduled Maintenance Checks” which have been identified as requirements for continued airworthiness.  BAE Systems (Operations) Limited has amended the AMM to include revisions to Chapters 05-10-01 and 05-10-15.

As a consequence of the assessment of fuel tank wiring installations required by SFAR 88 and equivalent JAA/EASA policy, BAE Systems (Operations) Limited has amended the AMM to include a new Chapter 05-15-00.  This new Chapter 05-15-00 is part of Chapter 05-15 “Critical Design Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCL) - Fuel System Description and Operation”.  The CDCCLs provide instructions to retain critical ignition source prevention features during configuration changes that may be caused by modification, repair or maintenance actions.  The CDCCLs have been identified as requirements for continued airworthiness to address the risk of fuel vapour ignition sources remaining undetected.  This condition, if not corrected, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the aircraft.

James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

25 July 2008