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 CAR 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 717 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B717/6 Spoiler Actuator Shut-Off Valve 10/2002
Applicability: All model 717-200 series aeroplanes.
Requirement: 1. Determine the electrical resistance within the solenoid of the inboard and outboard spoiler actuator assemblies by carrying out either a spoiler actuator return-to-service (RTS) test or a spoiler system RTS test, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 717- 27A0025 dated 11 June 2002.
2. If any failure is noted during any Requirement 1 test, perform applicable corrective actions (including replacing the spoiler actuator assembly with a new spoiler actuator assembly and correcting all faults in the centralized fault display system), in accordance with ASB 717-27A0025, repeating the test until a successful complete RTS test has been achieved.
Note: FAA AD 2002-16-09 Amdt 39-12848 refers.
Compliance: For Requirement 1 - Within 60 days after the effective date of this Directive and thereafter at intervals of no more that 550 hours time in service.
For Requirement 2 - Before further flight after the Requirement 1 test. This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 3 October 2002.
Background: The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recently been advised of failed tests of spoiler actuator assemblies due to failure of the solenoid-operated shut-off valve (SOV) on model 717-200 aeroplanes, both in service and during final assembly. Analysis by the manufacturer indicates that these solenoids contain high electrical resistance, which can be detected only during spoiler RTS tests. The presence of high electrical resistance in the solenoid is considered a latent failure and the cause of the high resistance is under investigation. The combined failure of the solenoid-operated SOV and the spoiler actuator will cause a single spoiler panel hardover, which could result in reduced controllability of the aeroplane.
Boeing 717 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B717/6 (continued)
This Directive requires the repetitive testing of either the spoiler actuator or spoiler system to detect and, if necessary, correct these faults. The FAA has advised that these actions are considered interim and further rulemaking may be necessary.
James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 23 August 2002
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 11 September 2002.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued Airworthiness Directive (AD) B717/6 on 23 August 2002 under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) to address the problem of failed spoiler actuator assemblies on Boeing 717-200 series aeroplanes. The AD was enacted in response to reports of high electrical resistance in the solenoid-operated shut-off valve (SOV) of the spoiler actuator assemblies, which could lead to a spoiler panel hardover and reduced controllability of the aeroplane. The AD requires that the electrical resistance within the solenoid of the inboard and outboard spoiler actuator assemblies be determined by conducting a spoiler actuator return-to-service (RTS) test or a spoiler system RTS test in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717-27A0025. If any failure is noted during the test, corrective actions must be performed, including replacing the spoiler actuator assembly with a new one and correcting all faults in the centralised fault display system. The AD aims to ensure the safety of the aircraft and its occupants by detecting and correcting faults in the spoiler actuator assemblies.
Scope and Application
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) pertains specifically to all model 717-200 series aeroplanes, which must comply with the outlined requirements to ensure airworthiness and safety. The directive mandates the testing of electrical resistance within the solenoid of the inboard and outboard spoiler actuator assemblies, either through a spoiler actuator return-to-service (RTS) test or a spoiler system RTS test, as per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 717-27A0025 dated 11 June 2002. If any failures are detected during these tests, corrective actions must be undertaken, including replacing the spoiler actuator assembly and correcting faults in the centralized fault display system, until a successful complete RTS test is achieved. The directive requires that the initial test be completed within 60 days from the effective date of the AD and subsequently at intervals of no more than 550 hours of time in service, while any corrective actions must be completed before further flight after the initial test. This AD becomes effective on 3 October 2002 and is published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 11 September 2002.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) pertains to the Boeing 717-200 series aeroplanes and requires specific actions to address potential safety issues with the spoiler actuator assemblies. The directive mandates that the electrical resistance within the solenoids of the inboard and outboard spoiler actuator assemblies be determined by conducting either a spoiler actuator return-to-service (RTS) test or a spoiler system RTS test, as outlined in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 717-27A0025 dated 11 June 2002 (section 1). If any failure is detected during these tests, corrective actions must be taken, including potentially replacing the spoiler actuator assembly and correcting faults in the centralized fault display system, again following the instructions provided in ASB 717-27A0025 (section 2). Compliance with these requirements is mandated within 60 days from the effective date of the directive and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 550 hours of service for the initial test, and immediately before further flight for any corrective actions (section 3).
The AD imposes several obligations on the operators of the Boeing 717-200 series aeroplanes. Firstly, they must ensure that the electrical resistance tests are performed in accordance with the specified procedures and timelines. Operators must follow the testing protocols detailed in ASB 717-27A0025, which includes conducting tests at the required intervals and documenting the results. If any failures are detected during these tests, operators must take the necessary corrective actions to rectify the issues, ensuring that the aeroplanes are returned to service only after successful tests are achieved. Additionally, operators must maintain records of all tests and corrective actions taken, as this documentation may be required for regulatory compliance and safety audits.
Failure to comply with the AD may result in significant legal consequences. The AD outlines that the CASA delegate considers the specified actions necessary to correct the unsafe condition related to the spoiler actuator assemblies. Non-compliance with the requirements could potentially lead to the grounding of affected aircraft, as the directive is designed to mitigate risks that could compromise the aeroplane's controllability. Furthermore, operators who fail to adhere to the AD may face enforcement actions, including fines or other penalties as stipulated under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. The maximum penalties for non-compliance with ADs can include fines of up to $21,600 for individuals and $108,000 for corporations, reflecting the seriousness with which regulatory bodies treat such safety mandates.