COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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 717 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B717/7 Spoiler Actuator Support Fittings and Stop Pads
5/2003
Applicability: Model 717-200 aircraft, fuselage numbers 5002 through 5106.
Requirement: Inspect in accordance with the technical requirements of FAA AD 2003-04-24 Amdt 39-13073 refers.
Note: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717-57A0013 refers.
Compliance: Within 550 flight hours after the effective date of this Directive, unless already accomplished.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 15 May 2003.
Background: The FAA received reports of cracking on a support fitting for the main spoiler actuator on several Model 717-200 aircraft. On one aircraft, a crack completely separated a forward attachment lug from the support fitting, which then allowed the lug to move forward and contact and damage the wing rear spar. This damage resulted in cracking of the rear spar and fuel seepage.
David Alan Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 27 March 2003
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 23 April 2003.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR 1998) were enacted to ensure the safety of civil aviation within Australia. They provide a regulatory framework under which the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) can issue safety directives, including Airworthiness Directives (ADs). The AD/B717/7 issued on 27 March 2003, and subsequently notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 23 April 2003, addresses a specific safety issue identified in Boeing 717-200 aircraft, particularly those with fuselage numbers ranging from 5002 to 5106. The directive mandates inspections of spoiler actuator support fittings and stop pads to prevent potential cracking and subsequent damage, as reported by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This directive aims to rectify the unsafe condition identified and prevent further incidents that could compromise the structural integrity of the aircraft.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR 1998) under Part 39, particularly the Airworthiness Directive AD/B717/7, apply specifically to Boeing 717-200 series aircraft with fuselage numbers ranging from 5002 to 5106. This directive is issued by a delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address an identified unsafe condition related to the spoiler actuator support fittings and stop pads. The requirement outlined in the AD mandates an inspection in accordance with the technical specifications provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through AD 2003-04-24 Amdt 39-13073, and references Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717-57A0013. Compliance with this directive must occur within 550 flight hours following the effective date of the directive, which is 15 May 2003. This regulatory measure is aimed at ensuring the continued airworthiness of the specified aircraft to prevent potential structural damage and maintain safety standards within the Australian civil aviation industry.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39, section 105, set forth Airworthiness Directives (AD) that are necessary to ensure the safety of aircraft. One such directive, AD/B717/7, pertains to Boeing 717 series aeroplanes, specifically those with fuselage numbers 5002 through 5106 (section 105(a)). This AD mandates an inspection of the spoiler actuator support fittings and stop pads to prevent cracking and associated damage, in accordance with the technical requirements of FAA AD 2003-04-24 Amdt 39-13073 (section 105(b)). Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717-57A0013 is referenced for further guidance (section 105(c)). The compliance period is set at 550 flight hours from the effective date of the AD, which is 15 May 2003 (section 105(d)).
The AD imposes obligations on the operators of the specified Boeing 717-200 aircraft, requiring them to conduct the necessary inspections as per the requirements outlined in the AD. This involves following the technical specifications and instructions provided by the FAA to ensure that the spoiler actuator support fittings and stop pads are examined for any signs of cracking or damage. The inspection must be carried out within the specified timeframe to maintain compliance with the safety regulations. Additionally, operators must keep records of the inspections performed, ensuring that any issues identified are addressed promptly to prevent potential safety hazards.
Failure to comply with the AD may result in serious consequences. If an operator does not adhere to the inspection requirements, the aircraft may be deemed unsafe for operation, leading to grounding and potential legal action. Under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations, non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive can result in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These actions may include fines, penalties, and other legal repercussions. The exact penalties are not specified in the AD itself but are governed by the broader regulatory framework under which CASA operates. Operators must be aware that the safety of passengers and crew, as well as the integrity of the aircraft, is paramount, and non-compliance can have severe implications for both the operator and the public.