COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Boeing 727 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B727/134 Auxiliary Fuel Tanks 9/91
Applicability: All model 727 aircraft as listed in Boeing SB 727-28-0110.
Requirement: 1. Inspect aircraft in accordance with Boeing SB 727-28-0110 or CAA approved inspection procedure until modified in accordance with Requirement 2.
2. Modify aircraft in accordance with Boeing SB 727-28A0067 Revision 1.
Note: FAA AD 91-09-06 Amdt 39-6977 refers to Boeing SB 727-28A0067 Revision 1.
Compliance: 1. As specified in the Requirement Document.
2. Prior to issue of a Certificate of Airworthiness.
Background: An uncontrolled fuel leak into the baggage compartment due to damage of an auxiliary fuel tank cell, has occurred.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105, include Airworthiness Directives (ADs) that are essential for ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating within Australia. One such directive, AD/B727/134, was introduced to address the risk of uncontrolled fuel leaks from auxiliary fuel tanks in Boeing 727 series aeroplanes. This directive was enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) following an incident where damage to an auxiliary fuel tank resulted in a fuel leak into the baggage compartment. The primary policy objective of this directive is to mandate inspections and modifications to prevent such occurrences, thereby enhancing the overall safety of civil aviation.
The AD requires all model 727 aircraft to undergo inspections as per Boeing Service Bulletin 727-28-0110 or an approved inspection procedure until modifications are made in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 727-28A0067 Revision 1. The directive underscores the importance of compliance before issuing a Certificate of Airworthiness, ensuring that all safety measures are implemented effectively. This legislative measure aims to mitigate the risk of fuel leaks and associated hazards, reflecting CASA's commitment to maintaining high safety standards in Australian airspace.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 and Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, mandates stringent safety protocols for the operation of Boeing 727 series aeroplanes in Australia. This legislative instrument applies to all model 727 aircraft as specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 727-28-0110. The Act requires operators to inspect their aircraft according to the specified Boeing Service Bulletin or an approved inspection procedure until the aircraft is modified as per the requirements outlined in Boeing Service Bulletin 727-28A0067 Revision 1. This modification must be completed prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Airworthiness, ensuring that any potential risk of fuel leaks into the baggage compartment, which may arise from damage to an auxiliary fuel tank cell, is mitigated effectively. The geographic reach of this legislation is national, impacting all operators of Boeing 727 series aeroplanes within Australia. The Act does not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, and compliance is strictly enforced through subordinate instruments and oversight by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate certain safety directives for Boeing 727 Series aeroplanes, with a focus on auxiliary fuel tanks. According to AD/B727/134, all model 727 aircraft listed in Boeing SB 727-28-0110 must undergo regular inspections as per the specified Boeing Service Bulletin or an approved inspection procedure by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) (section 1). These inspections are crucial until the aircraft are modified as outlined in Requirement 2. The modification, which corresponds to Boeing SB 727-28A0067 Revision 1, is aimed at addressing and mitigating the risk of fuel leaks, which can be hazardous and compromise the safety of the aircraft (section 1).
The regulations impose clear obligations on the operators and maintenance providers of Boeing 727 aircraft. Firstly, operators must ensure that their aircraft are inspected in accordance with the stipulated procedures (section 1). This includes adherence to either the specific Boeing Service Bulletin or an equivalent CASA-approved inspection method. Secondly, operators must modify their aircraft in line with Boeing SB 727-28A0067 Revision 1 to prevent potential fuel leaks. This modification is mandatory before a Certificate of Airworthiness is issued, underscoring the importance of compliance with these safety directives (section 2).
Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly those concerning the inspection and modification of auxiliary fuel tanks on Boeing 727 aircraft, can result in significant legal consequences. Violations of these safety directives can lead to both civil and criminal penalties. The specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the provided text, but generally, such breaches can result in substantial fines, enforcement actions, or even criminal charges for individuals or entities responsible for the oversight and maintenance of the aircraft. Ensuring adherence to these safety requirements is therefore not only a regulatory necessity but also a critical aspect of maintaining aviation safety standards (section 3).