COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Boeing 727 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B727/148 Fuel Actuator Shutoff Valve 6/95
Applicability: All model 727 series aircraft fitted with J.C. Carter actuator P/N 40574-2 used in any of the following J.C. Carter fuel system valves.
J.C Carter P/N | Boeing P/N |
6563 | 10-60529-1 |
60128 | 10-60529-5 |
61163 | 10-60529-8 |
61183 | 10-60529-10 |
61185 | 10-60529-11 |
Note: The above valve assemblies are used on the 727 fuel system crossfeed positions.
Requirement: Action in accordance with J.C. Carter SB 61163-28-08. Compliance: By 31 May 1997.
Background: The valve manufacturer has advised that while functional testing a Boeing 737 gate valve, when the valve was selected to either the “open” or “close” position the actuator suffered a clutch slippage problem whenever the temperature dropped below minus twenty degrees C (minus five degrees F).
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105, incorporates the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for various aircraft models, including the Boeing 727 series aeroplanes. One such directive, AD/B727/148, pertains to the fuel actuator shutoff valve, aiming to address a safety issue identified in the J.C. Carter actuator P/N 40574-2 used in the Boeing 727 fuel system valves. This directive was introduced to ensure the safe operation of these aircraft by mitigating the risk of actuator clutch slippage, particularly in cold weather conditions, as specified in J.C. Carter Service Bulletin 61163-28-08. Compliance with this directive was mandated by 31 May 1997, thereby enhancing the overall airworthiness and safety standards of Boeing 727 series aircraft operating in Australia.
The enactment of this directive was overseen by the Australian Government, through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which is the relevant regulatory body responsible for ensuring that civil aviation activities in Australia meet high safety standards. The primary policy objective of this directive is to prevent potential safety hazards associated with the specified fuel actuator shutoff valves, thereby protecting the integrity of the aircraft and the safety of passengers and crew.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, governs the safety directives applicable to civil aviation in Australia, with a particular focus on airworthiness directives for specific aircraft types. This legislative instrument addresses issues pertaining to Boeing 727 series aeroplanes fitted with specific J.C. Carter actuator parts used in various fuel system valves. The directive applies to all Boeing 727 aircraft that are equipped with these particular actuator parts, ensuring that they adhere to the safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Compliance with the directive is mandatory, requiring adherence to the specified action outlined in J.C. Carter Service Bulletin 61163-28-08 by the deadline of 31 May 1997. The directive extends to the Commonwealth level, with enforcement and oversight falling under the purview of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in this directive, and it does not extend or restrict its application through subordinate instruments.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under PART 39 - 105, outlines specific safety directives for certain aircraft models, including the Boeing 727 Series Aeroplanes. Section AD/B727/148 addresses a critical issue related to the fuel actuator shutoff valve. This directive applies to all Boeing 727 series aircraft that have J.C. Carter actuator P/N 40574-2 installed in specific fuel system valves. The affected valves include those with part numbers 656310-60529-160128, 10-60529-56116, 310-60529-86118, 310-60529-106118, and 310-60529-11, which are used in the fuel system crossfeed positions. The directive mandates compliance with the J.C. Carter Service Bulletin 61163-28-08, requiring actions to be taken by 31 May 1997.
This legislation imposes specific obligations on aircraft operators and maintenance personnel. They are required to ensure that the specified J.C. Carter actuators in their Boeing 727 aircraft meet the compliance requirements set out in the referenced service bulletin. This includes performing any necessary modifications or inspections to rectify the identified clutch slippage problem when temperatures fall below minus twenty degrees Celsius. Non-compliance with these directives could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, thereby preventing flight operations until the required actions are taken.
Failure to adhere to the provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Section AD/B727/148, can lead to serious consequences. If an aircraft is found to be non-compliant, it may face grounding, leading to operational disruptions and potential financial losses. Furthermore, operators could face legal repercussions, including fines or other penalties. While the exact penalties are not specified in this particular directive, general penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 can include substantial fines and, in severe cases, imprisonment. Therefore, it is crucial for all parties involved to take the directive seriously and ensure timely and effective compliance.