COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Boeing 727 Series Aeroplanes
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 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.
AD/B727/166 Argo-Tech/TRW Fuel Boost Pumps 2/2000
DM
Applicability: Model 727-100 and -200 series aeroplanes equipped with Argo-Tech/TRW (Thompson Ramo Wooldbridge) fuel tank boost pumps having part numbers (P/N) 258000-2, -3, and -5, or 382300-1, -2, and -3.
Requirement: 1. Unless accomplished previously, perform a one-time detailed visual inspection to detect discrepant breather plugs (including loose, damaged, and missing plugs) in the fuel tank boost pumps in accordance with Boeing Telex M-7200-98-03173, dated 21 October 1998 or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-28A0125, Revision 1, dated 10 June 1999.
Note 1: For the purposes of this directive, a detailed visual inspection is defined as: "An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses etc, may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required."
2. If any discrepancy is detected, during the Requirement 1 inspection, either install a new breather plug in accordance with Temporary Revision No. 28-1 of the Argo- Tech Overhaul Manual, dated 13 November 1998, or the alert service bulletin; or replace the boost pump with a new or serviceable pump, in accordance with procedures specified in Section 28-22-21 of the Boeing 727 Airplane Maintenance Manual (AMM). After the effective date of this directive, only Section 28-22-21 of the Boeing 727 AMM, dated 20 January 1999, shall be used for replacement of the boost pump.
3. No person shall install an Argo-Tech/TRW fuel tank boost pump having the P/N 258000-2, -3, or -5; or 382300-1, -2, or -3 on any aeroplane; unless that pump has been inspected and applicable corrective actions have been performed in accordance with the requirements of this directive.
Note 2: FAA AD 99-24-06 Amdt 39-11430 refers.
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Compliance: For Requirement 1:
Auxiliary fuel tank boost pumps - Within six months after the effective date of this directive.
Centre and main fuel tank boost pumps - Within 12 months after the effective date of this directive.
For Requirement 2 - Before further flight.
For Requirement 3 - As of the effective date of this Directive.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 19 February 2000.
Background: This Directive requires a one-time inspection to determine the presence and condition of the breather plug in each fuel tank boost pump; together with either installation of a new plug or replacement of the boost pump with a new or serviceable pump, if necessary. The issue of the Directive is prompted by a report received by the FAA that breather plugs were missing from fuel tank boost pumps.
The actions specified by this Directive are intended to prevent possible ignition of fuel vapour in the fuel tank boost pump, which could result in a fuel tank explosion in the event of a boost pump internal failure.
Eugene Paul Holzapfel
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 13 January 2000
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 19 January 2000.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) was enacted to regulate civil aviation operations in Australia and ensure the safety and efficiency of air travel. The Act provides the framework for the regulation of air navigation, aircraft operations, and the certification of aircraft, personnel, and organisations involved in aviation. One specific area addressed by the Act is the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to ensure the ongoing airworthiness of aircraft. The CAR 1998 was enacted by the Australian Parliament, with the objective of providing a comprehensive legal framework to manage and regulate civil aviation in Australia. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), as a delegate of the Commonwealth of Australia, issues ADs under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998 to address safety concerns and ensure the continued airworthiness of aircraft. An example of such an AD is the Boeing 727 Series Aeroplanes Airworthiness Directive AD/B727/166, which was issued on 19 February 2000. This AD targets Model 727-100 and -200 series aeroplanes equipped with Argo-Tech/TRW fuel tank boost pumps, aiming to correct an unsafe condition related to breather plugs in the fuel tank boost pumps. The directive requires a one-time detailed visual inspection, installation of new breather plugs or replacement of the boost pump if necessary, and prohibits the installation of specific Argo-Tech/TRW fuel tank boost pumps without proper inspection and corrective action. The AD was introduced to prevent possible ignition of fuel vapour in the fuel tank boost pump, which could result in a fuel tank explosion in the event of a boost pump internal failure.
Scope and Application
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) applies specifically to Boeing 727-100 and -200 series aeroplanes that are equipped with Argo-Tech/TRW fuel tank boost pumps. The AD mandates a one-time detailed visual inspection to detect any discrepancies such as loose, damaged, or missing breather plugs in these boost pumps. If any discrepancies are found, corrective actions must be undertaken, which may involve installing a new breather plug or replacing the entire boost pump with a new or serviceable one. These actions must be carried out in accordance with specific Boeing documentation, and the directive stipulates that only certain sections of the Boeing 727 Airplane Maintenance Manual will be applicable for pump replacement after the AD's effective date. The AD also prohibits the installation of certain Argo-Tech/TRW fuel tank boost pumps unless they have been inspected and necessary corrective actions have been performed in line with the directive's requirements. This directive becomes effective on 19 February 2000, and compliance timelines are set for specific inspections and actions, with auxiliary fuel tank boost pumps needing inspection within six months and centre and main fuel tank boost pumps within twelve months from the effective date.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) under Part 39 – 105, mandate the issuance of an Airworthiness Directive (AD) by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure the safe operation of certain aircraft. Specifically, AD/B727/166 pertains to the Boeing 727-100 and -200 series aeroplanes equipped with Argo-Tech/TRW fuel tank boost pumps with specified part numbers. The directive requires a comprehensive inspection and subsequent corrective actions to address potential safety hazards associated with the fuel tank boost pumps. The directive mandates a one-time detailed visual inspection of the fuel tank boost pumps to detect issues such as loose, damaged, or missing breather plugs (Section 1). If any discrepancies are found, the directive specifies that either a new breather plug must be installed or the boost pump must be replaced with a new or serviceable pump (Section 2). Furthermore, it prohibits the installation of specified pumps on any aeroplane unless they have been inspected and corrected as per the directive’s requirements (Section 3).
The AD imposes specific obligations on the operators and maintenance personnel of the affected Boeing 727 aircraft. Operators must ensure that the detailed visual inspections are conducted within the stipulated timeframes: within six months for auxiliary fuel tank boost pumps and within 12 months for centre and main fuel tank boost pumps from the directive’s effective date (Compliance section). Any identified issues must be rectified before further flight, and the installation of specified pumps must comply with the directive's requirements from the date of the directive's issuance. Non-compliance with these requirements could lead to severe safety risks, including potential fuel tank explosions due to ignition of fuel vapour.
The AD also includes provisions for penalties and consequences in the event of non-compliance. While the specific penalties are not detailed within the text of the AD, non-compliance with CASA directives generally leads to enforcement actions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988. Such actions can include fines, enforcement notices, and potentially criminal charges for serious non-compliance. The maximum penalties for breaches can vary, but they may include substantial fines and imprisonment for individuals responsible for the non-compliance. Therefore, adherence to the AD is crucial to avoid legal repercussions and to maintain the airworthiness and safety of the aircraft.