COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation 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 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 727 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B727/176 Horizontal Stabiliser - Elevator Hinge
Support Ribs
9/2002
Applicability: All Model 727 series aircraft.
Requirement: Action in accordance with the technical requirements of FAA AD 2002-12-13 Amdt 39-12785.
Note: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-55A0091, including Appendix A refers.
Compliance: As specified in the Requirement document, with a revised effective date of 5 September 2002.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 5 September 2002.
Background: The manufacturer received numerous reports of stress corrosion cracks on the elevator hinge support ribs made from 7079-T6 material. Excessive rib damage at multiple rib locations can continue to extend in size until the elevator support stiffness is decreased, and may lead to in-flight vibration and consequential damage to the elevator and horizontal stabiliser.
David Alan Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 24 July 2002
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 14 August 2002.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under the auspices of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), address various safety concerns associated with aviation operations within Australia. The specific legislative instrument, F2006B02700, introduced an Airworthiness Directive (AD) to tackle the identified safety issue of stress corrosion cracks on the elevator hinge support ribs of Boeing 727 series aeroplanes. The AD, issued on 24 July 2002 and effective from 5 September 2002, was designed to rectify an unsafe condition that could potentially lead to in-flight vibration and consequential damage to critical aircraft components. This directive aligns with the policy objective of ensuring the highest safety standards in civil aviation by mandating corrective actions as per the technical requirements outlined in the Federal Aviation Administration’s AD 2002-12-13 Amdt 39-12785, thereby mitigating the risk of structural failure in affected aircraft.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the regulation of airworthiness directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These regulations apply to all persons and entities involved in the operation, maintenance, and modification of aircraft within Australian territory, including both domestic and international flights. The scope of the regulations extends to ensuring that aircraft meet specific safety standards to prevent unsafe conditions, as outlined in the Airworthiness Directives. The regulations do not specify exclusions or exemptions, but rather establish clear requirements and compliance timelines for identified aircraft models and parts. For instance, AD/B727/176 mandates specific actions for Boeing 727 series aircraft to address stress corrosion cracks in elevator hinge support ribs, following the technical requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration's AD 2002-12-13. This directive applies to all Model 727 series aircraft and requires compliance by 5 September 2002, as specified in the directive and subsequent notifications. The regulations are enforceable throughout Australia and are supplemented by subordinate instruments to ensure thorough application and enforcement of safety standards.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998), particularly under PART 39 - 105, mandate the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure the safety of aircraft. Section 39.1(1) of CAR 1998 empowers the CASA delegate to issue these directives when necessary to correct unsafe conditions. The specific AD mentioned, AD/B727/176, pertains to all Boeing 727 series aircraft and requires actions to address stress corrosion cracks in the elevator hinge support ribs. The directive mandates that these actions be taken according to the technical requirements outlined in FAA AD 2002-12-13 Amdt 39-12785, referencing Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-55A0091, including Appendix A. Compliance with this directive is to be achieved by 5 September 2002, as specified in the requirement document.
The obligations imposed by AD/B727/176 on the operators and owners of Boeing 727 series aircraft are clear and specific. They must adhere to the technical requirements outlined in the FAA AD 2002-12-13 Amdt 39-12785, ensuring that any stress corrosion cracks in the elevator hinge support ribs are addressed promptly and effectively. This includes following the detailed instructions provided in the referenced Boeing Alert Service Bulletin and any related appendices. Operators and owners must ensure that the required actions are taken in a timely manner to maintain the airworthiness of their aircraft and prevent potential in-flight issues that could arise from the degradation of the elevator hinge support ribs.
Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/B727/176 can result in significant consequences. Under CAR 1998, non-compliance with an AD is an offence that can lead to enforcement actions by CASA. The potential penalties for non-compliance include substantial fines and, in severe cases, the grounding of the aircraft until the required actions are completed. The exact penalties are determined by the severity of the breach and may include both civil and criminal sanctions, depending on the circumstances. It is imperative for operators and owners to ensure strict adherence to the directive to avoid these repercussions and maintain the safety and airworthiness of their aircraft.