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 727 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B727/191 Main Landing Gear Forward Trunnion Attach
Fittings
12/2004
Applicability: Model 727, 727C, 727-100, -100C, and -200 series aircraft, line numbers 1 through 887.
Requirement: Action in accordance with the technical requirements of FAA AD 2004-18-08 Amdt 39-13786.
Note: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-57A0132 Revision 3, or a later FAA approved revision, refer.
Compliance: As specified in the Requirement document, with a revised effective date of 25 November 2004.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 25 November 2004.
Background: The manufacturer received reports of cracks and corrosion in the attach bolt holes in the main landing gear forward trunnion attach fittings on thirty-two aircraft.
Investigation revealed the cracks were caused by stress corrosion. Failure of the main landing gear forward trunnion attach fittings could result in collapse of the landing gear.
David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 14 October 2004
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 3 November 2004.
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Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 were enacted by the Parliament of Australia to provide comprehensive regulations governing the safety of civil aviation. These regulations, particularly Part 39, were established to address the need for stringent safety measures and consistent enforcement across the aviation industry, ensuring that all aircraft and aeronautical products meet required safety standards. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issues Airworthiness Directives under these regulations to address specific safety concerns or to mandate corrective actions to mitigate identified risks. The objective is to maintain and enhance the safety of civil aviation by enforcing timely and appropriate measures to correct unsafe conditions. In this context, Airworthiness Directive AD/B727/191 was introduced to address the issue of stress corrosion causing cracks in the main landing gear forward trunnion attach fittings of certain Boeing 727 series aircraft, a problem identified through reports and subsequent investigations.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR 1998) pertains specifically to Boeing 727 Series Aeroplanes, including models 727, 727C, 727-100, -100C, and -200 within line numbers 1 through 887. This directive mandates actions to address the unsafe condition of cracks and corrosion in the main landing gear forward trunnion attach fittings, a critical safety issue identified in thirty-two aircraft. The requirement for compliance is derived from the technical specifications of FAA AD 2004-18-08 Amdt 39-13786, with reference to Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-57A0132 Revision 3 or any later FAA-approved revisions. The directive became effective on 25 November 2004, with compliance expected as specified within the requirement document. This AD applies to all relevant aircraft within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring adherence to safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/B727/191 issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) delegate (section 39.1(1) of CASR 1998) applies specifically to Boeing 727 series aircraft, including models 727, 727C, 727-100, -100C, and -200, and covers line numbers 1 through 887 (Applicability). The directive mandates that actions be taken to address cracks and corrosion in the main landing gear forward trunnion attach fittings, as specified in FAA AD 2004-18-08 Amdt 39-13786, with reference to Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-57A0132 Revision 3 or later (Requirement). The directive stipulates compliance with the requirement document, with an effective date of 25 November 2004 (Compliance).
The obligations imposed by this AD require aircraft operators and maintainers to inspect and, if necessary, repair or replace the main landing gear forward trunnion attach fittings in accordance with the specified technical requirements. These requirements are designed to mitigate the risk of stress corrosion, which could lead to failure of the landing gear and potentially catastrophic outcomes. Operators must ensure that all maintenance actions are conducted by appropriately certified personnel and documented in the aircraft's maintenance records.
Failure to comply with the AD may result in significant consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance could lead to enforcement actions, including fines, suspension of airworthiness certificates, or other regulatory sanctions. The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR) stipulate that the maximum penalty for failing to comply with an AD can be substantial, with fines potentially reaching up to $16,500 for individuals and $82,500 for corporations, depending on the severity of the breach and the discretion of the court. Additionally, operators may face civil liability for any damages resulting from non-compliance with the AD.