COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Boeing 727 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B727/60 Fin Front Spar Forging - Inspection 10/68
Applicability: All models.
Requirement: Inspect the outboard flanges of the fin front spar forging P/N 65-18913, as follows:
- Inspect the top and bottom flanges aft to Body Station 1203 visually or using an approved radiographic technique.
2. Visually inspect the top flange from Body Station 1203 to 1223 by removing access panels 9523 and 9524.
3. Visually inspect the bottom flange from Body Station 1203 to 1248. Inspection may be made from the aft stair well using a 90° borescope. On the right hand side the removal of the de-ice duct is necessary.
4. Visually inspect the top flange from Body Station 1223 aft to the splice at the end of the fitting. Access may be gained through lightening holes in the fitting after removing access panel 9501.
5. Visually inspect the bottom flange from Body Station 1248 aft to the splice at the end of the fitting. Access may be gained through lightening holes in the fitting after removing access panel 9501.
6. Inspect the splice joints visually or using an approved radiographic technique. Compliance: Forthwith.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, govern the operation and safety standards for civil aviation in Australia. Specifically, Part 39 addresses airworthiness directives, with Schedule 105 detailing requirements for Boeing 727 series aeroplanes. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, established under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, enacted this legislation to ensure the safety and reliability of civil aircraft. AD/B727/60, which pertains to the inspection of the fin front spar forging, was introduced to address potential structural issues that could compromise the safety of the aircraft. The policy objective is to mandate regular and thorough inspections to prevent any failures that might arise from material defects or stress concentrations in the specified area of the aeroplane. Compliance with these directives is mandatory and must be undertaken forthwith to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which pertains to airworthiness directives, applies to all Boeing 727 Series aeroplanes in Australia. The regulations are established and enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure the safety and airworthiness of these aircraft. The directive AD/B727/60 requires a thorough inspection of the outboard flanges of the fin front spar forging P/N 65-18913 on Boeing 727 aircraft. This inspection must be carried out in accordance with detailed procedures outlined in the directive, which include both visual and radiographic methods for different sections of the fin front spar forging. Compliance with these inspection requirements is mandatory and must be achieved forthwith, underscoring the importance of maintaining stringent safety standards in the aviation industry.
The geographic reach of these regulations is national, applying across the entire Commonwealth of Australia. These regulations do not exclude any specific models or operators within the jurisdiction, ensuring uniform safety practices are upheld across the industry. While the primary regulation sets forth the requirements, CASA may extend or clarify these provisions through subordinate instruments, thereby providing additional guidance or specifications to ensure compliance. This comprehensive regulatory framework is essential for maintaining the safety and reliability of civil aviation within Australia.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, establish critical safety directives for certain aircraft models. In this case, Boeing 727 Series aeroplanes are subject to a specific Airworthiness Directive (AD/B727/60), which mandates the inspection of the fin front spar forging P/N 65-18913. The directive applies to all models of the Boeing 727 series, indicating that it is a broad requirement rather than limited to specific variants. The inspection details are meticulously outlined, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the specified aircraft component.
These inspection requirements are designed to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. According to section 10/68, the inspection must be conducted on the outboard flanges of the fin front spar forging. This includes both visual inspections and the use of approved radiographic techniques. The specific areas and methods for inspection are detailed, covering different sections of the fin front spar forging, from Body Station 1203 to the splice at the end of the fitting. The directive provides clear instructions on how to access these areas, such as removing certain access panels and using borescopes or lightening holes for inspections.
The obligations under this directive are stringent and leave little room for interpretation. Operators and maintenance personnel must adhere strictly to the outlined inspection procedures to ensure compliance. They must inspect the top and bottom flanges visually and, where necessary, use approved radiographic techniques. This requirement ensures that any potential structural issues are identified and addressed promptly, maintaining the safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Failure to comply with these inspection requirements can result in serious consequences. While the specific civil or criminal penalties are not detailed in the legislative instrument, non-compliance with airworthiness directives generally carries significant implications, including potential grounding of the aircraft, fines, and even criminal charges in severe cases. The overarching goal is to enforce stringent safety measures to protect the integrity and safety of aviation operations.