COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Boeing 727 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B727/91 Leading Edge Slat Actuators - Inspection
and Modification
2/83
Applicability: All model 727 aircraft equipped with Decoto leading edge actuators P/N 10-61792-1,
-2, -4, -5, -7 or -8.
Document: FAA AD 82-22-01 Amdt. 39-4477.
Note: Boeing SB 727-27-209 Rev. 1 and Decoto SB 27-109 refer.
Compliance: As per requirement document.
Background: One operator found fatigue cracking of the piston of a leading edge slat actuator assembly manufactured by Decoto Aircraft, Inc. Separation of the piston at the extend lock ring groove, where cracking was detected, could result in extension of the associated slat.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, were enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. These regulations were developed to address various aspects of airworthiness, operations, and safety standards, with the overarching goal of maintaining high levels of safety in the aviation industry. Part 39, in particular, focuses on specific aircraft and their compliance with airworthiness directives. One such directive, AD/B727/91, pertains to Boeing 727 Series Aeroplanes and addresses the issue of leading edge slat actuators. The directive was introduced in response to identified safety concerns regarding the Decoto leading edge actuators, which had exhibited fatigue cracking in certain components, potentially leading to operational hazards. This directive aims to ensure the regular inspection and necessary modifications of these components to mitigate any risks associated with their failure. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, as the enforcing body, mandates compliance with these directives to uphold the safety standards outlined in the regulations.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, apply to all air carriers and aircraft operators in Australia who are subject to the jurisdiction of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Specifically, the regulation in question, AD/B727/91, pertains to the inspection and modification of leading edge slat actuators on Boeing 727 series aeroplanes equipped with Decoto leading edge actuators P/N 10-61792-1, -2, -4, -5, -7 or -8. This directive is designed to address the identified safety issue of fatigue cracking in the piston of the slat actuator assembly, which could potentially lead to the separation of the piston at the extend lock ring groove and subsequent extension of the associated slat. Compliance with this airworthiness directive is mandatory for the specified aircraft and components, with adherence to the requirements set out in the Federal Aviation Administration's Advisory Directive (FAA AD 82-22-01 Amdt. 39-4477) and related service bulletins from Boeing and Decoto. This regulation underscores the importance of regular inspections and modifications to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the affected aircraft.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth) in this context, specifically within Part 39, detail the requirements and procedures for ensuring the airworthiness of certain aircraft models, particularly the Boeing 727 series aeroplanes. Section 39.105(1) mandates that all aircraft operators must comply with Airworthiness Directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). For the Boeing 727 series, this includes specific inspections and modifications to the leading edge slat actuators, as outlined in AD/B727/91. This directive, referenced in FAA AD 82-22-01 Amdt. 39-4477, applies to all model 727 aircraft equipped with Decoto leading edge actuators P/N 10-61792-1, -2, -4, -5, -7, or -8.
These regulations impose clear obligations on aircraft operators. They must ensure that the leading edge slat actuators are inspected and, if necessary, modified to prevent fatigue cracking. Specifically, operators must follow the guidance provided in the referenced service bulletins: Boeing SB 727-27-209 Rev. 1 and Decoto SB 27-109. These documents outline the detailed inspection procedures and the required modifications to address the identified issue of potential separation at the extend lock ring groove, which could lead to an extension of the associated slat.
Failure to comply with these directives can result in significant consequences. Section 39.105(2) stipulates that non-compliance with Airworthiness Directives is an offence under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cth). Operators found in breach of these regulations may face penalties. The maximum penalty for such offences includes substantial fines and, in severe cases, imprisonment. Specifically, under section 33(2) of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, the maximum penalty for an individual is a fine of up to $210,000 or imprisonment for up to five years, or both, while the maximum penalty for a body corporate is a fine of up to $1,050,000. These severe penalties underscore the importance of adhering to the prescribed airworthiness directives to ensure the safety of air travel.