COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B737/1
Amdt 2
Cockpit Side Window - “F-N” Window Post 7/95
Applicability: Boeing 737 serial numbers 1 to 447.
Requirement: Inspect visually, by eddy current and by X-ray, as applicable, the “F-N” window post in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin (SB) 737-53-1023, Revision 11.
Note: FAA AD 93-05-17 refers.
Compliance: Inspect at the thresholds and intervals specified in Tables I and II of Boeing SB 737- 53-1023, Revision 11.
Background: One hundred and sixty two cracks have been experienced on 707, 727 and 737 aircraft in the subject region, including aircraft that have been modified and repaired to earlier issues of the SB. This SB has been identified by the B737 Ageing Aircraft Structures Working Group as a safety of flight item and requires the area to be modified; Directive AD/B737/40 refers. Amendment 1 extended the inspection area to structure above the cockpit window.
Amendment 2 revises the Applicability.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39, specifically target the maintenance and safety of aircraft operations within Australia. This legislative instrument, introduced by the Australian Government and administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), aims to address safety concerns associated with ageing aircraft structures, particularly those related to the Boeing 737 series aeroplanes. The policy objective behind this legislation is to ensure that all aircraft operating within Australia meet stringent safety standards, which is crucial for the protection of passengers, crew, and the general public. One of the amendments, AD/B737/1, focuses on the cockpit side window "F-N" window post, necessitating detailed inspections to prevent structural failures that could compromise flight safety. This regulation reflects a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating potential safety risks through regular and rigorous inspections, ensuring that the ageing aircraft continue to operate safely within the national airspace.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/B737/1 Amendment 2, issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically targets Boeing 737 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 1 to 447. This regulation mandates that the "F-N" window post, located in the cockpit side window area, be visually inspected, and where necessary, inspected using eddy current and X-ray methods in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin (SB) 737-53-1023, Revision 11. The directive applies to all aircraft within the specified serial number range, ensuring that the safety of flight is maintained by addressing known structural integrity issues. Compliance with this directive is essential, as it requires inspections at intervals specified in Tables I and II of the referenced Boeing Service Bulletin. The directive aims to mitigate the risk of structural failure by modifying the affected area, following the identification of 162 cracks in similar regions across various aircraft models, as noted by the B737 Ageing Aircraft Structures Working Group. Amendment 2 extends the inspection area to include the structure above the cockpit window, thereby enhancing the overall safety of the aircraft.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of the AD/B737/1 Amendment 2 specify the requirements for inspecting the "F-N" window post of Boeing 737 Series aeroplanes. According to section 1, the directive applies to Boeing 737 serial numbers 1 to 447. The requirement outlined in section 2 is for a thorough visual inspection, eddy current inspection, and X-ray inspection, as applicable, of the "F-N" window post. These inspections should be conducted in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin (SB) 737-53-1023, Revision 11. The compliance criteria are detailed in sections 3 and 4, which dictate the specific thresholds and intervals for these inspections as outlined in Tables I and II of Boeing SB 737-53-1023, Revision 11.
The obligations imposed on the parties governed by this directive are significant. Air operators and maintenance organisations must ensure that the inspections are performed meticulously and within the specified timeframes. The directive is rooted in safety concerns, as evidenced by the numerous cracks experienced in similar aircraft. The inspections are deemed critical by the B737 Ageing Aircraft Structures Working Group, indicating the seriousness of the directive. Operators must also ensure that any modifications or repairs to the aircraft are done in accordance with the latest revisions of the Boeing Service Bulletins, particularly SB 737-53-1023, Revision 11.
The consequences of non-compliance with the AD/B737/1 Amendment 2 are severe. While the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly state penalties in this particular directive, non-compliance with airworthiness directives generally can lead to significant civil and criminal consequences. Civil penalties can include fines, suspension, or revocation of air operator certificates and maintenance certificates. Criminal penalties can also apply, which may result in imprisonment. The seriousness of these potential penalties underscores the importance of adhering strictly to the inspection requirements and timelines specified in the directive. The overarching aim is to ensure the safety of flight operations by preventing structural failures that could endanger lives.