COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B737/116
Amdt 1
Yaw Damper and Rudder Power Control Unit Wiring Change
6/99
Applicability: All Boeing 737 -300, -400 and -500 model aircraft up to and including line position 2907.
Requirement: 1. Install new wiring and associated hardware for a new yaw damper and pressure reducer bypass valve in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin (SB) 737-22- 1124 Revision 1 dated 25 March 1999.
Note: FAA AD 97-14-03 Amdt 39-10060 refers.
Compliance: 1. The original compliance of ‘No later than 26 March 2002’ remains unchanged.
This Amendment becomes effective on 17 June 1999.
Background: The FAA issued AD 97-14-03 to prevent both excessive rudder authority resulting in reduced controllability of the aircraft as well as malfunctions of the yaw damper system which could cause sudden uncommanded yawing of the aircraft and consequent injury to passengers and crewmembers. Boeing responded with the issue of SB 737-22-1124, detailing the installation of new wiring for the proposed hardware changes which will be the subject of another AD.
This amendment limits the applicability and introduces revised wiring requirements.
The original issue of this Airworthiness Directive became effective on 26 March 1998.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the Civil Aviation Amendment (Airworthiness) Regulations 1999, introduced specific directives to address safety concerns regarding Boeing 737 series aeroplanes, particularly those models up to line position 2907. This legislative instrument aims to rectify issues identified with the yaw damper and rudder power control unit wiring, as outlined in Airworthiness Directive AD/B737/116 Amendment 1. The directive was enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia and was designed to enhance the safety of these aircraft by requiring the installation of new wiring and associated hardware, as specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 737-22-1124 Revision 1 dated 25 March 1999. The policy objective was to mitigate the risks of excessive rudder authority and yaw damper malfunctions, ensuring the aircraft's controllability and passenger safety. This legislative amendment became effective on 17 June 1999, following the original issue of the Airworthiness Directive on 26 March 1998.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, address the safety standards for airworthiness directives concerning Boeing 737 Series aeroplanes. This legislation applies to all Boeing 737-300, -400, and -500 models up to and including line position 2907, mandating the installation of new wiring and associated hardware for a new yaw damper and pressure reducer bypass valve as per Boeing Service Bulletin 737-22-1124 Revision 1 dated 25 March 1999. This directive ensures compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airworthiness Directive 97-14-03 Amendment 39-10060, and it was originally set to be completed by 26 March 2002. The amendment that introduces these changes became effective on 17 June 1999, aiming to prevent issues such as excessive rudder authority and yaw damper malfunctions that could endanger passengers and crew. The regulations are enforced nationally, ensuring that all applicable aircraft within the specified model range meet these safety requirements.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 105, addresses the safety directives for Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes, with a focus on the AD/B737/116 Amendment 1, which pertains to the yaw damper and rudder power control unit wiring change. This amendment applies to all Boeing 737-300, -400, and -500 models up to line position 2907. The primary requirement outlined in Section 105 is the installation of new wiring and associated hardware for the yaw damper and a pressure reducer bypass valve, in compliance with Boeing Service Bulletin 737-22-1124 Revision 1 dated 25 March 1999. The compliance date for this directive remains unchanged from the original issue, with the requirement to complete the installation no later than 26 March 2002. This Amendment 1 itself became effective on 17 June 1999.
The obligations imposed by this regulation are stringent and clear-cut. Aircraft operators and maintenance entities must ensure that the specified wiring and hardware modifications are carried out as per the Boeing Service Bulletin. This includes the meticulous installation of new components and ensuring that all modifications align with the detailed instructions provided by Boeing. The directive references FAA AD 97-14-03 Amendment 39-10060, indicating that this regulation is part of a broader safety initiative aimed at preventing excessive rudder authority and malfunctions of the yaw damper system, both of which could lead to hazardous in-flight conditions.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this directive can lead to serious consequences. Although the specific civil or criminal penalties are not detailed in the provided text, non-compliance with airworthiness directives generally can result in significant repercussions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. These can include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and potential criminal charges if the non-compliance leads to accidents or injuries. The penalties can vary depending on the severity of the breach and its impact on aviation safety.