COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B737/120 Rudder Pedal Pushrods 10/98
Applicability: Model 737 series aircraft; as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1212, dated March 26, 1998.
Requirement: Perform a one-time inspection to detect discrepancies of the fasteners that connect the forward ends of the pushrods to the rudder pedal assemblies, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1212.
Note: FAA AD 98-13-12 Amdt 39-10600 refers.
Compliance: Unless already accomplished, before 10 November 1998.
This airworthiness directive becomes effective on 10 September 1998.
Background: The FAA received a report from an operator indicating that, on a Model 737-400 series aircraft, during rollout after landing, the captain’s right rudder pedal moved to the full travel position when it was pushed. The pedal failed to return to its normal position after it was released even though the rudder remained in the neutral position. Investigation revealed that the forward end of the pushrod on the right rudder pedal was not connected to the rudder pedal assembly. The nut and washer of the pushrod were found in the lower forward compartment. The cause of the missing hardware has been attributed to incorrect installation during manufacture.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, govern the safety standards for civil aviation operations within the country. These regulations, particularly in Part 39, establish a comprehensive framework to ensure the safety of aircraft operations. One such regulation, AD/B737/120, is an airworthiness directive specifically addressing issues with the rudder pedal pushrods in Boeing 737 series aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to address a problem where incorrect installation during manufacture could lead to critical safety issues, such as a rudder pedal failing to return to its normal position after being pushed to full travel, potentially compromising aircraft control during critical phases of flight. The directive requires a one-time inspection to detect and rectify discrepancies in the fasteners connecting the pushrods to the rudder pedal assemblies, ensuring compliance by a specified date to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate the application of Airworthiness Directives (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The AD in question, AD/B737/120, pertains to Boeing 737 series aeroplanes and concerns the rudder pedal pushrods. This directive applies to all Model 737 series aircraft, as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1212, dated March 26, 1998. The requirement is for a one-time inspection of the fasteners connecting the forward ends of the pushrods to the rudder pedal assemblies, in accordance with the specified Boeing bulletin. Compliance with this directive must be achieved before 10 November 1998, and it became effective on 10 September 1998. The directive was prompted by an incident where the captain’s right rudder pedal of a Model 737-400 series aircraft moved to full travel during rollout after landing, attributed to a manufacturing defect in the pushrod fasteners. The directive extends to all relevant aircraft within the Commonwealth of Australia, with no stated exclusions or exemptions.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes a directive concerning the airworthiness of Boeing 737 series aeroplanes. This directive, identified as AD/B737/120, pertains to rudder pedal pushrods and is documented in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1212 dated March 26, 1998. The directive requires a one-time inspection to identify any discrepancies in the fasteners that connect the forward ends of the pushrods to the rudder pedal assemblies. This inspection must be conducted in accordance with the specifications outlined in the referenced Boeing bulletin.
Compliance with this directive is mandatory for the specified model of aircraft. The directive mandates that this inspection must be performed unless it has already been completed. The deadline for compliance is set as 10 November 1998. This directive became effective on 10 September 1998, establishing a clear timeline for operators to adhere to the new requirements. The directive references FAA AD 98-13-12 Amdt 39-10600, which further details the technical specifications and procedural guidelines for the inspection.
Entities governed by these regulations must ensure that the specified inspections are carried out meticulously. This involves verifying the integrity and correct installation of the fasteners connecting the rudder pedal pushrods to the rudder pedal assemblies. Failure to comply with the directive could result in significant safety risks, including potential rudder malfunctions that could compromise flight safety. Operators must document the inspection and any corrective actions taken to ensure that the aircraft remains in compliance with airworthiness standards.
Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/B737/120 can result in severe consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to penalties and enforcement actions. These actions may include fines, suspension, or revocation of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness. Such measures are in place to ensure that all aircraft meet the necessary safety standards to protect passengers and crew. The precise penalties for non-compliance are determined by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and can vary based on the severity and frequency of the non-compliance.