COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B737/123 Rudder Control System Component Changes 2/99
Applicability: All Boeing model 737-100, -200, -300, -400, -500 series aeroplanes.
Requirements: Install new rudder pressure reducer (RPR) and yaw damper coupler (YDC) in accordance with the instructions in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1206 dated 19 November 1998.
Note: FAA AD 97-14-03 Amdt 39-10060 refers.
Compliance: On completion of AD/B737/116 but no later than 26 March 2002.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 25 February 1999.
Background: To lessen the effects of large rudder deflections, Boeing has provided instructions to incorporate a hydraulic rudder pressure reducer in the “A” hydraulic system supply line in the main rudder power control unit. Also, to improve significantly the reliability of the YDC, a new unit has been designed using technology that was not available at the time of the original design. These changes have been brought about following an investigation into the reliability and effectiveness of the B737 yaw control system by the FAA and NTSB. AD/B737/116 was issued in March 1998 to install the wiring changes necessary for the introduction of the hardware associated with this Directive.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), specifically within Part 39 - 105, addresses the safety and airworthiness of civil aircraft in Australia. Enacted by the Australian Parliament, this legislation was introduced to ensure that all civil aircraft operating within Australian airspace meet stringent safety standards. The Act was designed to bridge any gaps in the regulation of aircraft operations, particularly in response to safety concerns identified by bodies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). One particular directive within the Civil Aviation Regulations, AD/B737/123, pertains to Boeing 737 Series aeroplanes and mandates the installation of new components in the rudder control system to mitigate the risks associated with large rudder deflections. This directive aims to enhance the reliability and safety of the yaw control system, addressing issues identified through investigations and feedback from international aviation authorities.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, mandate certain safety directives for the maintenance and operation of Boeing 737 series aeroplanes. This particular Airworthiness Directive (AD/B737/123) applies to all Boeing 737-100, -200, -300, -400, and -500 series aeroplanes. The directive requires the installation of a new rudder pressure reducer (RPR) and yaw damper coupler (YDC) as per the instructions in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1206 dated 19 November 1998. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be completed upon the completion of AD/B737/116 but no later than 26 March 2002. This directive became effective on 25 February 1999, underscoring the importance of adhering to the prescribed safety measures to mitigate the risks associated with large rudder deflections. The changes outlined are integral to enhancing the reliability and safety of the yaw control system, following investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates specific airworthiness directives for Boeing 737 series aeroplanes, particularly focusing on the rudder control system component changes. According to section AD/B737/123, all Boeing 737-100, -200, -300, -400, and -500 series aeroplanes must install a new rudder pressure reducer (RPR) and yaw damper coupler (YDC) in accordance with the instructions detailed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1206 dated 19 November 1998. The directive references FAA AD 97-14-03 Amdt 39-10060, indicating a collaborative approach to enhancing safety standards across jurisdictions.
Compliance with this airworthiness directive is required upon completion of AD/B737/116 but no later than 26 March 2002. The directive became effective on 25 February 1999, establishing a clear timeline for operators to adhere to the specified modifications. The installation of the new RPR and YDC is intended to mitigate the effects of large rudder deflections and improve the reliability of the yaw control system. This upgrade follows an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) into the yaw control system’s reliability and effectiveness, highlighting the importance of these changes in ensuring flight safety.
Operators of Boeing 737 series aeroplanes must ensure that the specified components are installed in compliance with the directive. This involves meticulous adherence to the instructions provided in the Boeing Alert Service Bulletin, ensuring that the RPR and YDC are correctly integrated into the aircraft’s hydraulic system. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in non-compliance with safety regulations, potentially leading to grounding of the aircraft until the necessary modifications are made. The directive also necessitates that operators maintain records of the modifications to demonstrate compliance to regulatory authorities.
Violations of the provisions outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 may result in severe penalties. Operators found non-compliant with the airworthiness directive may face civil penalties, which could include fines and other monetary sanctions as stipulated by the regulations. Additionally, repeated or severe non-compliance may lead to criminal charges against responsible individuals or entities. The maximum penalties for these offences can vary, but they are designed to enforce strict adherence to aviation safety standards, ensuring the highest level of safety for passengers and crew.