COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B737/128 Forward Lavatory Drain - Isolation Valve 5/99
Applicability: All Boeing model 737-100, -200, -300, -400, and -500 series aeroplanes having forward lavatories installed.
Requirements: 1. Install a placard on the door beneath the forward lavatory sink, that warns the cabin crew not to put the selector valve for the forward lavatory water supply in the “DRAIN” position during flight. This installation is to be completed in accordance with the provisions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-38-1043 dated 8 January 1998.
2. Install an isolation valve in the drain line downstream of the selector valve for the forward lavatory water supply, in accordance with a method approved by the aircraft manufacturer or is approved under Regulation 35. Once this is accomplished, the placard at requirement 1 above may be removed.
Note: US FAA AD 99-01-16 Amendment 39-10981 refers.
Compliance: 1. Within six months of the effective date of this Directive.
2. Within 36 months of the effective date of this Directive.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 20 May 1999.
Background: Reports of damage to the horizontal stabiliser and engine flame out caused by ice formed from water drained inadvertently from the forward toilet through a mispositioned selector valve. This Directive introduces measures to warn of mispositioning the valve and, eventually, modifying the system to eliminate such occurrences.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended through F2006B02829, were enacted by the Australian Government to address safety concerns in civil aviation, specifically targeting the issue of inadvertent water drainage from aeroplane lavatories, which could lead to ice formation and consequential mechanical failures. The objective of this legislative instrument is to mandate the installation of placards and isolation valves in Boeing 737 series aeroplanes to prevent the mispositioning of lavatory water supply selector valves during flight. This amendment responds to reports of damage to the horizontal stabiliser and engine flame outs, caused by ice resulting from improperly drained water. By enforcing these safety measures, the policy aims to mitigate risks associated with water drainage systems in aircraft, thereby enhancing the overall safety of air travel.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/B737/128 applies specifically to all Boeing 737 series aeroplanes, including models 737-100, -200, -300, -400, and -500, that are equipped with forward lavatories. This directive, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, mandates safety measures to prevent incidents of damage to the aircraft's horizontal stabiliser and engine flame out caused by ice formation from water inadvertently drained through a mispositioned lavatory selector valve. The directive outlines a phased compliance approach, requiring the installation of a placard warning cabin crew against setting the lavatory water supply selector valve to the “DRAIN” position during flight. This placard must be installed in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 737-38-1043 dated 8 January 1998. Subsequently, an isolation valve must be installed in the drain line downstream of the selector valve for the forward lavatory water supply, following a method approved either by the aircraft manufacturer or under Regulation 35, after which the initial placard can be removed. Compliance deadlines are set, with the placard installation required within six months and the isolation valve installation within 36 months of the directive's effective date of 20 May 1999.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly in Part 39 - 105, establish key provisions aimed at enhancing the safety of Boeing 737 series aeroplanes, focusing on the forward lavatory drain system. Section 1 of AD/B737/128 mandates the installation of a placard on the door beneath the forward lavatory sink to warn cabin crew against placing the selector valve for the forward lavatory water supply in the "DRAIN" position during flight (s.1(1)). This requirement must be completed in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 737-38-1043 dated 8 January 1998. Additionally, an isolation valve must be installed in the drain line downstream of the selector valve for the forward lavatory water supply, following a method approved by the aircraft manufacturer or approved under Regulation 35 (s.1(2)). Once the isolation valve is installed, the placard can be removed.
The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and require compliance within specific timeframes. Firstly, the placard must be installed within six months of the directive's effective date, which is 20 May 1999 (s.2(1)). Secondly, the installation of the isolation valve must be completed within 36 months of the effective date (s.2(2)). These obligations ensure that all relevant Boeing 737 series aeroplanes are equipped with the necessary modifications to prevent potential damage caused by inadvertent water drainage from the forward lavatory.
Failure to comply with these provisions may result in significant legal consequences. While specific offences and penalties are not detailed within the text, non-compliance with airworthiness directives generally carries severe implications under civil aviation law. In the context of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, failure to adhere to such directives could lead to penalties, including fines and potential grounding of the aircraft. Additionally, operators may face legal actions from affected parties in cases where non-compliance results in damage or injury.