COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B737/133 Flight Deck Door Upper Decompression Panel 1/2000
Applicability: Model 737 series aircraft, as listed in Boeing Service Bulletin 737-52-1128, dated April 22 1999, or in Boeing Service Bulletin 737-52-1137, dated May 13 1999.
Requirement: Perform detailed visual inspection in accordance with the technical requirements of FAA AD 99-22-16 Amdt 39-11394.
Compliance: As specified in the Requirement document with a revised effective date of 31 December 1999.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 31 December 1999.
Background: The FAA received reports of incorrectly installed flight deck door upper decompression panels during production. An incorrectly installed panel could cause the emergency exit panel on the flight deck door to become inoperable, preventing crew members from performing essential duties during an emergency evacuation.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, address issues of aircraft safety and operational standards. Enacted by the Australian Parliament, this legislation aims to ensure that aircraft meet necessary safety standards to protect passengers, crew, and the general public. One such regulation, AD/B737/133, pertains to Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes, focusing on the flight deck door upper decompression panel. This directive was introduced to address reports of incorrectly installed decompression panels, which could compromise the operability of emergency exits during critical situations, thus ensuring the safety and functionality of the aircraft in emergency scenarios.
The policy objective of these regulations is to maintain high standards of aviation safety by enforcing specific maintenance and inspection requirements on aircraft. This particular Airworthiness Directive requires a detailed visual inspection of the flight deck door upper decompression panel in accordance with the technical requirements outlined in FAA AD 99-22-16 Amdt 39-11394. The directive became effective on 31 December 1999, mandating compliance with the specified requirements to prevent potential operational hazards and ensure the continued safety of air travel.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, as applied to Boeing 737 series aeroplanes, mandates the implementation of Airworthiness Directive AD/B737/133, which concerns the flight deck door upper decompression panel. This regulation applies to all model 737 series aircraft as identified in Boeing Service Bulletins 737-52-1128 and 737-52-1137. The requirement is for a detailed visual inspection to be performed in accordance with the technical specifications outlined in FAA AD 99-22-16 Amdt 39-11394, with the inspection to be completed by 31 December 1999. This directive was prompted by reports of incorrectly installed decompression panels, which could compromise the operability of the emergency exit panel, thereby endangering crew members' ability to perform critical functions during an emergency evacuation. This legislative measure ensures that all applicable aircraft adhere to stringent safety standards, thereby enhancing overall aviation safety within the Australian Commonwealth and internationally.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, contains provisions concerning the maintenance and operation of aircraft, with a focus on ensuring safety. Section AD/B737/133 addresses Boeing 737 series aeroplanes, detailing the requirements for the flight deck door upper decompression panel (1/2000). This directive applies to the model 737 series aircraft as listed in Boeing Service Bulletins 737-52-1128 and 737-52-1137. The directive mandates a detailed visual inspection of the flight deck door upper decompression panels, adhering to the technical requirements set out in FAA AD 99-22-16 Amdt 39-11394. Compliance with these inspection requirements is to be achieved by following the specifications detailed in the aforementioned requirement document, with an effective date set for 31 December 1999. The directive itself becomes effective on the same date.
The obligations imposed by this directive on the relevant parties, such as aircraft operators and maintenance providers, include performing the specified visual inspections with the utmost diligence to ensure that the flight deck door upper decompression panels are correctly installed. This inspection must be comprehensive and must align with the standards outlined by the FAA to mitigate the risk of inoperable emergency exit panels, which could hinder the crew's ability to perform their duties during an emergency evacuation. The directive ensures that all stakeholders involved in the operation and maintenance of the Boeing 737 series aircraft are aware of their responsibilities and must adhere to the specified inspection procedures.
Failure to comply with the requirements of this Airworthiness Directive can result in serious consequences. The primary concern is the potential for inoperable emergency exit panels, which could significantly endanger the safety of passengers and crew during an emergency. In terms of regulatory repercussions, breaches of this directive may result in penalties or enforcement actions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The maximum penalties for non-compliance with CASA regulations can include substantial fines and, in severe cases, the suspension or revocation of the operator's licence. Additionally, there could be criminal charges for individuals found responsible for the non-compliance, leading to imprisonment. These consequences underscore the importance of strict adherence to the provisions outlined in the directive to maintain the highest safety standards in aviation operations.