COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes
AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
AD/B737/136 Flight Spoiler Control System Inspection 3/2000
TX
Applicability: All Model 737-100,-200,-300,-400 and -500 series aeroplanes.
Requirement: 1. For aeroplanes on which Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1213, dated April 23, 1998, has not been accomplished;
(a) perform a one time detailed visual inspection to verify correct installation of the fastener that connects the input rod of the spoiler mixer mechanism to the torque tube crank, in accordance with Revision 1 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin, 737-27A 1213.
For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual inspection is defined as: “An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation , or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity.
Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector.
Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc. may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.”
(b) if the fastener is found incorrectly installed during the above inspection either reinstall the fastener, or install a new or another serviceable fastener, in accordance with Revision 1 of the alert service bulletin.
2. For aeroplanes on which Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1213, dated April 23, 1998, has been accomplished; replace the nut, bolt, and cotter pin that connects the input rod of the spoiler mixer mechanism to the torque tube crank with a new or serviceable nut, bolt, and cotter pin in accordance with Revision 1 of the alert service bulletin.
Note: FAA AD 99-25-02 issued November 22, 1999 refers.
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Compliance: 1. (a) On or before 15 March 2000.
1. (b) Before further flight.
3. On or before 15 March 2000.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 8 February 2000.
Background: This AD is prompted by reports indicating numerous discrepancies in the installation of the fastener that connects the input rod of the spoiler mixer mechanism to the torque tube crank which could result in a disconnect and consequent reduced controllability of the aeroplane.
Eugene Paul Holzapfel
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 7 February 2000
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 8 February 2000.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, established by the Commonwealth of Australia, address various aspects of civil aviation safety. The specific legislative instrument F2006B02837 pertains to Airworthiness Directives, and this particular directive, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under subregulation 39.1(1), targets the Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes. This Airworthiness Directive was enacted in response to reports of discrepancies in the installation of critical fasteners within the flight spoiler control system, which could compromise the aircraft's controllability. The objective of this directive is to ensure the safe operation of the specified Boeing 737 models by mandating a detailed inspection and necessary corrective actions on the identified fasteners, thereby mitigating potential safety risks associated with their improper installation.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 pertains specifically to all Model 737-100, -200, -300, -400, and -500 series aeroplanes. This AD applies to any aircraft operators, maintenance providers, and aviation personnel who are responsible for ensuring the airworthiness of these specific Boeing 737 models. The directive mandates actions to rectify a safety concern identified with the installation of a fastener connecting the input rod of the spoiler mixer mechanism to the torque tube crank, which, if left unaddressed, could compromise the aeroplane’s controllability. The requirement outlined in the AD includes a one-time detailed visual inspection for aeroplanes where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1213 has not been executed, and the replacement of specific fasteners for aeroplanes where the bulletin has been completed. The directive mandates compliance by a specific date and requires actions to be taken before further flight, ensuring that all affected aircraft meet the stipulated safety standards before resuming operations.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998), under Part 39 – 105, establishes a Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to ensure the safety of aeronautical products, such as the Boeing 737 series aeroplanes. This specific AD (AD/B737/136), issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998, mandates a one-time detailed visual inspection and corrective action regarding the installation of the fastener that connects the input rod of the spoiler mixer mechanism to the torque tube crank (section 3). This inspection is intended to correct unsafe conditions identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1213, dated April 23, 1998. For aeroplanes that have not completed this service bulletin, a thorough visual inspection is required to verify the correct installation of the fastener. If the fastener is found to be incorrectly installed, it must be reinstalled or replaced with a new or serviceable fastener. For aeroplanes that have completed the service bulletin, the nut, bolt, and cotter pin connecting the input rod to the torque tube crank must be replaced with new or serviceable components.
The AD imposes several obligations on the entities it governs, primarily focusing on ensuring the airworthiness of Boeing 737 series aeroplanes. Operators of these aeroplanes must ensure that the specified inspection and corrective actions are completed on or before 15 March 2000 and before any further flight (section 3). The directive mandates that a detailed visual inspection be carried out to verify the correct installation of the specified fastener, with a defined procedure for inspection that includes the use of supplementary lighting, inspection aids, and possibly surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures. If the fastener is found to be incorrectly installed, it must be corrected immediately. For aeroplanes that have already completed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1213, the nut, bolt, and cotter pin must be replaced with new or serviceable components. Compliance with these directives is crucial to prevent any potential disconnect that could reduce the controllability of the aeroplane.
Failure to comply with the requirements of this Airworthiness Directive may result in serious safety implications, given the potential for reduced controllability of the aeroplane. While the specific civil or criminal penalties for non-compliance are not explicitly stated in the AD, violations of CAR 1998 and failure to adhere to ADs generally can lead to severe consequences, including fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and potential criminal charges if the non-compliance results in accidents or incidents. The seriousness of these potential consequences underscores the importance of strict adherence to the AD’s requirements.