Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) were enacted to establish the regulatory framework for civil aviation in Australia. This legislation provides for the safety and efficiency of air travel by setting out requirements for aircraft, personnel, and operations. One of the significant components of the CAR 1998 is Part 39, which includes various airworthiness directives. These directives are issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address specific safety concerns related to aircraft. For instance, AD/B737/140 was introduced to address the problem of cracking in the main landing gear axle flange of Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes, which posed a risk of fracture and potential separation of the wheel from the landing gear. The policy objective of this directive, as with others under CAR 1998, is to ensure the continued safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating in Australian airspace by mandating corrective actions as necessary.

Scope and Application

This Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) applies to Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes, specifically models 737-100, -200, -300, -400, and -500 within line positions 1 through 2135. The AD is designed to address the safety concerns identified by reports of cracking of the main landing gear axle flange and deterioration of the brake mounting gasket, which could lead to the separation of the wheel from the landing gear. The directive mandates actions in accordance with the technical requirements of FAA AD 2000-05-13 Amdt 39-11623, referencing Boeing All Operators Telex M-7272-96-1442 and Boeing Service Bulletin 737-32-1253. Compliance with this directive is required as specified in the requirement document, with a revised effective date of 18 May 2000, and the directive itself becomes effective on the same date. This AD is part of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, extending its reach throughout the Commonwealth of Australia and enforcing safety standards across the aviation industry.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, contain the Airworthiness Directive (AD) for Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes, as detailed in Section 105 of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) schedule (Sections 39.1 and 105). This directive, issued under subregulation 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, addresses the safety concerns associated with the main landing gear axle flange of certain Boeing 737 models. The directive applies to Boeing 737-100, -200, -300, -400, and -500 series aircraft, specifically in line positions 1 through 2135. The directive mandates specific actions to mitigate the risk of axle fracture and wheel separation, as outlined in the requirement section. The obligations imposed by this AD are clear and specific. Operators of the affected Boeing 737 models must ensure that the actions outlined in the requirement section are carried out. These actions must comply with the technical requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) AD 2000-05-13 Amdt 39-11623, as referenced in the directive. Operators are also directed to consult the Boeing All Operators Telex M-7272-96-1442 and Boeing Service Bulletin 737-32-1253 for further guidance. The compliance section specifies that these actions must be taken by a revised effective date of 18 May 2000, as noted in the requirement document. Failure to adhere to these obligations could result in severe safety hazards. Breaches of this AD may lead to serious consequences. While the specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the text, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 generally provide for both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties can include fines and orders for corrective actions, while criminal penalties may include imprisonment for individuals found guilty of serious violations. The severity of the penalty typically depends on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, as well as the potential risk posed to aviation safety. The overarching intent is to ensure that all safety directives are strictly followed to maintain the highest standards of airworthiness and public safety.