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 aircraft or 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.
Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B737/157 Oxygen Generators 7/2001 DM
Applicability: Model 737 series aeroplanes, equipped with chemical oxygen generators, as listed in the following Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletins:
B737-35-1076 dated 1 March 2001, and
B737-35-1077 dated 1 March 2001.
Requirement: 1. For airplanes having any chemical oxygen generator and/or passenger, attendant, or lavatory service unit assembly that contains a chemical oxygen generator that has been replaced, carry out a detailed visual inspection of the chemical oxygen generator of the applicable assembly to verify correct installation of the release pin in the generator firing mechanism in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of either Service Bulletin (SB) B737-35-1076 or B737-35-1077, as applicable.
Note 1: For the purposes of this Directive, 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."
Note 2: The release pin and safety pin are located in the generator firing mechanism. The safety pin hole is the hole in the generator firing mechanism that is closest to the main body of the generator. The release pin hole is the hole in the generator firing mechanism located furthest from the main body of the generator. The centre axis of the release pin hole is perpendicular to the centre axis of the safety pin hole.
Note 3: Inspections and corrective action carried out before the effective date of this Directive, per Boeing Telex M-7200-00-02474, dated 9, 13, 19, or 31October 2000; or Boeing Telex M-7200-00-03040, dated 18 December 2000; are considered acceptable for compliance with the initial inspection and corrective action specified in Requirement 1. However, prior accomplishment of the inspections and corrective action specified in the telexes does not eliminate the need for the inspection each time an oxygen generator is replaced.
Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B737/157 (Continued)
2. If any discrepancy is found during the Requirement 1 inspection carry out the corrective action per the applicable SBs listed in Requirement 1 above.
Note 4: FAA AD 2001-10-14 Amdt 39-12240 refers.
Compliance: For Requirement 1 - Initially, within 90 days after the effective date of this Directive.
In addition, before further flight, after each replacement of any chemical oxygen generator and/or passenger, attendant, or lavatory service unit assembly that contains a chemical oxygen generator.
For Requirement 2 - Before further flight after the Requirement 1 inspection. This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 9 June 2001.
Background: This Directive requires the repetitive inspection of any chemical oxygen generators and/or passenger, attendant, or lavatory service unit assemblies of the passenger oxygen system that have been replaced. This inspection is to verify correct installation of the release pin in the generator firing mechanism of the oxygen generator. The Directive also requires any necessary corrective action to be accomplished.
This action is necessary to find and fix incorrect installation of the release pin in the generator firing mechanism, which could result in the unavailability of supplemental oxygen and possible incapacitation of passengers and cabin crew during an in-flight decompression.
Eugene Paul Holzapfel
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 29 May 2001
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 6 June 2001.
Overview
The Civil Aviation (Airworthiness) Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, address the need for ensuring that aircraft operating within Australia are maintained to a standard that ensures safety and airworthiness. The regulations provide a framework through which the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) can issue directives to correct unsafe conditions in aircraft. This legislative instrument, F2006B02860, specifically targets the Boeing 737 Series aeroplanes equipped with chemical oxygen generators. The problem this directive addresses is the potential for incorrect installation of the release pin in the generator firing mechanism, which could lead to the unavailability of supplemental oxygen and incapacitate passengers and crew during an in-flight decompression. The policy objective of the directive is to mandate a detailed visual inspection of the oxygen generator each time it is replaced and to ensure any discrepancies are corrected to maintain the safety of the aircraft and its occupants.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/B737/157 issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) applies specifically to Boeing 737 series aeroplanes equipped with chemical oxygen generators as detailed in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletins B737-35-1076 and B737-35-1077 dated 1 March 2001. This AD is designed to address safety concerns related to the installation of chemical oxygen generators, which are crucial for passenger and crew safety in the event of an in-flight decompression. The directive mandates a detailed visual inspection of the chemical oxygen generator to verify correct installation of the release pin in the generator firing mechanism whenever the generator is replaced. Additionally, it requires corrective action if any discrepancies are found during the inspection. Compliance with this AD is mandatory for ensuring the continued airworthiness of the affected aircraft, with inspections required initially within 90 days of the directive's effective date and before further flight after each replacement of the specified components. The AD is applicable on a national level within Australia, as it is issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the text of the AD itself, although the application might be subject to specific conditions or additional regulations set by subordinate instruments or other aviation authorities.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) pertains specifically to the Boeing 737 series aeroplanes equipped with chemical oxygen generators. The directive, identified as AD/B737/157 dated 7 March 2001, mandates detailed visual inspections of chemical oxygen generators and/or passenger, attendant, or lavatory service unit assemblies that contain a chemical oxygen generator, following any replacement of these components. The directive applies to Boeing 737 series aeroplanes as listed in the Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletins B737-35-1076 and B737-35-1077, both dated 1 March 2001. According to the requirement section (1), a detailed visual inspection must be conducted to verify the correct installation of the release pin in the generator firing mechanism, in accordance with the instructions outlined in the relevant service bulletins. If any discrepancies are found during this inspection, corrective actions must be taken as specified in the applicable service bulletins.
The AD imposes specific obligations on the parties involved, primarily focusing on ensuring the correct installation of the release pin in the generator firing mechanism of the oxygen generators. Operators and maintainers of the Boeing 737 series aeroplanes must conduct the detailed visual inspections within 90 days of the directive's effective date and before further flight after each replacement of the specified components. The compliance section (3) of the AD specifies that the initial inspection must be carried out within 90 days from the effective date of the directive, which is 9 June 2001. Subsequent inspections are required before any further flight after each replacement of the chemical oxygen generators and/or passenger, attendant, or lavatory service unit assemblies.
Failure to comply with the AD may result in serious safety implications, as incorrect installation of the release pin could lead to the unavailability of supplemental oxygen during an in-flight decompression, potentially causing incapacitation of passengers and cabin crew. While the AD does not explicitly outline specific penalties for non-compliance, non-compliance with ADs generally may result in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which could include fines, suspension of airworthiness certificates, or other regulatory actions. The directive's primary aim is to ensure the safety of air travel by mandating these inspections and corrective actions to mitigate potential risks associated with improperly installed oxygen generators.