Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, serve as the primary framework governing civil aviation safety within Australia. A specific provision within this legislative instrument, Part 39 - 105, addresses the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address identified safety issues. One such AD, issued in 2001, pertains to the Boeing 737 Series aeroplanes. The AD was introduced to rectify a safety concern related to the in-flight entertainment (IFE) system, specifically those modified by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST00171SE. The primary objective of this directive was to ensure that flight crews could effectively manage electrical power to the IFE system during non-normal or emergency situations, thereby mitigating potential risks such as smoke or fumes in the flight deck or cabin. The directive required the installation of a master switch to control power to the IFE system and the inclusion of updated procedures in the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM).

Scope and Application

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 pertains specifically to Boeing 737-300 series airplanes that have undergone modifications in accordance with the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST00171SE. This AD applies to the in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems of these aircraft, mandating that certain safety modifications and documentation updates be implemented to ensure the safe operation of the aircraft. The directive requires the installation of a master switch to control the power supply of the IFE system and the incorporation of specific procedures into the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) to guide the flight crew on the use of this switch. The AD emphasises the urgency of these modifications to prevent potential hazards such as smoke or fumes in the flight deck or cabin during non-normal or emergency situations. The AD becomes effective on 6 September 2001, with compliance required within 18 months for the installation of the master switch and immediate compliance for the AFM revisions from the date of the directive’s effectiveness. This regulation applies nationally, within the jurisdiction of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, and is enforceable across Australia.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under PART 39 - 105, mandate specific airworthiness directives (ADs) to ensure the safety of aircraft. One such directive, AD/B737/162, pertains to the Boeing 737-300 series aeroplanes modified by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST00171SE. This directive outlines requirements and actions necessary to rectify an unsafe condition related to the in-flight entertainment (IFE) system. The applicability section of AD/B737/162 specifies that it applies to Model 737-300 series airplanes that have undergone modifications using the FAA STC ST00171SE. The directive mandates that a master switch be installed to apply and remove power from the IFE system, as per Flight Structures Service Bulletin (SB) 94FS492-23-01, Revision 2, dated 21 September 2000. Additionally, the Emergency Procedures section of the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) must be updated to include procedures for using this master switch. The IFE systems are not to be installed unless these modifications and AFM revisions have been completed. Operators and owners of Boeing 737-300 series aeroplanes, as mentioned in the AD, are obligated to comply with these requirements. This involves installing the specified master switch and updating the AFM within the stipulated time frame. Failure to adhere to these requirements may result in non-compliance with civil aviation safety standards, potentially leading to safety risks. The compliance period for these actions is set at 18 months from the effective date of the directive for the installation of the master switch and the update of the AFM, while the restriction on IFE system installation applies immediately upon the directive's effective date. Breach of these ADs can result in serious consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the directive, non-compliance with ADs generally may lead to civil or criminal penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, depending on the severity of the breach. Such penalties could include fines or other legal actions, and in severe cases, the grounding of the aircraft until compliance is achieved. These measures are enforced to ensure that all aircraft meet the necessary safety standards and that any potential hazards are mitigated promptly.