Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) were enacted to regulate civil aviation in Australia and ensure the safety and efficiency of the aviation industry. Part 39 of the CAR 1998 includes various airworthiness directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), a delegate of the Australian government responsible for enforcing aviation safety regulations. One such Airworthiness Directive, AD/B737/182, was issued on 6 June 2002, in response to safety concerns identified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding the Boeing 737 series aircraft. The directive mandates specific actions to address issues such as inadequate clearance between a retention bracket and the quadrant of an elevator power control unit and loose fasteners in certain retention bracket assemblies, which could interfere with adjacent systems and compromise flight safety. The AD/B737/182 aims to mitigate the risks associated with these issues by requiring operators of Boeing 737-600, -700, -700C, and -800 series aircraft to perform a one-time visual inspection for loose fasteners or brackets in the specified retention bracket assemblies and ensure adequate clearance between a retention bracket and the quadrant of the elevator power control unit. These actions are to be undertaken in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1234 or its revision, with compliance required within 10 days of the directive's effective date. This directive was issued to address safety concerns and prevent potential hazards that could compromise the airworthiness of the affected aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), applies to all aircraft within its jurisdiction, including the Boeing 737 series as outlined in the given Airworthiness Directive (AD). This AD mandates corrective actions to address unsafe conditions identified in the specified Boeing 737 models, ensuring compliance with aviation safety standards. The directive requires actions to be taken within a specified timeframe, which includes measuring the clearance between certain components and performing inspections for loose fasteners, as detailed in the accompanying Boeing Alert Service Bulletins. These measures are to be implemented by operators of the affected aircraft models, ensuring the safety of flights and adherence to regulatory standards. The directive's application extends nationally, impacting all entities operating within Australia's airspace, with no exclusions or exemptions specified for the covered models.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 105, includes an Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning the Boeing 737 series aeroplanes. The AD, identified as AD/B737/182, pertains to the Elevator Power Control Unit (PCU) Retention Bracket, dated 6th June 2002. This directive applies to certain models of Boeing 737 aircraft, specifically the 737-600, -700, -700C, and -800 series, as detailed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1234, Revision 1. The AD mandates that aircraft operators must measure the clearance between a specific retention bracket for the elevator PCU and a quadrant on the inboard side of the right elevator PCU. If the clearance is found to be less than 0.10 inch, operators must perform rework as outlined in the requirement document before further flight. Additionally, operators must conduct a one-time general visual inspection for loose fasteners or brackets in the retention bracket assemblies for both the left and right elevator PCU. If any loose fasteners or brackets are found, they must be torqued in accordance with the requirement document before further flight. Operators and entities governed by this AD are required to comply with the detailed instructions provided in the directive. Specifically, they must measure the clearance between the specified retention bracket and quadrant and ensure that it is not less than 0.10 inch. If the clearance is found to be inadequate, they must perform the rework as specified in the Boeing Alert Service Bulletin. Additionally, operators must inspect the retention bracket assemblies for any loose fasteners or brackets and tighten them as necessary before any further flight. These actions must be completed within 10 days from the effective date of the AD, which is 13 June 2002. Failure to comply with the AD may result in significant consequences. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the text, non-compliance with ADs generally carries potential civil or criminal penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. These penalties can include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the breach and the discretion of the court. The exact penalties are determined by the regulatory authority, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), and can vary based on the nature and extent of the non-compliance.