COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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/B737/196 Elevator Power Control Unit Input Rods 11/2002
Applicability: Model 737-600, -700, and -800 series aircraft, line numbers 1 through 477. Requirement: Action in accordance with the technical requirements of FAA AD 2000-07-09 Amdt
39-11663.
Note: Boeing Telegraphic Service Letter 737-SL-27-150 refers.
Compliance: As specified in the Requirement document, with a revised effective date of 31 October 2002.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 31 October 2002.
Background: The FAA received reports of loose nuts on the bolts that connect the lower input crank arm and the vernier adjustment input rod of the elevator power control unit (PCU). Loose nuts on the bolts of the input crank arms of the elevator PCU could result in loss of the bolts and consequent loss of control of the aircraft during takeoff and landing.
David Alan Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 12 September 2002
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 9 October 2002.
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Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, are a comprehensive set of rules established by the Commonwealth of Australia to govern the safe operation of civil aircraft within Australia. One such amendment is the Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under subregulation 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. This AD was introduced to address safety concerns regarding the Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes, specifically the elevator power control unit input rods, which could potentially result in loss of control during critical phases of flight such as takeoff and landing. The AD mandates corrective action in accordance with the Federal Aviation Administration's AD 2000-07-09 Amdt39-11663, with a compliance date set for 31 October 2002. The directive aims to ensure the continued airworthiness of the affected aircraft and mitigate potential safety risks identified by CASA.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, pertains to Airworthiness Directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These directives apply to the specified series of Boeing 737 aircraft, namely the 737-600, -700, and -800 models, with line numbers ranging from 1 through 477. The Airworthiness Directive mandates corrective action to address an unsafe condition identified in the elevator power control unit (PCU) input rods of these aircraft. The directive requires adherence to the technical requirements outlined in FAA AD 2000-07-09 Amdt 39-11663, as referenced in Boeing Telegraphic Service Letter 737-SL-27-150. The directive was issued to prevent potential loss of control during critical phases of flight due to loose nuts on the bolts connecting the lower input crank arm and the vernier adjustment input rod of the elevator PCU. This directive became effective on 31 October 2002, and compliance is mandatory as specified in the directive. The scope and application of this AD are confined to the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that all relevant aircraft within the specified parameters meet the safety standards prescribed by CASA.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39, Section 105, outline the Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The directive, numbered AD/B737/196, pertains to the Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes, particularly the Model 737-600, -700, and -800 series aircraft with line numbers ranging from 1 to 477. The AD requires specific action regarding the elevator power control unit input rods to address an unsafe condition identified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The directive mandates that the action be taken according to the technical requirements of FAA AD 2000-07-09 Amdt39-11663, as referenced in Boeing Telegraphic Service Letter 737-SL-27-150. Compliance with this directive must be achieved by 31 October 2002, as stated in the compliance section of the AD.
The obligations imposed by this AD on the relevant parties include ensuring that the specified maintenance actions are performed on the elevator power control unit input rods. This involves adhering to the detailed instructions provided by the FAA, which are referenced in the directive. Operators of the affected Boeing 737 aircraft must ensure that the necessary checks and repairs are carried out to prevent loose nuts on the bolts, which could lead to critical safety issues during critical phases of flight such as takeoff and landing.
Failure to comply with the AD can result in severe consequences. The AD outlines that the CASA delegate has issued this directive to correct a condition that could potentially lead to loss of control of the aircraft. Therefore, non-compliance could be considered a breach of safety regulations. While the specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the AD itself, under general aviation regulations, penalties for failing to adhere to such directives can include fines, suspension of aircraft operating certificates, and potential criminal charges. The seriousness of the potential consequences underscores the importance of adhering to the specified requirements to maintain airworthiness and ensure the safety of all passengers and crew on board.