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/B737/201 Rudder Control System 13/2002
Applicability: All Model 737 series aircraft.
Requirement: 1. Install a new rudder control system that includes new components such as an aft torque tube, hydraulic actuators, and associated control rods, and additional wiring throughout the aircraft to support failure annunciation of the rudder control system in the flight deck. The system also must incorporate two separate inputs, each with an override mechanism, to two separate servo valves on the main rudder power control unit; and an input to the standby power control unit that also will include an override mechanism.
2. Make applicable changes to the adjacent systems to accommodate the new rudder control system.
Note: FAA AD 2002-20-07 Amdt 39-12903 refers.
Compliance: Within 6 years after 26 December 2002; in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 26 December 2002.
Background: The FAA has made determinations that the existing rudder control system design architecture is unsafe due to inherent failure modes, including single-jam modes and certain latent failures or jams, which, when combined with a second failure or jam, could cause an uncommanded rudder hardover event and consequent loss of control of the aircraft. Additionally, the current rudder operational procedure is not effective throughout the entire flight envelope. The actions specified by this Directive are intended to prevent the identified unsafe condition.
David Alan Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 15 November 2002
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 4 December 2002.
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Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, provide the regulatory framework for the operation of civil aviation in the country. One significant aspect of these regulations is the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to address safety issues in aircraft and aeronautical products. Specifically, the AD/B737/201 issued on 13 December 2002 pertains to the Boeing 737 series aeroplanes, mandating a new rudder control system to address inherent design flaws that could lead to an uncommanded rudder hardover event, thereby preventing loss of control. This directive was issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) following findings by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that the existing rudder control system posed significant safety risks. The policy objective of this AD is to ensure the continued airworthiness of Boeing 737 series aircraft by implementing critical design modifications to enhance safety and reliability.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, addresses the safety of aircraft and aeronautical products within Australian airspace and involves the implementation of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These regulations apply to all aircraft and aeronautical products that are registered in Australia and are used or operated within the Commonwealth. The ADs are designed to ensure that any identified unsafe conditions are rectified promptly to maintain the highest safety standards. For example, Airworthiness Directive AD/B737/201, issued in 2002, applies to all Boeing 737 series aircraft and mandates specific modifications to the rudder control system to prevent uncommanded rudder hardover events that could result in loss of control. The directive requires the installation of a new rudder control system and necessary changes to adjacent systems, with a compliance timeframe of six years from the directive's effective date of 26 December 2002. This AD, while issued by CASA, aligns with the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) AD 2002-20-07 Amdt 39-12903, indicating a coordinated international approach to aviation safety. The ADs extend their application nationally, ensuring that all operators within Australia comply with these critical safety measures.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) B737/201 issued under section 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 mandates specific actions to address an identified unsafe condition in the rudder control system of Boeing 737 series aircraft. The AD applies to all Model 737 series aircraft and requires the installation of a new rudder control system, which includes new components such as an aft torque tube, hydraulic actuators, control rods, and additional wiring. This new system must have two separate inputs, each with an override mechanism, to two separate servo valves on the main rudder power control unit, and an input to the standby power control unit with an override mechanism as well. Additionally, any necessary changes to adjacent systems must be made to accommodate the new rudder control system. The compliance period for these requirements is within six years from 26 December 2002, and the method of compliance must be approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA.
The AD imposes several obligations on the operators of Boeing 737 series aircraft. Primarily, they must ensure that the new rudder control system is installed in accordance with the specifications outlined in the AD. This includes the installation of new components and the necessary modifications to adjacent systems. Operators must also ensure that the installation is carried out within the specified timeframe and that it adheres to the method approved by the FAA. Failure to comply with the AD may result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which could lead to grounding and other regulatory actions.
Breach of the AD's requirements can lead to significant consequences, both civil and criminal. Civil penalties may include fines, and the non-compliance can result in the aircraft being grounded until the required actions are taken. From a criminal perspective, operators who fail to comply with the AD may face prosecution. The maximum penalties for non-compliance with the AD can include substantial fines and, in some cases, imprisonment. These penalties underscore the importance of adhering to the AD to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the aircraft.