COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Safety 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 CASR 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/B737/220 Video Distribution Unit Connectors 3/2004
Applicability: Model 737-600, -700, and -800 series aeroplanes listed in Boeing Service Bulletin (SB) 737-23A1169, Revision 2, dated 21 June 2001.
Requirement: 1. Replace existing video distribution unit (VDU) electrical connectors with new, improved connectors and install a drip loop in the wiring at the new VDU connectors, in accordance with Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of SB 737-23A1169, Revision 2, including Appendices A and B.
2. VDU connector, part number CAMA11W1P, may not be installed as a replacement part on any aeroplane.
Note: FAA AD 2003-26-12 Amdt 39-13411 refers.
Compliance: For Requirement 1 - Within 18 months after the effective date of this Directive.
For Requirement 2 - As of the effective date of this Directive.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 18 March 2004.
Background: This Directive requires the replacement of existing VDU connectors with new connectors to prevent a possible electrical short circuit in the connector. The short circuit could cause arcing and/or damage to wiring within the connector, which could result in damage to adjacent systems or structure and possible smoke or fire in the aeroplane cabin.
James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 4 February 2004
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 25 February 2004.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses the issue of potential electrical short circuits in the video distribution unit (VDU) connectors of Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes. This regulation was enacted to ensure the safety of aircraft and their passengers by addressing a potentially hazardous condition. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, under the authority delegated by the Australian Government, issued Airworthiness Directive AD/B737/220 to mandate the replacement of existing VDU connectors with improved ones and to prevent the installation of specific parts that could lead to unsafe conditions. The directive aims to mitigate the risk of electrical faults, which could otherwise cause significant damage or even fire hazards onboard aircraft. This regulatory action was taken to uphold the highest safety standards in civil aviation as per the policy objectives of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to the aviation industry, focusing on the maintenance and safety of aircraft. This particular Airworthiness Directive (AD/B737/220) pertains to Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes, particularly the Model 737-600, -700, and -800 series, as referenced in Boeing Service Bulletin 737-23A1169, Revision 2. The directive mandates the replacement of existing video distribution unit (VDU) electrical connectors with improved ones and the installation of a drip loop in the wiring to prevent electrical short circuits. Compliance with these requirements must be achieved within a specified timeframe, with certain actions needing to be completed immediately upon the directive's effective date. The directive is enforced across the Commonwealth of Australia and is applicable to any aircraft operator within this jurisdiction. The AD is published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, ensuring its wide dissemination and enforcement.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) for Boeing 737 series aeroplanes, specifically AD/B737/220, mandates particular actions to be taken for the safety of the aircraft. The directive applies to Boeing 737-600, -700, and -800 series aeroplanes listed in Boeing Service Bulletin (SB) 737-23A1169, Revision 2, dated 21 June 2001. The requirement is to replace existing video distribution unit (VDU) electrical connectors with new, improved connectors, and to install a drip loop in the wiring at the new VDU connectors, following the instructions in Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of SB 737-23A1169, Revision 2, including Appendices A and B. Additionally, VDU connector part number CAMA11W1P may not be installed as a replacement part on any aeroplane. Compliance with Requirement 1 must be achieved within 18 months of the effective date of the directive, and Requirement 2 must be adhered to immediately upon the directive’s effective date.
The AD imposes specific obligations on the entities it governs. These entities must ensure that the specified actions are carried out within the prescribed timeframes. For Requirement 1, this involves the replacement of VDU connectors within 18 months of the directive's effective date, while Requirement 2 must be implemented immediately upon the directive becoming effective. The entities must also ensure that the installation of the new connectors and wiring modifications comply with the outlined instructions and standards, including the use of the specified part numbers and adherence to the installation procedures detailed in the referenced documents.
Failure to comply with the AD may result in significant consequences. The AD does not explicitly state penalties but references the broader legal framework under which the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) operates. Non-compliance with CASA directives can lead to enforcement actions, which may include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, or other regulatory penalties. Additionally, non-compliance could potentially lead to criminal charges for individuals if it results in unsafe conditions that endanger the aircraft, passengers, or crew. The severity of the penalties would depend on the specific circumstances and the extent of the non-compliance.