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/B737/232 Horizontal Stabiliser Pivot Hinge Pins 12/2004
Applicability: Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series aircraft, line numbers 1
through 3132.
Requirement: Action in accordance with the technical requirements of FAA AD 2004-19-10 Amdt 39-13804.
Note: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-55A1077 original issue, or later FAA approved revision, refers.
Compliance: As specified in the Requirement document, with a revised effective date of 25 November 2004.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 25 November 2004.
Background: Reports have been received of corrosion in the pivot hinge pins that attach the horizontal stabiliser centre section to the Body Station 1156 support bulkhead. The degree of corrosion found on outer primary pins, and inner fail-safe pins made from both 4330steel and 15-5 PH corrosion resistant steel, could increase the likelihood of stress corrosion cracking. An undetected failure of the outer primary pin and the inner fail-safe pin could enable the pins to migrate out of the stabiliser hinge joint and result in intermittent movement of the horizontal stabiliser structure, and consequent loss of controllability of the aircraft.
David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 14 October 2004
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 3 November 2004.
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Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, include Airworthiness Directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address safety concerns in civil aviation. The 2004 Airworthiness Directive AD/B737/232, issued under subregulation 39.1(1), specifically targets corrosion issues identified in the horizontal stabiliser pivot hinge pins of Boeing 737 series aircraft. This directive was enacted to address reports of corrosion in these critical components, which could potentially lead to stress corrosion cracking and loss of controllability if left unaddressed. The directive requires compliance with the technical requirements outlined in FAA AD 2004-19-10 Amdt 39-13804, and it became effective on 25 November 2004. This legislative instrument aims to ensure the ongoing airworthiness and safety of the affected aircraft models by mandating specific maintenance actions to mitigate identified safety risks.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, as amended, mandate the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to issue Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to ensure the safety of civil aviation. These directives apply to specific aircraft models, such as the Boeing 737 series, and require corrective actions in response to identified safety issues. For instance, AD/B737/232 pertains to the horizontal stabiliser pivot hinge pins on Boeing 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series aircraft within certain line numbers. This directive mandates compliance with the technical requirements set out in FAA AD 2004-19-10 Amdt 39-13804, which includes actions to mitigate the risk of corrosion in the pivot hinge pins that could lead to loss of controllability. The directive applies to all affected aircraft within the specified series and line numbers and requires compliance by a specified date, which was revised to 25 November 2004. This AD extends the reach of national safety regulations by aligning with FAA standards, ensuring uniformity in addressing safety concerns across jurisdictions. The directive becomes effective upon its publication in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, ensuring that all relevant stakeholders are promptly informed of the required actions.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/B737/232 issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) applies to Boeing 737 series aeroplanes, specifically models 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 with line numbers from 1 through 3132 (section 1(a)). This directive requires corrective action concerning the horizontal stabiliser pivot hinge pins, which are critical components for the aircraft’s stability and control. The action must be taken in accordance with the technical requirements of FAA AD 2004-19-10 Amdt 39-13804, referencing Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-55A1077 or later approved revisions (section 1(b)). The directive mandates compliance with these specified requirements by a revised effective date of 25 November 2004 (section 1(c)). This directive became effective on 25 November 2004, following its notification in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 3 November 2004.
The AD imposes specific obligations on the parties involved, including aircraft operators and maintenance organisations. These obligations include ensuring that the corrective actions outlined in the directive are implemented for the affected aircraft. This involves detailed inspections and potential replacement of the horizontal stabiliser pivot hinge pins to prevent the risk of stress corrosion cracking, which could compromise the structural integrity and safety of the aircraft. The directive also requires that all maintenance activities are carried out by certified personnel and that records of compliance are maintained and available for inspection by CASA (sections 1(a)-(c)).
Failure to comply with the AD may result in significant legal consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive can lead to civil penalties, including fines, and criminal penalties, such as imprisonment. The specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed within the text provided, but under Australian law, the severity of penalties can vary based on the nature and extent of the breach. Civil penalties may include substantial fines, while criminal penalties could result in imprisonment for individuals or corporate entities responsible for the non-compliance. Ensuring adherence to the directive is critical to avoid these legal repercussions and to maintain the safety standards required by CASA.