AD/B737/49 - Outboard Flaptrack Support Fitting Attach Bolts

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), were enacted to establish a regulatory framework for ensuring the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. One component of these regulations is the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to address specific safety issues concerning aircraft. The directive in question, AD/B737/49, pertains to Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes, specifically models with line numbers 1 through 324. The directive was introduced to address the critical safety issue of potential failure of outboard flaptrack support fitting attach bolts, which could lead to the loss of the flap and associated control difficulties. The directive requires compliance with the technical requirements set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and was effective from 29 November 1990. The policy objective is to mitigate risks associated with aircraft safety and ensure the continued airworthiness of the specified aircraft models.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the applicability and compliance of airworthiness directives for the Boeing 737 Series aeroplanes. This regulation applies to all Boeing 737 models with line numbers ranging from 1 through 324, mandating that these aircraft comply with the technical requirements of FAA AD 90-17-20 Amdt 39-6707. The directive addresses the critical need to inspect and replace the outboard flaptrack support fitting attach bolts to prevent potential failure that could lead to loss of the flap and subsequent control issues. The requirement is effective from 29 November 1990, and adherence must be in line with the specified FAA directive, with Boeing Service Bulletin 737-57A1079 Rev 4 providing additional relevant guidance. This regulation extends its reach across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that all relevant aircraft and operators within this jurisdiction must comply with the outlined safety directives.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR) pertaining to the airworthiness directives for Boeing 737 series aeroplanes, particularly the directive AD/B737/49 concerning outboard flaptrack support fitting attach bolts, are crucial for ensuring the safe operation of these aircraft. Section 39-105 of the CAR details the specific requirements and compliance protocols that must be followed. According to this directive, all Boeing 737 models with line numbers ranging from 1 through 324 are subject to the technical requirements outlined in FAA AD 90-17-20 Amendment 39-6707. The directive mandates that actions must be taken to address the outboard flaptrack support fitting attach bolts as per the specified technical requirements. Boeing Service Bulletin 737-57A1079 Rev 4 provides additional reference material, and the effective date for compliance with this directive is 29 November 1990. The obligations imposed by the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 on the parties or entities governed by these airworthiness directives include ensuring that the necessary inspections, maintenance, and repairs are performed on the outboard flaptrack support fitting attach bolts. Operators of Boeing 737 series aeroplanes must adhere strictly to the technical requirements specified in FAA AD 90-17-20 Amdt 39-6707. This entails conducting thorough inspections to identify any potential issues with the bolts, followed by appropriate corrective actions if any deficiencies are found. Operators are also required to maintain detailed records of all actions taken to comply with the directive, including any inspections, repairs, or replacements carried out on the affected components. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directives set forth in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can lead to serious consequences. The regulations outline specific offences and penalties for non-compliance. Non-compliance with these directives can result in the grounding of affected aircraft until the required actions are completed. Moreover, operators found in breach of these regulations may face substantial financial penalties. The maximum penalties can include fines and, in severe cases, criminal charges for individuals responsible for the oversight of the non-compliant maintenance activities. These stringent measures are in place to ensure the highest standards of aviation safety are maintained, thereby preventing potential in-flight failures that could lead to catastrophic outcomes.