AD/B737/51 - Outboard Flap Forward Support Fitting Attach Bolts

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes an Airworthiness Directive for Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes, AD/B737/51. This directive was enacted to address issues related to the outboard flap forward support fitting attach bolts. The problem it was introduced to address is the potential fracture of fasteners in the fitting attachment, which could lead to the loss of the outboard flap. The directive is applicable to models 737-200, -300, and -400, as listed in the requirement document, and mandates actions in accordance with the technical requirements of FAA AD 90-24-04 Amdt 39-6809, with a compliance effective date of 24 December 1990. This legislative instrument is issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, with the objective of ensuring that civil aviation operations are conducted safely and efficiently. The Australian Government, through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, issued this directive to ensure compliance with international safety standards and to mitigate risks associated with the operation of Boeing 737 Series aeroplanes. The policy objective is to maintain a high level of safety in civil aviation by mandating specific maintenance and inspection procedures to prevent potential structural failures.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to the Boeing 737 series aeroplanes, particularly models 737-200, -300, and -400 as listed in the requirement document. This regulation mandates compliance with the technical requirements outlined in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airworthiness Directive AD 90-24-04 Amendment 39-6809, which pertains to the outboard flap forward support fitting attach bolts. This legislation ensures that the specified models adhere to stringent safety standards to prevent potential fastener fractures that could lead to the loss of the outboard flap, thereby ensuring the continued airworthiness of these aircraft. The directive is enforceable across the Commonwealth of Australia, impacting all operators and entities within the nation’s jurisdiction that own or operate the affected Boeing 737 models. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, with the effective date of the original FAA directive being 24 December 1990, and any deviations from the specified technical requirements could result in regulatory action. Boeing Alerts SB 737-57A1206 and SB 737-57A1208 provide additional context and guidance on the implementation of this directive.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes AD/B737/51 which pertains to Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes. This directive mandates actions for the outboard flap forward support fitting attach bolts, as outlined in FAA AD 90-24-04 Amendment 39-6809 (Section 39-105(1)). The directive applies to models 737-200, -300, and -400, as detailed in the Requirement document. Compliance with the directive is necessary to address the technical requirements that prevent fastener fractures in the fitting attachment, which could otherwise result in the loss of the outboard flap. Boeing has also issued Service Bulletins (SB) 737-57A1206 and 737-57A1208 which reference this directive. Entities governed by these regulations must adhere to the technical requirements and actions specified in the FAA AD and the associated Boeing Service Bulletins. Compliance involves following the detailed instructions provided in the Requirement document, ensuring that the outboard flap forward support fitting attach bolts are properly maintained or replaced to prevent any risk of failure. This includes conducting regular inspections and repairs as outlined in the relevant technical documentation to ensure the continued airworthiness of the aircraft in question (Section 39-105(2)). Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/B737/51 may result in severe consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has the authority to enforce the regulations, and non-compliance can lead to penalties and enforcement actions. Specifically, operators who fail to adhere to the directive's requirements risk facing regulatory scrutiny, potential grounding of the affected aircraft, and possible financial penalties. The severity of these consequences underscores the importance of strict compliance with the directive to ensure the safety and airworthiness of Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes (Section 39-105(3)).