COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B737/56 Engine Control Cable 5/91
Applicability: Model 737 series.
Requirement: Action in accordance with the technical requirements of FAA AD 91-05-08 Amdt 39- 6906.
Note: Boeing Service Letters 737-SL-76-2 A and 737-SL-76-9 refer.
Compliance: As specified in the requirement document but with a revised effectivity date of 16 May 1991 for Australian registered aircraft.
Background: The FAA has received reports of engine control cable strand separation due to cable corrosion. This condition, if not corrected, could result in engine control cable separation and subsequent loss of engine control.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in 2006, address the critical issue of ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft registered in Australia, specifically targeting the Boeing 737 series aeroplanes. The legislation was enacted to bridge the gap in safety protocols following reports of engine control cable failures due to corrosion, which could potentially lead to a loss of engine control. The objective of this regulatory amendment is to ensure that Australian-registered Boeing 737 aeroplanes comply with the Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive (AD) 91-05-08 Amendment 39-6906, with a modified effectivity date to ensure local compliance and safety standards are met.
The enactment of this regulation by the Australian government, through CASA, is aimed at maintaining the highest safety standards for civil aviation. By aligning with the FAA's directives and incorporating Boeing's service letters, the legislation ensures that the specified maintenance actions are carried out to prevent potential engine control cable failures. This regulatory update is crucial in mitigating the risks associated with cable corrosion, thereby safeguarding the operational safety of the Boeing 737 series aircraft in Australian airspace.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as detailed in Part 39 - 105, apply specifically to the Boeing 737 series aeroplanes, which are subject to Airworthiness Directives established by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. These regulations mandate actions that must comply with the technical requirements outlined in FAA AD 91-05-08 Amendment 39-6906, with a tailored effectivity date of 16 May 1991 for aircraft registered in Australia. This legislation ensures that the maintenance and operation of the Boeing 737 series adhere to stringent safety standards to prevent engine control cable strand separation due to corrosion, which could otherwise lead to a loss of engine control. Boeing Service Letters 737-SL-76-2 A and 737-SL-76-9 also provide pertinent references for compliance with these safety directives. The scope of this Act is confined to civil aviation and the maintenance of aircraft registered within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that the safety standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration are effectively implemented on Australian soil.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes Airworthiness Directives (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure the continued airworthiness of aircraft. One such AD, AD/B737/56, pertains to the Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes and mandates action concerning the engine control cable. Section 105.05 of the Regulations requires operators of Boeing 737 series aircraft to comply with the technical requirements outlined in FAA AD 91-05-08 Amendment 39-6906. This directive is applicable to all Boeing 737 series models and necessitates specific actions to address engine control cable issues.
The AD/B737/56 mandates that operators take action in accordance with the technical requirements specified in FAA AD 91-05-08 Amdt 39-6906. This includes addressing engine control cable strand separation due to corrosion, which, if unaddressed, could lead to a complete separation of the cable and a loss of engine control. Compliance with this directive is critical to ensure the continued safe operation of the aircraft. Operators must refer to Boeing Service Letters 737-SL-76-2 A and 737-SL-76-9 for additional guidance, and for Australian registered aircraft, the effectivity date is revised to 16 May 1991.
Operators of Boeing 737 series aircraft are obligated to follow the specific technical requirements detailed in the referenced FAA AD and Boeing Service Letters. This includes inspecting the engine control cables for signs of corrosion, replacing any affected cables, and ensuring all maintenance actions are performed in accordance with the approved technical data. The regulations mandate that operators must keep detailed records of all actions taken to comply with the AD, including inspections, repairs, and any parts replaced. Failure to comply with these obligations can result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, potentially leading to grounding and significant operational disruptions.
Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/B737/56 may result in civil and criminal consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, operators who fail to adhere to the AD requirements may face penalties, including fines of up to $222,200 for a corporation and $44,440 for an individual. Additionally, CASA may issue a Direction to cease operation of the non-compliant aircraft, which can have severe financial and operational repercussions for the operator. It is imperative for operators to ensure strict compliance with the directive to avoid these potential penalties and maintain the airworthiness of their aircraft.