COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B737/75 Passenger Oxygen System 3/93
Applicability: Model 737 series airplanes listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletins 737-35A1037 dated 13 February 1992 and 737-35A1038 dated 19 March 1992.
Requirement: 1. For airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-35A1037 dated 13 February 1992, modify the test stop plungers in the lavatory oxygen box
assemblies in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-35A1037 dated 13 February 1992.
2. For airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-35A1038 dated 19 March 1992, modify the modular lavatory “A” oxygen box assemblies in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-35A1038 dated 19 March 1992.
Note: FAA AD 92-25-04 Amendment 39-8419 refers.
Compliance: Within 900 flight hours or six calendar months from the issue date of this Directive, whichever occurs later.
Background: This Directive is issued to correct a condition that may prevent the availability of oxygen to passengers during a loss of cabin pressure.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, were introduced to establish comprehensive safety regulations for civil aviation in Australia. A particular legislative instrument within this framework, F2006B02976, addresses issues concerning the airworthiness directives for specific aircraft models, including the Boeing 737 series aeroplanes. This instrument aims to ensure that aircraft meet required safety standards, specifically targeting problems identified in the passenger oxygen systems. The policy objective is to prevent conditions that could compromise the availability of oxygen to passengers during a loss of cabin pressure, thereby enhancing passenger safety and compliance with international aviation safety standards.
The legislation mandates specific modifications to the Boeing 737 series aeroplanes as outlined in Boeing Alert Service Bulletins 737-35A1037 and 737-35A1038, which were issued to address identified safety issues. Compliance with these directives is required within 900 flight hours or six calendar months from the issue date, whichever is later, ensuring that the required safety measures are implemented in a timely manner. This directive is an example of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s commitment to maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, apply to the Boeing 737 series aeroplanes that are listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletins 737-35A1037 dated 13 February 1992 and 737-35A1038 dated 19 March 1992. The regulation is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and pertains to the mandatory modification of the passenger oxygen system to ensure the availability of oxygen to passengers in the event of a loss of cabin pressure. Compliance with this directive is required within 900 flight hours or six calendar months from the issue date of the directive, whichever period is longer. The regulations are applicable nationally across Australia as a Commonwealth instrument, and adherence is compulsory for the specified aircraft models to maintain safety standards in civil aviation.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39, section 105, contain specific Airworthiness Directives (ADs) aimed at ensuring the safety and reliability of aircraft operations. In particular, AD/B737/75 pertains to Boeing 737 series aeroplanes and focuses on the passenger oxygen system. This directive applies to the model 737 series aeroplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletins 737-35A1037 and 737-35A1038, dated 13 February 1992 and 19 March 1992, respectively. It mandates that the test stop plungers in the lavatory oxygen box assemblies be modified according to the specified bulletins. Compliance with these modifications is crucial to ensure the availability of oxygen to passengers in the event of a cabin pressure loss.
The obligations under this directive are clear and precise. Operators of the Boeing 737 series aeroplanes identified in the bulletins must ensure that the specified modifications to the passenger oxygen system are completed. This involves adhering to the instructions outlined in the Boeing Alert Service Bulletins. The directive mandates that these modifications be carried out within 900 flight hours or six calendar months from the date of issue, whichever is later. This timeframe is crucial for maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensuring passenger safety.
Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/B737/75 may result in serious consequences. While the regulations do not explicitly state civil or criminal penalties for non-compliance, it is understood that non-compliance with ADs can lead to significant enforcement actions. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to take measures against operators who do not adhere to these directives, which could include grounding the aircraft, imposing fines, or other regulatory actions. Additionally, non-compliance could potentially lead to civil liability in the event of an incident that results in harm to passengers or crew due to the failure of the oxygen system.
In summary, AD/B737/75 is a critical directive aimed at ensuring the safety of passengers by mandating specific modifications to the oxygen system in certain Boeing 737 series aeroplanes. Operators must adhere to the modifications outlined in the Boeing Alert Service Bulletins within the specified timeframe. Non-compliance with this directive can lead to regulatory actions and potential civil liability, underscoring the importance of strict adherence to the airworthiness requirements set forth by the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998.