COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B737/79 Main Rudder Power Control Unit (PCU) 5/94
Applicability: Model 737 series, line position 1 through 2453 inclusive.
Requirement: Action in accordance with the technical requirements of FAA AD 94-01-07 Amdt 39- 8789.
Note: Boeing SL 737-SL-27-82-B and SB 737-27-1185 refer.
Compliance: As specified in the requirement document with a revised effective date of 30 April 1994.
Background: Reports of excessive internal leakage in the rudder PCU which could result in reduced controllability of the aircraft have been reported.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39, introduce the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives to ensure the safety and compliance of aircraft operations in Australia. One such directive, AD/B737/79, pertains to Boeing 737 series aeroplanes, addressing an identified safety issue with the Main Rudder Power Control Unit (PCU). This directive was enacted to mitigate the risk of excessive internal leakage in the rudder PCU, which could compromise the controllability of the aircraft, thereby enhancing the overall safety of civil aviation. The requirement is to comply with the technical specifications outlined in the FAA AD 94-01-07 Amendment 39-8789, with the directive taking effect from 30 April 1994.
The enactment of this airworthiness directive by CASA is a response to reported instances of internal leakage in the rudder PCU, which could potentially result in reduced controllability of the aeroplane. By mandating adherence to the specified FAA amendment, CASA aims to ensure that all relevant Boeing 737 series aeroplanes meet the necessary safety standards, thereby protecting both the operators and the general public from the risks associated with such mechanical failures.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/B737/79, pertains to the Boeing 737 series aeroplanes and applies to all line positions from 1 through 2453 inclusive. The directive mandates compliance with the technical requirements outlined in the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) AD 94-01-07 Amendment 39-8789. This requirement is crucial in addressing issues of excessive internal leakage in the Main Rudder Power Control Unit (PCU) which could potentially compromise the aircraft's controllability. Boeing Service Letters (SL) 737-SL-27-82-B and Service Bulletins (SB) 737-27-1185 also reference this directive. Compliance must be achieved as specified in the requirement document, with an effective date of 30 April 1994. This regulation is applicable within the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, ensuring the safety and airworthiness of Boeing 737 series aircraft operating within Australia. The directive's scope is strictly limited to the specified model and line positions, with no noted exclusions or exemptions within the parameters of this legislative instrument.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39-105, includes Airworthiness Directives (AD) which are regulatory measures to ensure aircraft safety. Specifically, AD/B737/79 concerns the Main Rudder Power Control Unit (PCU) for Boeing 737 series aeroplanes, line positions 1 through 2453 inclusive (Section 39-105). The directive mandates that actions must be taken in line with the technical requirements outlined in FAA AD 94-01-07 Amendment 39-8789. Boeing Service Letters (SL) 737-SL-27-82-B and Service Bulletins (SB) 737-27-1185 also reference this directive. Compliance with these requirements is necessary and must be achieved by adhering to the specifications in the requirement document, with a compliance deadline of 30 April 1994.
The obligations imposed by this directive on the parties involved, including airlines and maintenance providers, are significant. They must ensure that the Main Rudder PCU is inspected and, if necessary, repaired or replaced to meet the standards specified by FAA AD 94-01-07 Amdt 39-8789. This includes documenting all actions taken to ensure compliance and retaining these records for audit and inspection purposes. Failure to comply with these directives can result in serious safety risks, particularly concerning the controllability of the aircraft, which is critical for safe flight operations.
Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/B737/79 may lead to serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to take enforcement actions against non-compliance. These actions can include fines, grounding of the aircraft until compliance is achieved, or more severe penalties if the non-compliance results in safety incidents or accidents. The specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the regulations but can be substantial, reflecting the importance of maintaining airworthiness standards to ensure the safety of air travel.