COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B737/84 Main Rudder Power Control Unit (PCU) 5/95
Applicability: All Boeing 737 series aircraft fitted with Part Number/Serial Number PCU’s as Listed in the Requirement Document which have been modified and/or tested by Aerocontrols Inc. in Auburn, Washington.
Requirement: Action in accordance with the technical requirements of FAA Telegraphic AD T95-06-53.
Note: CAO 105 AD/B737/79 makes reference to Boeing SB 737-27-1185 and FAA AD 94-01-07 which are called up as Ref B and E, respectively, in the Requirement document.
Compliance: As specified in the Requirement Document.
Background: The FAA has advised that two reports of in-service malfunctions of certain rudder PCU’s has been reported. The PCU’s were removed from the aircraft and subsequently failed their functional tests. Subsequent investigation confirmed that during modification of the PCU the proper tooling may not have been used to torque the spring retainer.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, address the maintenance and safety standards for civil aircraft, including the Boeing 737 series aeroplanes. This legislation was enacted to ensure that aircraft maintain their airworthiness and safety standards as set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). It was introduced to address the need for stringent and consistent safety measures in response to identified risks, particularly those highlighted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other aviation authorities. The policy objective of these regulations is to mandate compliance with specific technical requirements to prevent in-service malfunctions that could compromise the safety of the aircraft.
The specific Airworthiness Directive AD/B737/84 pertains to the Main Rudder Power Control Unit (PCU) for Boeing 737 series aircraft that have undergone modifications by Aerocontrols Inc. in Auburn, Washington. This directive mandates compliance with FAA Telegraphic AD T95-06-53, reflecting a collaborative approach to aviation safety between the FAA and CASA. The directive aims to ensure that the PCUs are installed and tested correctly to prevent failures that could lead to critical in-flight issues. The background information indicates that the directive was prompted by reports of PCU malfunctions, attributed to potential issues during the modification process, thereby underscoring the importance of adhering to precise technical standards.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, apply to all Boeing 737 series aircraft that have been modified and/or tested by Aerocontrols Inc. in Auburn, Washington, specifically those fitted with main rudder power control units (PCU) listed in the requirement document. The scope of the legislation is aimed at ensuring the airworthiness of these aircraft by adhering to the technical requirements set forth in FAA Telegraphic AD T95-06-53, which is referenced in the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Order 105 AD/B737/79. Compliance with these regulations is crucial to address the reported in-service malfunctions of certain rudder PCU's, which were found to have failed functional tests after improper modification procedures were used. The legislation does not explicitly outline exclusions or exemptions, but its applicability is confined to the specified aircraft and PCU modifications by the designated entity, Aerocontrols Inc. The requirement to comply with the FAA's technical directives underscores the cross-jurisdictional nature of aviation safety standards, necessitating adherence to internationally recognised benchmarks to maintain airworthiness.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39, specifically in Section 105, addresses the Airworthiness Directives for certain aircraft models, with a focus on Boeing 737 series aeroplanes in this instance. Section AD/B737/84 pertains to the Main Rudder Power Control Unit (PCU) and mandates actions in line with the technical requirements outlined in FAA Telegraphic AD T95-06-53 (Section 1). Compliance with these directives is to be achieved as specified in the Requirement Document, which references Boeing Service Bulletin 737-27-1185 (Ref B) and FAA AD 94-01-07 (Ref E). The directive applies to all Boeing 737 series aircraft equipped with specified PCU part numbers and serial numbers that have undergone modifications or testing by Aerocontrols Inc. in Auburn, Washington (Section 5/95).
Operators and entities governed by this legislation must ensure that their Boeing 737 aircraft meet the specified requirements for the Main Rudder PCU as outlined in the Requirement Document. This involves adherence to the technical guidelines provided by the FAA and the referenced Boeing and FAA documents. It is essential that the PCUs have been properly modified and tested, particularly with respect to the torquing of the spring retainer, to prevent in-service malfunctions that have been previously reported (Section 5/95). The operators must maintain records and documentation that attest to compliance with these airworthiness directives to ensure the safety and airworthiness of their aircraft.
Failure to comply with the airworthiness directives stipulated in the Civil Aviation Regulations can lead to significant consequences. The regulations do not explicitly state the penalties or consequences for non-compliance in this particular section, but generally, such non-compliance can result in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This may include fines, grounding of the aircraft, and other regulatory actions that could impact the operator’s ability to conduct flights. The severity of the penalties may vary based on the extent and nature of the non-compliance, with potential maximum penalties as prescribed under the broader Civil Aviation Act 1988 and other relevant legislation. Ensuring adherence to these directives is critical to maintaining the safety and operational integrity of the aircraft within the Australian aviation framework.