AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/B737/90 Amdt 1 and issues the following AD under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CASR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B737/90
Amdt 2
Main Deck Cargo Door 4/2004
Applicability: Model 737-200 and -300 series aircraft, equipped with a main deck cargo door installed in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA2969SO.
Requirement: 1. Action in accordance with the technical requirements of FAA AD 2001-09-15 Amdt 39-12222.
2. Inspect in accordance with the technical requirements of FAA AD 2004-03-23 Amdt 39-13467.
Note: Pemco Service Bulletins 737-52-0037 Revision 2, and 737-53-0003 refer.
Compliance: As specified in the Requirement document(s) with a revised effective date of 15 April 2004.
This Amendment becomes effective on 15 April 2004.
Background: Reports were received of cracks in thirteen of the sixteen support angles in the lower jamb of the main deck cargo door due to fatigue. Cracks were also found in the lower frames and reinforcing angles of the main deck cargo door. Continued operation with such cracking could result in loss or opening of the cargo door, and loss of control of the aircraft.
Amendment 1 was issued in response to two new main deck cargo door FAA airworthiness directives; which were prompted by the development of a modification that will provide better protection against the effects of structural fatigue, and an inspection and replacement of any lower frame or reinforcing angle of the main deck cargo door when it has reached its maximum life limit.
Amendment 2 is issued in response to a new FAA AD which supersedes AD 2001-8-
07. The new AD continues to require the existing actions, but corrects reference to an incorrect fuselage station. The one-time modification requirement of AD 2001-09-15 remains unchanged.
Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B737/90 Amdt 2 (continued)
The original issue of this Airworthiness Directive became effective on 20 July 1995.
David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 4 March 2004
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 24 March 2004.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/B737/90 Amdt 2 to address the safety concerns associated with the main deck cargo doors of Boeing 737-200 and -300 series aircraft. This amendment was enacted to correct an unsafe condition identified with the cargo door structure, specifically regarding fatigue cracks in the lower jamb and frames. The AD requires compliance with the technical requirements set out in FAA AD 2001-09-15 Amdt 39-12222 and FAA AD 2004-03-23 Amdt 39-13467, including inspections and necessary modifications to prevent potential loss of the cargo door and subsequent loss of control of the aircraft. This legislative instrument, issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, aims to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the affected aircraft. The AD was effective as of 15 April 2004, superseding the previous Amendment 1 and correcting inaccuracies in the referenced fuselage station.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive AD/B737/90 Amdt 2 applies to Boeing 737-200 and -300 series aircraft equipped with a main deck cargo door installed in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA2969SO. This directive is issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR 1998) by a delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and is effective within the Commonwealth of Australia. The directive mandates specific actions to address unsafe conditions identified in the main deck cargo door of these aircraft, including the requirement to adhere to the technical specifications outlined in FAA AD 2001-09-15 Amdt 39-12222 and FAA AD 2004-03-23 Amdt 39-13467, with reference to Pemco Service Bulletins 737-52-0037 Revision 2 and 737-53-0003. Compliance with these requirements must be achieved by 15 April 2004, as specified in the relevant requirement documents. This Airworthiness Directive revokes the previous AD/B737/90 Amdt 1 and provides a revised effective date and corrective measures to ensure the safe operation of the affected aircraft.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/B737/90 Amdt 2, issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, mandates specific actions for Boeing 737-200 and -300 series aircraft equipped with a main deck cargo door installed in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA2969SO. The AD, effective from 15 April 2004, requires the aircraft to be modified in accordance with the technical requirements of FAA AD 2001-09-15 Amdt 39-12222 and inspected in accordance with the technical requirements of FAA AD 2004-03-23 Amdt 39-13467. These modifications and inspections are necessary to address fatigue-related cracks in the lower jamb of the main deck cargo door, which could potentially result in loss or opening of the cargo door and loss of control of the aircraft.
The obligations imposed by this AD include the requirement for aircraft operators to comply with the specified modifications and inspections within the stipulated timeframes. Aircraft owners and operators must ensure that their aircraft meet the technical standards outlined in the referenced FAA ADs. Failure to adhere to these requirements could compromise the airworthiness of the aircraft, potentially leading to serious safety issues. The directive references Pemco Service Bulletins 737-52-0037 Revision 2, and 737-53-0003, which provide detailed instructions on the necessary modifications and inspections.
Breach of the requirements stipulated in AD/B737/90 Amdt 2 may result in various civil and criminal consequences. Failure to implement the mandated modifications and inspections could lead to the aircraft being deemed unairworthy. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may take enforcement actions against non-compliant aircraft operators, including grounding the aircraft until the required actions are taken. Additionally, operating an aircraft that does not comply with the AD could result in legal penalties. While the specific maximum penalties are not detailed in the AD, they could include fines and other sanctions as prescribed by the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998. It is important for aircraft operators to comply with the directive to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of their aircraft.