COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B737/92 Thrust Reverser Fan Cowl Firewall 10/95
Applicability: Boeing 737-300, -400, and -500 series aircraft with line numbers 2137 through 2271 inclusive.
Requirement: 1. Inspect the inner wall of the thrust reverser fan duct cowl in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-78A1056 to determine if the correct firewall insulation topcoat material is present and rectify as required.
Note: FAA AD 95-09-01 also refers.
Compliance: 1. Unless previously accomplished, at next “C” check but no later than 31 December 1996.
Background: Boeing has advised that a change to the fireproof insulation on the thrust reverser fan duct firewall to decrease aircraft weight has resulted in the firewall not meeting certification requirements.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which includes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, was enacted to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating within Australia. This legislative instrument addresses the problem of ensuring that aircraft meet specific safety standards, particularly with respect to the installation and maintenance of critical components such as the thrust reverser fan cowl firewall. The problem or gap it was introduced to address is the potential for non-compliance with certification requirements due to changes in the fireproof insulation material, which could compromise the structural integrity and safety of Boeing 737 series aeroplanes. The enacting body is the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, and the policy objective is to maintain high safety standards in civil aviation by issuing directives that ensure aircraft components meet necessary safety criteria.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105 concerning Airworthiness Directives for the Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes, mandates specific requirements for the thrust reverser fan cowl firewall of certain Boeing 737-300, -400, and -500 series aircraft identified by line numbers 2137 through 2271 inclusive. This regulation is integral to ensuring the safety of the aircraft in operation, requiring operators to inspect the inner wall of the thrust reverser fan duct cowl in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-78A1056, to verify that the correct firewall insulation topcoat material is present and to rectify any discrepancies. Compliance with this directive must be achieved by conducting the specified inspection at the next "C" check, but no later than 31 December 1996, unless the inspection has already been performed. The directive is informed by the fact that a modification in the fireproof insulation on the thrust reverser fan duct firewall, intended to reduce aircraft weight, has led to the firewall not meeting certification standards. This regulation applies to all relevant aircraft operators within the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring adherence to critical safety measures as stipulated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, detail the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives for Boeing 737 series aeroplanes. Specifically, AD/B737/92 pertains to the thrust reverser fan cowl firewall of Boeing 737-300, -400, and -500 series aircraft with line numbers 2137 through 2271 inclusive (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105). This directive mandates that the inner wall of the thrust reverser fan duct cowl be inspected in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-78A1056 to ensure the correct firewall insulation topcoat material is present. If discrepancies are found, the directive requires that the insulation be rectified as necessary. This requirement is cross-referenced with FAA AD 95-09-01.
Compliance with AD/B737/92 is crucial for maintaining the airworthiness of the specified aircraft. The directive necessitates that the required inspection and any necessary rectifications be performed at the next "C" check, but no later than 31 December 1996. Failure to comply with this directive could result in non-compliance with airworthiness standards, potentially leading to safety hazards. The directive emphasises the importance of adhering to the specified inspection and rectification procedures to ensure that the aircraft meet the necessary safety standards.
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose significant obligations on the operators of Boeing 737-300, -400, and -500 series aircraft. These obligations include ensuring that the aircraft meet all specified airworthiness directives, particularly those related to critical components such as the thrust reverser fan cowl firewall. Operators must conduct the required inspections and rectifications as per the directives to maintain the safety and airworthiness of their aircraft. Non-compliance with these obligations could lead to severe consequences, including the grounding of the aircraft until the required actions are completed.
Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/B737/92 could result in both civil and criminal penalties. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to substantial fines and, in severe cases, criminal charges. The exact penalties depend on the severity of the non-compliance and the impact on aviation safety. The maximum penalties for such breaches can include fines of up to $275,000 for corporations and $55,000 for individuals, along with potential imprisonment terms. These stringent measures underscore the importance of adhering to CASA's directives to ensure the highest standards of aviation safety are maintained.