COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B747/113 Fire Protection Plumbing and Wiring 8/92
Applicability: All 747-400 series aircraft identified in the following Boeing Service Bulletins:
- 747-26-2143 Revision 1 dated 15 August 1991,
b. 747-26-2164 dated 14 February 1991, and
c. 747-26-2168 dated 28 March 1991.
Requirement: Action in accordance with the following Boeing Service Bulletins:
- 747-26-2143 Revision 1 dated 15 August 1991,
b. 747-26-2164 dated 14 February 1991, and
c. 747-26-2168 dated 28 March 1991.
Note: FAA AD 92-08-12 Amendment 39-8223 refers.
Compliance: Within 24 months of the effective date of this Directive.
Background: The FAA has received reports of crossed wiring and plumbing in the cargo compartment smoke detection system and engine fire extinguishing systems on Boeing aircraft of similar design. This directive requires action to modify both the cargo compartment and engine fire detection and extinguishing systems. Incorrectly installed fire detection and extinguishing systems could result in the failure to properly detect or extinguish a fire in the cargo compartment or in an engine.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Government, form the foundational legislative framework governing civil aviation in Australia. Within this regulatory structure, Part 39 specifically addresses airworthiness directives aimed at ensuring the safety and reliability of aircraft operations. One such directive, AD/B747/113, pertains to Boeing 747 series aeroplanes and specifically targets fire protection plumbing and wiring systems. This directive was introduced to address the identified risk of crossed wiring and plumbing in the cargo compartment smoke detection system and engine fire extinguishing systems, which could potentially lead to the failure to detect or extinguish a fire. The policy objective is to enhance the safety of civil aviation by mitigating risks associated with fire hazards in aircraft, thereby protecting passengers, crew, and property. Compliance with this directive is mandatory for all 747-400 series aircraft, requiring corrective actions within a specified timeframe to ensure adherence to safety standards.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, governs the applicability and requirements of Airworthiness Directives, including AD/B747/113 concerning Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes. This legislation applies to all 747-400 series aircraft that are identified in specific Boeing Service Bulletins: 747-26-2143 Revision 1 dated 15 August 1991, 747-26-2164 dated 14 February 1991, and 747-26-2168 dated 28 March 1991. The directive mandates compliance with these bulletins to ensure the integrity of fire protection plumbing and wiring. The requirement is to implement the actions specified within these bulletins to address potential issues with crossed wiring and plumbing in the cargo compartment smoke detection system and engine fire extinguishing systems, as reported by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Compliance with these directives must be achieved within 24 months of the effective date to mitigate the risk of fire detection failure or inadequate fire suppression. The jurisdictional reach of these regulations is national, applying across Australia as governed by the Commonwealth.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes Airworthiness Directives (AD) aimed at maintaining the safety standards of aircraft. AD/B747/113 pertains to Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes and addresses fire protection plumbing and wiring. This directive applies to all 747-400 series aircraft identified in certain Boeing Service Bulletins (Sections 1 and 2). The action required is outlined in the corresponding Boeing Service Bulletins, namely 747-26-2143 Revision 1, 747-26-2164, and 747-26-2168, all dated between February and August 1991. These bulletins detail modifications to the cargo compartment smoke detection system and engine fire extinguishing systems to prevent crossed wiring and plumbing, which could lead to ineffective fire detection and extinguishing capabilities (Section 3).
The AD imposes obligations on the operators of 747-400 series aircraft to ensure compliance with the specified modifications. Operators must take action in accordance with the referenced Boeing Service Bulletins within 24 months of the effective date of this directive (Section 4). This means that they are required to implement the specified changes to the fire detection and extinguishing systems to maintain airworthiness and safety standards. The modifications are critical to prevent the risk of fires going undetected or unextinguished, which could potentially lead to catastrophic outcomes.
Failure to comply with AD/B747/113 could result in significant civil and criminal consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with an airworthiness directive can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). In severe cases, this could include fines, suspension or revocation of an aircraft operator's certificate, and potential criminal charges if the non-compliance results in an accident or incident. The maximum penalties for such offences can be substantial, reflecting the serious nature of ensuring aircraft safety. Compliance is mandatory, and operators must take proactive steps to ensure that all modifications are carried out within the stipulated timeframe to avoid any legal repercussions.