AD/B747/116 - Strut Firewall Power Feeder Cable Connectors

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, were established to provide comprehensive regulation of civil aviation safety, including the setting of airworthiness standards. Part 39 - 105 of these regulations specifically addresses the scheduling of airworthiness directives, which are mandatory orders that require the correction of an unsafe condition on an aircraft. This legislative instrument was introduced to address the identified safety concerns regarding the strut firewall power feeder cable connectors on Boeing 747 series aeroplanes, particularly those fitted with Rolls Royce engines. The directive aims to prevent potential failures of the firewall connector, which could lead to the loss of generator power and possible fires, thereby ensuring the continued safety of air travel. The specific legislative instrument, F2006B03018, mandates inspections and necessary repairs on the strut firewall power feeder connectors of certain Boeing 747-400 series aircraft, ensuring these aircraft meet stringent safety standards. By implementing these measures, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority seeks to mitigate risks associated with the identified safety issue, thereby protecting passengers and crew and maintaining the integrity of civil aviation operations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, pertains to Boeing 747 Series aeroplanes and applies to the strut firewall power feeder cable connectors of Boeing 747-400 series aircraft fitted with Rolls Royce engines. The directive applies to aircraft identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-24A2190 dated 16 November 1992, excluding those that have already incorporated Boeing Service Bulletin 747-24-2183 dated 28 January 1993 or QANTAS EO 18597. The directive mandates an inspection and necessary repair of the strut firewall power feeder connectors as per the specified Boeing Alert Service Bulletin, aiming to prevent generator power loss and potential fires due to connector deterioration. Compliance requires an initial inspection no later than 4 April 1993, with subsequent inspections at intervals not exceeding 800 hours of time in service if the connector is not replaced. If a replacement is made, inspection must occur before the accumulation of 1200 hours of time in service, with further inspections at intervals not exceeding 800 hours. The directive references FAA AD 92-27-02 Amdt 39-8435, and incorporation of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-24-2183 is considered as terminating action for this directive.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, contains the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives. One such directive, AD/B747/116, pertains to Boeing 747 Series aeroplanes, particularly those of the 747-400 series equipped with Rolls-Royce engines, which must comply with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-24A2190 dated 16 November 1992, but not incorporate Boeing Service Bulletin 747-24-2183 dated 28 January 1993 or QANTAS EO 18597. The directive mandates that the strut firewall power feeder connectors be inspected and repaired if necessary in line with the specified Boeing bulletin. In terms of obligations, operators of the specified Boeing 747-400 series aircraft must ensure that the strut firewall power feeder connectors are inspected and repaired as per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-24A2190. The initial inspection must be completed by 4 April 1993 if not already done, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 800 hours of time in service if the connector is not replaced. If a replacement is made, the initial inspection of the replacement connector must be conducted before the aircraft accumulates 1200 hours of time in service, followed by inspections at intervals not exceeding 800 hours of time in service thereafter. The incorporation of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-24-2183 is considered as a terminating action for this directive. Failure to comply with AD/B747/116 may lead to significant safety risks, including the potential loss of generator power due to the deterioration of the strut firewall feeder connector, and the risk of fires in the engine strut caused by the ignition of fuel or fuel vapours from an overheated connector. The legislation does not specify particular civil or criminal penalties for non-compliance, but it is understood that non-compliance could result in severe consequences, including aircraft being grounded or other enforcement actions taken by CASA. The exact consequences would depend on the specific circumstances and the discretion of the enforcing authority.