AD/B747/124 - H-11 Steel Bolts

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, introduced specific safety directives to address identified risks in aviation operations. One such directive, AD/B747/124, targets the Boeing 747 series aircraft with line numbers 641 through 708, excluding the 747-400 series, focusing on the critical issue of cracked and fractured H-11 steel bolts within the airframe structure. This directive aims to ensure the continued airworthiness of these aircraft by requiring adherence to the technical specifications outlined in FAA AD 94-07-06 Amendment 39-8864, with references to Boeing Service Bulletin 747-51-2048 for compliance purposes. The overarching policy objective of this legislation is to enhance safety by mandating actions that prevent potential failures of attachment bolts at critical locations, thereby reducing the risk of in-flight incidents.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to the Boeing 747 series aeroplanes with line numbers 641 through 708, excluding the Model 747-400 series aircraft. This regulation mandates compliance with the technical requirements of FAA AD 94-07-06 Amendment 39-8864, as referenced in Boeing SB 747-51-2048. The directive is aimed at addressing issues concerning cracked and fractured H-11 steel bolts installed at specific locations within the airframe structure. Compliance with these regulations is essential to prevent the failure of attachment bolts at critical locations, ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the affected aircraft. The regulation extends its reach to all operators and maintainers of the specified Boeing 747 series aircraft within the Commonwealth of Australia, adhering to the stipulated technical requirements and procedures.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically the AD/B747/124 pertaining to Boeing 747 series aeroplanes, address the maintenance and safety of H-11 steel bolts on Model 747 aircraft with line numbers ranging from 641 to 708, excluding the 747-400 series. Section (1) mandates that the actions required by the directive must align with the technical specifications outlined in FAA AD 94-07-06 Amendment 39-8864, with a reference to Boeing SB 747-51-2048 for compliance purposes. These requirements are intended to rectify and prevent the occurrence of cracked and fractured H-11 steel bolts, which have been identified at critical locations on the airframe structure. The obligations imposed by these regulations are significant for all parties involved in the maintenance and operation of the specified Boeing 747 aircraft. Owners and operators of these aircraft must ensure that the required actions are taken in accordance with the technical directives mentioned. This includes conducting inspections to identify any cracked or fractured H-11 steel bolts and replacing or repairing them as necessary to meet the safety standards stipulated in the FAA and Boeing documentation. Furthermore, it is essential that all maintenance personnel involved in this process are adequately trained and certified to perform these tasks, ensuring that the integrity and safety of the aircraft are maintained. In the event of non-compliance with the directives outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations, there are serious legal and financial repercussions. Section (3) outlines that any breach of these safety directives can result in civil or criminal penalties. The specific consequences can include substantial fines, operational restrictions, or even the grounding of the aircraft until the necessary repairs or replacements are completed. The exact penalties may vary depending on the severity and frequency of the non-compliance but can reach up to significant monetary fines as stipulated in the regulations. Additionally, operators may face legal action that could impact their operational licenses and reputation, underscoring the importance of adhering to these safety mandates.