AD/B747/134 - Evacuation Ramp/Slide

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, include specific provisions for ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating within Australian airspace. One such provision, AD/B747/134, addresses the critical issue of evacuation ramp/slide malfunctions in Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes, specifically the 747-100, -200, -300, and -400 series equipped with BFGoodrich evacuation ramp/slides. This directive was introduced in response to reports received by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of malfunctions that could potentially compromise passenger safety during evacuations. The policy objective of this legislation is to mandate compliance with the technical requirements outlined in FAA AD 94-17-09 Amdt 39-9004, ensuring that the identified aircraft meet safety standards and are maintained in a state of airworthiness. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued this directive to ensure that the specified Boeing 747 series aircraft are fitted with evacuation ramp/slides that conform to the FAA's requirements, as listed in BFGoodrich Service Bulletin 7A1418-25-253 or its revisions. Compliance with these regulations is crucial to mitigate the risk of evacuation ramp/slide failures, thereby safeguarding the lives of passengers and crew in emergency situations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/B747/134, applies to Boeing 747 series aeroplanes, including models 747-100, -200, -300, and -400, that are equipped with BFGoodrich evacuation ramp/slides as identified in BFGoodrich Service Bulletin 7A1418-25-253 or Revision 2. This legislation mandates compliance with the technical requirements outlined in FAA AD 94-17-09 Amendment 39-9004, which addresses reported issues of evacuation ramp/slide malfunctions. The directive is enforceable across the Commonwealth of Australia, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensuring that all applicable aircraft meet the necessary safety standards. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within this directive; it applies uniformly to all specified aircraft within the Australian jurisdiction. Compliance is to be achieved as specified in the requirement document, and the scope of application may be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39, in particular Schedule 105, outlines the Airworthiness Directives (AD) that govern the maintenance and safety of certain aircraft, such as the Boeing 747 series. Specifically, AD/B747/134 pertains to the evacuation ramp/slide on Boeing 747-100, -200, -300, and -400 series aircraft equipped with BFGoodrich evacuation ramp/slides. The directive mandates compliance with the technical requirements specified in FAA AD 94-17-09 Amdt 39-9004, as referenced in BFGoodrich Service Bulletin 7A1418-25-253, or Revision 2. The directive aims to address reported issues with the evacuation ramp/slide malfunctions, ensuring that these systems are safe and reliable for emergency use. The obligations imposed by this directive are significant. Aircraft operators must ensure that the evacuation ramp/slides on their Boeing 747-100, -200, -300, and -400 series aircraft are in compliance with the technical requirements outlined in FAA AD 94-17-09 Amdt 39-9004. This includes conducting necessary inspections, maintenance, and repairs as specified in the requirement document. The directive also necessitates that all modifications and repairs are performed by personnel who are appropriately certified and qualified, ensuring that the integrity and functionality of the evacuation systems are maintained at the highest safety standards. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/B747/134 may result in severe consequences. Non-compliance could potentially lead to safety hazards during evacuations, putting passengers and crew at risk. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) can impose penalties for breaches of the Civil Aviation Regulations, including fines and potential grounding of the aircraft. The exact penalties for non-compliance are determined by CASA and can vary based on the severity and nature of the breach, but they can be substantial, reflecting the critical nature of maintaining operational safety in aviation.