AD/B747/147 - Stretched Upper Deck Evacuation Slides

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, were enacted to ensure the safety and reliability of civil aviation operations in Australia. One of the key components of these regulations is the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes AD/B747/147 concerning Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to address issues related to the stretched upper deck evacuation slides on Boeing 747-300 and -400 series aircraft, particularly those equipped with BFGoodrich slides, part numbers 7A1323-1 through -110. The primary problem this directive aims to resolve is the reported loss of air pressure and non-inflation of the inflatable tubes of these slides, which is linked to issues with the restraint strap, regulator assembly, and turbo fan flapper retaining roll pins. The policy objective is to ensure that these aircraft are compliant with safety standards by modifying the specified parts according to BFGoodrich Service Bulletin 7A1323-25-266, Revision 1, ensuring safe and effective evacuation procedures in emergency situations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/B747/147 concerning stretched upper deck evacuation slides, applies to Boeing 747-300 and -400 series aircraft that are equipped with BFGoodrich stretched upper deck evacuation slides bearing part numbers 7A1323-1 through 7A1323-110. This regulation is a national measure intended to ensure the airworthiness and safety of the specified aircraft models. Compliance with this directive is required prior to 6 April 1998, necessitating modifications to the designated evacuation slides as per the Accomplishment Instructions of BFGoodrich Service Bulletin 7A1323-25-266, Revision 1. It is important to note that while the Service Bulletin outlines certain product improvements, these are not mandated by this specific Airworthiness Directive. This regulation, falling under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, is a Commonwealth instrument and extends across Australia, governing all civil aviation activities within the nation.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of AD/B747/147 pertain to the modification of stretched upper deck evacuation slides for specific Boeing 747-300 and -400 series aircraft. Section 39.105(1) specifies that the regulation applies to aircraft equipped with BFGoodrich stretched upper deck evacuation slides of particular part numbers. Section 39.105(2) mandates that the slides be modified in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BFGoodrich Service Bulletin 7A1323-25-266, Revision 1. It is important to note that the installation of "product improvements" specified in paragraph 2.J. of the Accomplishment Instructions is not required by this directive, as clarified in Note 1. The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act are primarily focused on ensuring the airworthiness and safety of the affected aircraft. Operators and owners of Boeing 747-300 and -400 series aircraft must comply with the specified modifications to the evacuation slides to prevent issues such as loss of air pressure and non-inflation of the inflatable tubes. This compliance must be achieved prior to the specified date of 6 April 1998, as outlined in section 39.105(3). This ensures that all affected aircraft meet the safety standards necessary for continued operation. The consequences for non-compliance with this directive are significant. Section 39.105(4) indicates that failure to adhere to the specified modifications could result in severe civil or criminal penalties. While the exact penalties are not detailed in the legislative instrument, it is understood that non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These actions may include fines, suspension of airworthiness certificates, or other regulatory sanctions. Additionally, any accidents or incidents resulting from non-compliance could lead to criminal charges under relevant aviation safety legislation. The directive references FAA AD 95-04-08 Amdt 39-9160, which provides further context and background to the modifications required. This amendment was issued in response to reports of specific problems with the restraint strap, regulator assembly, and turbo fan flapper retaining roll pins, which led to issues with air pressure and the inflation of the slides. By mandating these modifications, the regulation aims to mitigate these risks and ensure the safety of passengers and crew during evacuation procedures.