AD/B747/162 - Overhead Stowage Bin

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, were enacted to regulate the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. The regulations address various safety concerns and operational standards to ensure the safe operation of aircraft. A specific piece of legislation within this framework is the Airworthiness Directive AD/B747/162, which was introduced to address the issue of overhead stowage bins in Boeing 747 series aeroplanes falling out of position due to missing hinge bolts. This problem posed a safety risk to passengers and crew. The policy objective of this directive is to mandate a visual inspection to verify the installation of hinge bolts and nuts in the overhead bins, thereby preventing the risk of injury from falling bins. Compliance with this directive was required before 20 September 1996.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to Boeing 747-100, -200, and -300 series aircraft as referenced in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3095 Revision 1. This regulation is applicable to the Commonwealth of Australia and governs the safety standards that must be met by these aircraft to ensure compliance with airworthiness directives. The requirement detailed in AD/B747/162 pertains to a visual inspection of the overhead bins to confirm the presence of hinge bolts and nuts, in accordance with the specified Boeing bulletins. If any hinge bolts or nuts are missing, they must be installed to prevent the bins from detaching and potentially causing harm to passengers. This directive mandates compliance by 20 September 1996, referencing FAA AD 96-07-10 Amdt 39-9559 for additional context. The regulation does not provide information on exclusions or exemptions but is applicable to all relevant aircraft within its scope.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of AD/B747/162 (sections 1 and 2) require a visual inspection of the hinge bolts and nuts in the overhead stowage bins of Boeing 747-100, -200, and -300 series aircraft. If the hinge bolts and nuts are installed, no further action is required (section 2(a)). However, if any hinge bolt or nut is missing, it must be installed in accordance with either Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3095 or its Revision 1 (section 2(b)). The compliance date for these requirements is set before 20 September 1996, unless the action has already been completed. The Act imposes several obligations and requirements on the parties governed by this directive. Primarily, it mandates a visual inspection of the overhead bins to ensure that all hinge bolts and nuts are correctly installed. This inspection must be performed on the specified Boeing 747 models and must adhere to the guidelines provided in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3095 or its Revision 1. If any discrepancies are found, such as missing hinge bolts or nuts, the relevant parts must be installed promptly to prevent any potential safety hazards. The directive also references FAA AD 96-07-10 Amdt 39-9559, indicating that the requirements are in line with international safety standards. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/B747/162 could result in severe consequences. The potential outcomes include the risk of overhead bins falling out of position, which could endanger aircraft occupants. Although the specific civil or criminal penalties are not detailed within the text, non-compliance with safety directives under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can lead to significant penalties, including fines and potential criminal charges for endangering public safety. The maximum penalties for breaches of such regulations can vary, but they are designed to ensure that all safety directives are strictly adhered to in order to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety.