COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B747/166 Replacement of Hydraulic Fuses 2/97
Applicability: Model 747-100, -200, -300 and SP series aeroplanes, as identified in Boeing Service Letter 747-SL-32-19, dated January 16, 1980, certificated in any category.
Requirement: Waterman hydraulic fuse assemblies part number (P/N) G905-120 are to be replaced with PneuDraulics Hydraulic Fuse Assembly P/N 6105 in accordance with Boeing Service Letter 747-SL-32-19 dated January 16, 1980.
Note: FAA AD 96-22-11 refers.
Compliance: Requirements above are to be completed within 24 months of the effective date of this Directive.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 30 January 1997.
Background: The FAA has received reports of failure of Waterman hydraulic fuses which lead to hydraulic system failures. The fuses failed due to corrosion of the magnesium pistons in the fuses which then failed to close when required. Replacement of the fuses prevents this failure mode and the resultant possibility of reduced controllability of the aircraft through hydraulic system loss.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the issue of ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft through the issuance of Airworthiness Directives. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, this legislation aims to maintain and enhance aviation safety by directing the replacement of certain components that pose a risk to the structural integrity and operational safety of aircraft. The directive in question, AD/B747/166, mandates the replacement of Waterman hydraulic fuses in Boeing 747 series aeroplanes with PneuDraulics Hydraulic Fuse Assemblies to prevent failures caused by corrosion. This change is intended to avert potential hydraulic system failures, thereby maintaining the controllability and safety of the aircraft. Compliance with these directives is critical for operators of these aircraft types to ensure they meet the safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses the safety requirements for Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes through Airworthiness Directive AD/B747/166. This legislation applies to Model 747-100, -200, -300, and SP series aeroplanes that are certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Service Letter 747-SL-32-19 dated January 16, 1980. The directive mandates the replacement of Waterman hydraulic fuse assemblies part number G905-120 with PneuDraulics Hydraulic Fuse Assembly P/N 6105, following the same service letter. This requirement is imperative to prevent hydraulic system failures that could arise from the corrosion of magnesium pistons in the existing fuses, which may lead to a loss of controllability of the aircraft. Compliance with this directive must be achieved within 24 months of the directive's effective date of January 30, 1997. This legislation underscores the importance of maintaining airworthiness standards to ensure the safety of civil aviation operations within the Commonwealth of Australia.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the safety standards for various types of aircraft, including the Boeing 747 series aeroplanes. One such provision is the Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/B747/166, which pertains to the replacement of hydraulic fuses on Boeing 747-100, -200, -300 and SP series aeroplanes. Section 105 of the regulations mandates that Waterman hydraulic fuse assemblies, part number G905-120, must be replaced with PneuDraulics Hydraulic Fuse Assembly, part number 6105, in compliance with Boeing Service Letter 747-SL-32-19 dated January 16, 1980. This directive is applicable to all Boeing 747 series aeroplanes certificated in any category. The requirement must be completed within 24 months from the effective date of the directive, which is 30 January 1997.
Under these regulations, the obligations imposed on the operators and owners of Boeing 747 series aeroplanes are clear: they must ensure that the specified hydraulic fuses are replaced as per the directive. This involves adhering to the detailed instructions provided in Boeing Service Letter 747-SL-32-19 and ensuring that the replacement fuses are installed correctly. Failure to comply with this directive could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, thereby rendering it ineligible for operation until the required modifications are made. Additionally, the directive references FAA AD 96-22-11, indicating that operators must be aware of and comply with related Federal Aviation Administration requirements.
Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in AD/B747/166 can lead to serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly state the penalties for non-compliance with this specific directive; however, non-compliance with airworthiness directives generally can result in significant civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties may include fines and the possibility of grounding the aircraft. Criminal penalties can include imprisonment, reflecting the seriousness with which the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) treats non-compliance with airworthiness directives. The potential for reduced controllability of the aircraft due to hydraulic system failure underscores the importance of adhering to these safety requirements.