AD/B747/17 Amdt 2 - Inboard Engine Strut-To-Diagonal Brace Attach Fitting

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, serve as a comprehensive set of rules governing the safety and operation of civil aviation within Australia. One specific amendment within this legislative framework is the Airworthiness Directive AD/B747/17 Amendment 2, which was introduced to address the issue of cracked inboard strut-to-diagonal brace fittings in Boeing 747 series aircraft. This directive was necessitated by reports of cracked fittings found during service, which posed a significant safety risk. The policy objective of this amendment is to ensure the continued airworthiness of the affected aircraft by mandating a thorough inspection and necessary repairs of the specified fittings to prevent any potential failure mid-flight. The enactment of this directive by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority aims to mitigate risks associated with structural integrity and operational safety. It underscores the commitment to maintaining high safety standards within Australia’s civil aviation sector. The directive specifies that operators of Boeing 747 series aircraft must inspect the inboard strut-to-diagonal brace fittings for cracks and take appropriate corrective actions as outlined. This amendment is a critical measure to ensure that all affected aircraft comply with safety standards and continue to operate without compromising the safety of passengers and crew.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, applies to the Boeing 747 series aeroplanes, mandating strict adherence to airworthiness directives as outlined in the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule. This regulation is pertinent to all operators of Boeing 747 series aircraft as listed in Boeing Service Bulletin (SB) 747-54-2062 Rev.7. It requires operators to inspect the inboard strut-to-diagonal brace fittings for any signs of cracking, following the guidelines set by FAA AD 95-20-05 Amdt 39-9383. The compliance with these directives must be carried out as specified in the Requirement Document, with a revised effective date of 4 January 1996. The directive stems from multiple reports of cracked fittings during service, and Amendment 2 responds to subsequent reports of cracking and severing of the attach fittings, expanding the scope of required inspections. The regulation is applicable on a national level within the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced to ensure the safety and reliability of civil aviation operations.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, specifically address the airworthiness directives for Boeing 747 series aeroplanes, with AD/B747/17 Amendment 2 being a key provision. This amendment mandates the inspection of inboard strut-to-diagonal brace fittings for any signs of cracking (section 39 - 105). The directive references FAA AD 95-20-05 Amendment 39-9383 and Boeing Service Bulletin (SB) 747-54-2062 Revision 7 to guide the inspection procedure, ensuring that the fittings are thoroughly examined for any defects that could compromise the structural integrity of the aircraft. The applicability of this directive is specifically for the Boeing 747 series aircraft as detailed in the referenced service bulletin. Entities governed by these regulations, primarily aircraft operators and maintenance providers, are obligated to comply with the inspection requirements set forth in AD/B747/17 Amendment 2. This involves conducting a detailed examination of the inboard strut-to-diagonal brace fittings to detect any cracking, which is crucial for maintaining the aircraft's airworthiness. The compliance with this directive is critical, as it ensures that any identified defects are addressed promptly, thereby preventing potential safety hazards during flight operations. Operators must adhere to the specified inspection protocol and document the findings accurately to ensure regulatory compliance. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive could result in serious consequences, both civil and criminal. Non-compliance may lead to the aircraft being grounded, pending resolution of any identified issues. Civil penalties for non-compliance can include substantial fines, and in severe cases, the regulatory authority may take further action against the operator or maintenance provider. Additionally, criminal charges may be brought against individuals or corporations if it is found that negligence or intentional disregard of the regulations contributed to safety risks. The maximum penalties for such offences can include imprisonment, reflecting the gravity of ensuring aircraft safety and the potential impact of non-compliance on public safety.