AD/B747/170 - Main Entry Door Girt Bar Support Fitting

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, are designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within the country. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 of these regulations pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes detailed safety mandates for various aircraft types. One such directive, AD/B747/170, focuses on the Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes, requiring the inspection of the main entry door girt bar support fitting to prevent corrosion that could compromise emergency operations. This directive was introduced in response to reports of corrosion on the floor structure supports for the escape slides of the main deck entry doors, which could lead to separation and malfunction during deployment. Compliance with this directive is necessary to maintain the safety standards mandated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The specific directive AD/B747/170 applies to the Boeing 747 series with line numbers 1 through 868, excluding freighters and special freighters. It mandates inspection according to FAA AD 96-23-05 Amdt 39-9810, referencing Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53A2378 Revision 1, with compliance required by an effective date of 27 February 1997. The directive was introduced following reports of corrosion issues that could result in the separation of the escape slide from the lower door sill during deployment, thereby posing a significant risk during emergencies. The policy objective is to ensure the airworthiness and safety of these aircraft by addressing structural integrity issues proactively.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to Boeing 747 series aeroplanes with line numbers 1 through 868, with the exclusion of freighter and special freighter variants. This regulation is applicable to all relevant aircraft operating within Australia, ensuring adherence to safety standards mandated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The directive requires inspections in accordance with FAA AD 96-23-05 Amendment 39-9810, with Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53A2378 Revision 1 providing further reference material. Compliance with these directives is mandatory, with an effective date of 27 February 1997, following reports of corrosion in the floor structure supports for the escape slides of the main deck entry doors. Uncontrolled corrosion in this area could lead to the separation of the escape slide from the lower door sill during deployment, thus compromising the aircraft's emergency evacuation capabilities.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39, Section 105, includes specific Airworthiness Directives (ADs) that govern the maintenance and safety of aircraft. One such directive, AD/B747/170, pertains to Boeing 747 series aeroplanes and requires the inspection of the main entry door girt bar support fitting (subsection 3/97). This directive applies to Boeing 747 series models with line numbers ranging from 1 through 868, with the exception of freighters and special freighters. The inspection must be conducted in accordance with FAA AD 96-23-05 Amendment 39-9810, and it references Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53A2378 Revision 1 for further guidance. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be achieved by the effective date of 27 February 1997. The obligations under AD/B747/170 are clear and specific. Operators and maintainers of Boeing 747 series aeroplanes must ensure that the main entry door girt bar support fitting is inspected as per the outlined FAA and Boeing procedures. This involves checking for signs of corrosion, which, if left uncontrolled, could lead to structural failure during emergency slide deployment. The directive mandates that any findings or necessary corrective actions must be documented and adhered to strictly. Failure to comply with this AD can result in significant safety risks, as the structural integrity of the main entry door is crucial for emergency evacuation procedures. Breaching the requirements set forth in AD/B747/170 can have serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) takes non-compliance very seriously, and violations may lead to enforcement actions. Potential penalties for failing to adhere to this AD can include fines, suspension or revocation of aircraft operating certificates, and possible criminal charges. The maximum penalties for such breaches can vary, but they are designed to ensure high levels of compliance and safety within the aviation industry. Operators must ensure that all maintenance and inspection activities are carried out meticulously to avoid any legal or safety repercussions. In summary, AD/B747/170 is a critical directive aimed at maintaining the safety and airworthiness of Boeing 747 series aeroplanes by requiring regular inspections of the main entry door girt bar support fitting. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and involves specific inspection protocols as outlined by the FAA and Boeing. Failure to comply not only poses significant safety risks but also results in severe penalties, including potential fines, suspension of operational licenses, and criminal charges. It is imperative for all parties governed by these regulations to adhere strictly to the stipulated requirements to ensure the highest standards of aviation safety are maintained.