COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B747/19 Lightning Protection of Fuel System - Modification 12/79
Applicability: All models.
Document: 1. FAA AD 79-20-11, Amdt. 39-3583; or
2. Boeing SBs 747-28-2068 Rev. 3, 747-28-2069 Rev. 1 and 747-28-2084, Rev. 1.
Compliance: Before 31 January 1981.
Background: A review of the effects of lightning strikes to the B747 aeroplane over a 4-5 year period has prompted modifications to ensure a positive electrical path to ground to voltages that may occur due to a lightning strike to the aeroplane.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Government and administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), were established to ensure the safety of civil aviation within Australia. The regulations provide a comprehensive framework that governs all aspects of aviation operations, including airworthiness directives aimed at maintaining the highest safety standards. One such directive, AD/B747/19, pertains to the lightning protection of the fuel system in Boeing 747 series aeroplanes, reflecting the need to address potential vulnerabilities identified from previous lightning strike incidents. The directive mandates modifications to ensure a positive electrical path to ground, mitigating risks associated with lightning strikes. This regulatory approach underscores the policy objective of protecting the integrity and safety of aircraft operations within Australian airspace.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s schedule of airworthiness directives for the Boeing 747 series aeroplanes. This legislation applies to all models of the Boeing 747 aeroplanes operating within Australia, thereby enforcing compliance with specific airworthiness directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The directive, AD/B747/19, mandates modifications to the lightning protection of the fuel system to mitigate risks associated with lightning strikes, ensuring a positive electrical path to ground. Compliance with this directive is required before 31 January 1981, as evidenced by adherence to either FAA AD 79-20-11, Amendment 39-3583, or Boeing Service Bulletins 747-28-2068 Rev. 3, 747-28-2069 Rev. 1, and 747-28-2084 Rev. 1. This regulation underscores the importance of maintaining stringent safety standards in civil aviation to protect both the aircraft and its occupants from potential hazards.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 105, details the requirements for the lightning protection of fuel systems on Boeing 747 series aeroplanes, as outlined in Airworthiness Directive AD/B747/19. This directive mandates modifications to ensure a positive electrical path to ground, protecting the aeroplane from voltages that might result from a lightning strike (AD/B747/19). The modifications are to be implemented in accordance with either FAA AD 79-20-11, Amendment 39-3583, or Boeing Service Bulletins 747-28-2068 Rev. 3, 747-28-2069 Rev. 1, and 747-28-2084 Rev. 1, with compliance required before 31 January 1981 (AD/B747/19).
Entities and individuals governed by this regulation must ensure that the specified modifications are made to the fuel systems of all Boeing 747 series aeroplanes. This includes conducting a thorough review of the aeroplane's electrical systems to identify any vulnerabilities and implementing the required changes as per the outlined documents. The modifications should be completed by the specified compliance date to maintain the aeroplane's airworthiness and to safeguard against potential damage from lightning strikes (AD/B747/19).
Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/B747/19 may result in significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may take enforcement action against non-compliant entities, including issuing fines, grounding the aeroplane, or even pursuing criminal charges in severe cases. The exact penalties for non-compliance are not specified in the legislation, but they can be severe, reflecting the importance of adhering to safety regulations to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of passengers and crew (AD/B747/19). It is imperative for operators to stay abreast of these requirements and ensure strict adherence to maintain compliance and avoid potential legal repercussions.