AD/B747/206 - Upper Link Assembly on Number 2 and Number 3 Engine Struts

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, introduce the Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes Airworthiness Directive AD/B747/206, effective 15 July 1999. This directive was introduced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in response to reports of corrosion and cracks at the fasteners attaching to the aft end of the upper link assembly on the number 2 and number 3 engine struts of Boeing 747 series aircraft equipped with certain engines. The directive mandates compliance with the technical requirements of FAA AD 99-08-01 Amendment 39 - 11105, aiming to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the specified aircraft. Compliance involves initial and repeat inspections as outlined in the requirement document, with a revised effective date of 15 July 1999. The policy objective of this Airworthiness Directive is to mitigate safety risks associated with the identified structural issues by enforcing specific inspection and maintenance protocols. This directive ensures that the identified safety concerns are addressed promptly, thereby maintaining the integrity and reliability of the affected aircraft in operation. The directive refers to Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-54A2187 for further details.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates that the Airworthiness Directive AD/B747/206 applies to all Boeing 747 series aeroplanes in line positions 1 through 886 that are equipped with either Pratt & Whitney JT9D-3 or -7, or General Electric CF6-45 or -50 engine struts. This regulation, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensures that these aircraft meet specific safety standards by addressing issues of corrosion and cracks at the fasteners that connect the upper link assembly to the engine struts on the number 2 and number 3 engines. Compliance with this directive requires adherence to the technical requirements outlined in FAA AD 99-08-01 Amdt 39-11105, with initial and repeat inspections mandated according to the specified schedule. The directive became effective on 15 July 1999, ensuring that all affected aircraft are inspected and any necessary maintenance actions are undertaken to maintain airworthiness. The scope of this directive is limited to the specified Boeing 747 series aeroplanes with the particular engine struts mentioned. No exemptions or exclusions are stated within the text, though the regulation may be further clarified or extended through subordinate instruments. The application of this directive is enforced across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring a uniform standard of aircraft safety and maintenance.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate stringent requirements for maintaining the airworthiness of Boeing 747 series aeroplanes. Section 105 of the schedule of Airworthiness Directives, AD/B747/206, focuses on the upper link assembly on the number 2 and number 3 engine struts, effective from 15 July 1999. This directive applies to Boeing 747 aircraft in line positions 1 through 886 equipped with Pratt & Whitney JT9D-3 or -7, or General Electric CF6-45 or -50 engine struts. The directive requires action in accordance with the technical requirements of FAA AD 99-08-01 Amdt 39-11105, with reference to Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-54A2187. Operators of Boeing 747 series aeroplanes are obligated to conduct initial and repeat inspections as specified in the requirement document. These inspections are crucial to ensure the integrity of the upper link assembly on the number 2 and number 3 engine struts, addressing corrosion and cracks reported at the four fasteners that attach to the aft end. Compliance with these requirements is necessary to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft, ensuring safety and operational standards are met. Failure to comply with the provisions of this Airworthiness Directive can lead to significant consequences. The regulations do not explicitly outline specific penalties or legal consequences for non-compliance in the provided text, but non-compliance can result in severe safety risks, potentially leading to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Such actions could include grounding of the aircraft, fines, and other regulatory sanctions which aim to enforce adherence to safety standards. Additionally, the directive’s effective date of 15 July 1999 means that any non-compliance from that date onwards would be subject to scrutiny and possible enforcement measures. The safety of passengers and crew, as well as the overall integrity of the aviation system, is paramount, and these directives are in place to mitigate any potential risks associated with the identified issues.