COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B747/209 Nacelle Strut Fuse Pins 8/99
Applicability: Model 747-200, and -300 series aircraft equipped with General Electric Model CF6- 80C2 series engines, and Model 747-400 series aircraft; as listed in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-54-2155 Revision 2; except those aircraft on which modification of the strut/wing structure have been accomplished in accordance with either FAA AD 95- 13-05 or AD 95-13-06.
Requirement: Action in accordance with the technical requirements of FAA AD 99-10-10 Amdt 39- 11163.
Compliance: As specified in the Requirement Document with a revised effective date of 12 August 1999.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 12 August 1999.
Background: The FAA received reports of cracked fuse pins in the upper link, midspar fittings, and diagonal brace of the nacelle strut due to fatigue and corrosion. Cracks or corrosion of the fuse pins could result in failure of the fuse pin and strut-to-wing attachment.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, incorporates a legislative instrument issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address specific safety concerns regarding Boeing 747 series aeroplanes. The Airworthiness Directive AD/B747/209, titled "Nacelle Strut Fuse Pins," was enacted to rectify issues related to cracked fuse pins due to fatigue and corrosion, which could potentially lead to the failure of the strut-to-wing attachment. The directive applies to certain Boeing 747-200, -300, and -400 series aircraft equipped with specific General Electric engines, as detailed in the directive. The objective of this regulation is to ensure compliance with the technical requirements set out in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airworthiness Directive AD 99-10-10 Amdt 39-11163, thereby maintaining the safety standards required for these aircraft in Australian airspace.
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by CASA, aim to mitigate safety risks through the enforcement of Airworthiness Directives that align with international safety standards. This particular directive was introduced following reports of structural integrity issues in the nacelle strut fuse pins of certain Boeing 747 models. The directive mandates specific actions to be taken to address these issues, ensuring that affected aircraft meet the necessary safety criteria. By adhering to the requirements outlined in FAA AD 99-10-10 Amdt 39-11163, the regulation seeks to prevent potential in-flight failures and maintain the overall safety and reliability of civil aviation operations within Australia.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate the applicability of Airworthiness Directives (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). In this instance, AD/B747/209 pertains to Boeing 747 series aeroplanes, including models 747-200, -300, and -400 equipped with General Electric CF6-80C2 series engines. The directive applies to aircraft listed in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-54-2155 Revision 2, except for those that have already undergone modifications of the strut/wing structure in accordance with FAA AD 95-13-05 or AD 95-13-06. The directive’s objective is to address reports of cracked fuse pins in the nacelle strut, which could lead to the failure of the strut-to-wing attachment, posing a safety risk. Compliance with this directive requires adherence to the technical requirements outlined in FAA AD 99-10-10 Amendment 39-11163, with a revised effective date of 12 August 1999. This AD became effective on the same date, underscoring the importance of timely compliance to ensure aviation safety. The regulations extend across the Commonwealth of Australia, encompassing all relevant entities and industries within the specified jurisdiction.
Key Provisions
The primary operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39-105, address airworthiness directives for specific aircraft models. Section AD/B747/209 focuses on Boeing 747 series aeroplanes, detailing the requirements for nacelle strut fuse pins. The directive applies to Boeing 747-200, -300 series aircraft with General Electric CF6-80C2 series engines, and Model 747-400 series aircraft, excluding those that have already had modifications according to FAA AD 95-13-05 or AD 95-13-06. The directive mandates compliance with the technical requirements set out in FAA AD 99-10-10 Amdt 39-11163, with an effective date of 12 August 1999.
The obligations under this legislation require aircraft operators to ensure that their Boeing 747 series aircraft meet the specified airworthiness standards for nacelle strut fuse pins. Operators must adhere to the technical requirements and modifications outlined in the FAA AD 99-10-10 Amdt 39-11163. This includes conducting necessary inspections, repairs, or replacements of the fuse pins as specified in the requirement document. Non-compliance with these obligations could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, thereby impacting its operational status and potentially leading to safety hazards.
Breaches of these airworthiness directives can result in serious consequences. The legislation imposes penalties for non-compliance, which may include fines, aircraft grounding, and potential criminal charges. The severity of the penalties is dependent on the nature and extent of the breach. For instance, operating an aircraft that does not comply with these airworthiness standards could lead to significant fines and criminal prosecution, with maximum penalties depending on the jurisdiction and the specific nature of the breach. Ensuring adherence to these directives is crucial to maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft, thereby protecting both the crew and passengers.