COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B747/213 E-42 Satellite Communications Rack 11/99
Applicability: Model 747-400 series aircraft as listed in Flight Structures Alert Service Bulletins 92FS082-53-A1, 92FS024-53-A1, and 94FS409-53-A2, all dated March 2 1999, and
94FS448-53-A1, dated February 12 1999.
Requirement: Perform detailed visual inspection in accordance with the technical requirements of FAA AD 99-16-10 Amdt 39-11245.
Compliance: At the thresholds and repeat inspection intervals specified in the Requirement document, with a revised effective date of 4 November 1999.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 4 November 1999.
Background: The FAA received reports of fatigue cracking and broken and/or missing fasteners found on the E-42 satellite communications (SATCOM) rack structure that attaches to the fuselage structure on several Model 747-300 and -400 series aircraft.
Investigation revealed that one of the four stanchions was completely broken on two aircraft.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, include the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically addressing Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes. This legislative instrument, identified as F2006B03113, was introduced to address safety concerns related to the E-42 Satellite Communications Rack in Model 747-400 series aircraft. Enacted by the Australian Parliament, the policy objective is to ensure the safe operation of civil aviation by mandating detailed visual inspections of the SATCOM rack structure to prevent potential fatigue cracking and issues with fasteners, as reported by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This directive became effective on 4 November 1999, requiring compliance with the specified thresholds and inspection intervals as outlined in FAA AD 99-16-10 Amdt 39-11245.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to the Boeing 747-400 series aircraft as identified in the Flight Structures Alert Service Bulletins issued on March 2, 1999, and February 12, 1999. These regulations mandate a detailed visual inspection of the E-42 Satellite Communications Rack in accordance with the technical requirements of FAA AD 99-16-10 Amendment 39-11245. Compliance with these requirements is mandatory at the specified thresholds and repeat inspection intervals, with the effective date revised to November 4, 1999. This Airworthiness Directive was issued following reports of fatigue cracking, broken, and missing fasteners in the E-42 SATCOM rack structure, which is attached to the fuselage structure of the specified aircraft models. The directive aims to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the affected aircraft by addressing the structural integrity of the SATCOM rack.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of this Airworthiness Directive (AD/B747/213) pertain specifically to the Boeing 747-400 series aircraft listed in the Flight Structures Alert Service Bulletins, namely 92FS082-53-A1, 92FS024-53-A1, 94FS409-53-A2, and 94FS448-53-A1. Section 1 details the applicability of the directive, which includes certain Model 747-400 series aircraft identified by the aforementioned service bulletins. Section 2 outlines the requirement to perform a detailed visual inspection of the E-42 satellite communications rack structure that attaches to the fuselage. This inspection must adhere to the technical requirements specified in FAA AD 99-16-10 Amdt 39-11245. Section 3 establishes the compliance schedule, stipulating the specific thresholds and repeat inspection intervals as outlined in the requirement document, with a revised effective date of 4 November 1999. Finally, Section 4 states that the Airworthiness Directive itself becomes effective on 4 November 1999.
The obligations imposed by this Airworthiness Directive on the parties or entities it governs are quite specific. Aircraft operators must ensure that the identified Model 747-400 series aircraft are inspected according to the detailed visual inspection requirements of FAA AD 99-16-10 Amdt 39-11245. This involves closely examining the E-42 satellite communications rack structure for signs of fatigue cracking and broken or missing fasteners. Operators must adhere to the compliance schedule specified in the directive, which includes performing inspections at the designated thresholds and intervals. It is also essential that these inspections are documented and records are maintained to demonstrate compliance with the Airworthiness Directive.
Failure to comply with the requirements of this Airworthiness Directive may result in civil and/or criminal consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce compliance and may take action against non-compliant aircraft operators. Potential consequences include fines, penalties, and in severe cases, the grounding of the non-compliant aircraft until the necessary inspections are completed and compliance is achieved. The specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the directive, but they can include both financial penalties and legal action. Additionally, operators may face reputational damage and increased scrutiny from regulatory authorities, which can impact their operations and ability to conduct flights.