Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), provide a comprehensive framework for the regulation of civil aviation in Australia. One specific aspect of this legislation is addressed by the Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes. Enacted to address safety concerns regarding structural integrity, specifically fatigue cracks in the wing front spar, this directive was introduced to ensure the continued airworthiness of these aircraft. The AD was issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 by a delegate of CASA, aiming to mandate necessary corrective actions to prevent unsafe conditions. The policy objective of this directive is to maintain the highest safety standards in civil aviation by requiring specific inspections and maintenance actions on affected aircraft models.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39-105, which pertains to Airworthiness Directives, applies to the Boeing 747 series aeroplanes. This directive is issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address a safety concern related to the wing front spar of the aircraft. The directive applies to Model 747-100 and -200 series aircraft as listed in Boeing Service Bulletin (SB) 747-57-2305 Revision 1. The requirement is that inspections and corrective actions must be performed according to the specific instructions provided in the Boeing Service Bulletin, with a compliance deadline set for 20 April 2000. The directive was issued due to reports of cracks in the upper chord of the wing front spar which could lead to reduced structural integrity and potential fuel leakage onto the engine, resulting in a fire hazard. This directive applies nationally across Australia and is enforceable under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and associated regulations. The directive is published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, ensuring it is accessible and applicable to all relevant parties including aircraft operators, maintenance providers, and regulatory bodies.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39, Section 105, under the legislative instrument F2006B03123, details an Airworthiness Directive (AD) specifically for Boeing 747 Series aeroplanes. The directive, AD/B747/222, concerns the wing front spar upper and lower chords of Model 747-100 and -200 series aircraft and mandates specific actions to address identified safety concerns. This directive was issued on 8 March 2000 by Bernard Malcolm Hole, a delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), and became effective on 20 April 2000. The applicability of this AD is limited to the Boeing 747-100 and -200 series aircraft listed in Boeing Service Bulletin (SB) 747-57-2305 Revision 1, dated 21 January 1999. The requirement section specifies that inspections and actions must be performed as outlined in the Requirement document for initial and repetitive inspections, with the effective date set for 20 April 2000. Completion of "Part 2 - Terminating Action" of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing SB 747-57-2305 Revision 1 is considered the terminating action for the AD’s requirements. The directive references FAA AD 2000-03-01 Amdt 39-11558, indicating coordination with international aviation safety standards. Compliance with the AD involves adhering to the specified inspection and action timelines, ensuring that the necessary maintenance and inspections are carried out by the effective date. Failure to comply with the AD may result in significant safety risks, including potential structural failure and fuel leakage that could lead to fires. The directive is published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 22 March 2000, ensuring that all relevant parties are informed of the mandatory requirements. Any breaches of the AD may lead to severe consequences, including potential grounding of non-compliant aircraft, which could have significant operational and financial implications for operators. Additionally, there may be civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance, as outlined in relevant aviation safety regulations. The exact penalties can vary, but they can include substantial fines and, in severe cases, criminal charges against responsible individuals or entities. Ensuring adherence to the AD is critical to maintaining the safety and airworthiness of Boeing 747 Series aircraft within Australian airspace.