COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes
AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
AD/B747/233 Horizontal Stabiliser Fuel Tank Wire Bundles 10/2000
Applicability: Model 747-400 series aeroplanes having line numbers (L/N) 1162 through 1223, except L/N 1174; equipped with horizontal stabiliser fuel tanks.
Requirement: 1. Perform a one-time detailed visual inspection in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 747-28A2232, Revision 1, dated 22 June 2000 of wire bundles routed to the fuel tank transfer pumps in the horizontal stabiliser to determine if wire bundles W4601 and W4602 are routed correctly and to detect damage. If the wire bundles are routed correctly and no damage is detected, no further action is required by this Directive.
2. If either wire bundle is determined to be incorrectly routed, but damage is not detected, reroute the affected wire bundle in accordance with the ASB.
3. If any damage is detected (whether the wire bundles are routed properly or not), repair the affected wire bundle and route the wire bundle correctly, as applicable, in accordance with the ASB.
Inspections and corrective actions accomplished prior to the effective date of this Directive in accordance with Boeing ASB 747-28A2232, dated 2 March 2000, are acceptable for compliance with the applicable action specified in this amendment.
Note 1: For the purposes of this Directive, a detailed visual inspection is defined as: "An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required."
Note 2: FAA AD 2000-15-02 Amdt 39-11831 refers.
Compliance: For Requirement 1 - Within 60 days after the effective date of this Directive.
For Requirement 2 - Before further flight. For Requirement 3 - Before further flight.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 5 October 2000.
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Background: The United States Federal Aviation Administration received a report indicating that, during a production flight test, the flight crew reported the advisory message "FUEL PMP STAB R" and the caution message "FUEL STAB XFR" were displayed on the engine indicating and crew alerting system. Inspection revealed that a wire bundle routed to the fuel tank transfer pumps in the horizontal stabiliser was "pinched" between the head of a clamp fastener and adjacent structure. Evidence of arcing was also detected. Investigation then revealed that the wire bundle was routed incorrectly through a clamp near the transfer pump. This condition, if not corrected, could result in electrical arcing and a possible fire adjacent to the fuel tank.
This Directive requires a one-time inspection to determine if wire bundles W4601 and W4602 are routed incorrectly and to detect damage, and corrective actions, if necessary.
Eugene Paul Holzapfel
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 25 August 2000
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 6 September 2000.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, were introduced to establish comprehensive safety standards for civil aviation within the country. These regulations provide the legal framework for ensuring that all aircraft and aeronautical products meet the necessary safety requirements to operate in Australian airspace. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is tasked with enforcing these regulations, including issuing airworthiness directives to address safety concerns. One such directive, AD/B747/233 issued in 2000, was aimed at addressing a specific safety issue identified in Boeing 747-400 series aeroplanes. This Airworthiness Directive required a detailed visual inspection of the wire bundles in the horizontal stabiliser fuel tanks to ensure they were correctly routed and undamaged, with corrective actions mandated if any issues were found. This measure was introduced in response to reports of potential electrical arcing and fire hazards due to incorrect wiring, with the overarching policy objective being to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, encompasses a broad range of safety directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure the continued airworthiness of aircraft. This legislation applies to aircraft operators and owners of specific models of aircraft, in this case, Boeing 747-400 series aeroplanes with line numbers 1162 through 1223, except line number 1174, that are equipped with horizontal stabiliser fuel tanks. The geographic reach of this regulation is national, ensuring compliance across all states and territories within Australia. The directive mandates specific actions to be taken regarding the inspection and possible repair of wire bundles associated with the fuel tank transfer pumps in the horizontal stabiliser. This is intended to rectify any unsafe conditions identified during the inspection, such as incorrect routing of wire bundles or detected damage, to prevent potential electrical arcing and fires. Compliance with the directive is mandatory and must be achieved within specified timeframes, with immediate corrective action required if any unsafe conditions are identified during the inspection.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses airworthiness directives (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). In this instance, AD/B747/233 pertains to Boeing 747-400 series aeroplanes with line numbers (L/N) 1162 through 1223, excluding L/N 1174, that are equipped with horizontal stabiliser fuel tanks (section 1). This AD mandates a one-time detailed visual inspection of the wire bundles W4601 and W4602 to ensure they are routed correctly and to detect any damage (section 1.1). If the wire bundles are correctly routed and no damage is detected, no further action is required. If either wire bundle is incorrectly routed but no damage is detected, the affected wire bundle must be rerouted (section 1.2). If damage is detected, the affected wire bundle must be repaired and rerouted correctly (section 1.3). The directive defines a detailed visual inspection as an intensive examination of the specific structural area to detect damage, failure, or irregularity (Note 1). The compliance timelines are set at 60 days after the effective date of the directive for the initial inspection and before further flight for any corrective actions (section 3).
The AD imposes specific obligations on the operators of the affected Boeing 747-400 series aeroplanes. They are required to conduct a one-time detailed visual inspection of the wire bundles W4601 and W4602 in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 747-28A2232, Revision 1 (section 1). If the inspection reveals any incorrect routing or damage, the operator must reroute or repair and reroute the affected wire bundle as specified in the ASB (section 1.2 and 1.3). Compliance with these requirements is mandatory and must be completed within the specified timeframes (section 3). Failure to adhere to these obligations could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy.
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance with this AD; however, operating an aircraft that does not meet airworthiness standards is a serious breach of safety regulations. The CASA may take enforcement action against non-compliant operators, which could include fines, suspension of air operator certificates, or other regulatory penalties. Additionally, failure to comply with ADs can result in the aircraft being grounded, which could have significant operational and financial consequences for the operator. Ensuring compliance with airworthiness directives is critical to maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.