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/B747/239 Main Entry Door 1 Forward Edge Frame 3/2001
Applicability: Model 747 series aircraft, line numbers 1 through 685.
Requirement: Inspect in accordance with the technical requirements of FAA AD 2000-24-07 Amdt 39-12014.
Compliance: As specified in the Requirement document with a revised effective date of 22 March 2001.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 22 March 2001.
Background: The FAA received reports of cracking in the frame web, doubler, inner chord, and strap of the forward edge frame of main entry door number 1. Such cracking could result in inability of the edge frame to react door stop loads, and consequent rapid decompression of the aircraft.
David Alan Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 24 January 2001
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 21 February 2001.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998), as amended, form a significant part of the legislative framework governing civil aviation safety in Australia, ensuring the safety of aircraft and those on board. Among these regulations, Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives is particularly pertinent, as it mandates specific directives to address identified safety issues. For instance, Airworthiness Directive AD/B747/239 issued in 2001 under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998, targets the Boeing 747 series aeroplanes, requiring an inspection of the main entry door 1 forward edge frame to prevent cracking that could lead to rapid decompression. This directive was enacted by the delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, reflecting the policy objective to maintain and enhance aviation safety by addressing specific design and operational issues that could compromise the structural integrity of aircraft.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, addresses the issuance of Airworthiness Directives by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure the safe operation of aircraft within the Commonwealth of Australia. This particular AD/B747/239 applies to Boeing 747 series aeroplanes, from line number 1 through 685, requiring inspections of the main entry door 1 forward edge frame in accordance with the technical requirements set out in FAA AD 2000-24-07 Amdt 39-12014. The directive mandates these inspections to mitigate the risk of structural failure, which could lead to rapid decompression of the aircraft, and the compliance with this directive is mandated by CASA, with the directive becoming effective as of 22 March 2001. This AD is applicable nationally, ensuring that all operators of Boeing 747 series aircraft within Australia adhere to the specified safety measures. The directive is enforceable under the authority of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 and is subject to notification in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under subregulation 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) pertains to Boeing 747 series aircraft, specifically line numbers 1 through 685. This directive, identified as AD/B747/239, mandates that an inspection be carried out in accordance with the technical requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) AD 2000-24-07 Amendment 39-12014. This inspection is necessitated by reports of cracking in the forward edge frame of the main entry door number 1, which could lead to the frame's inability to handle door stop loads and result in rapid decompression of the aircraft.
The AD imposes specific obligations on the operators of the affected Boeing 747 aircraft. Operators are required to ensure that the inspection of the forward edge frame of the main entry door number 1 is performed as per the detailed technical requirements outlined in the FAA AD 2000-24-07 Amendment 39-12014. Furthermore, these inspections must be conducted by certified personnel and must adhere to the compliance schedule specified within the directive, which has an effective date of 22 March 2001.
Failure to comply with this AD can result in significant legal and operational consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) can enforce penalties for non-compliance with ADs. Under CAR 1998, non-compliance may lead to civil penalties, which can include fines up to a specified maximum amount. Additionally, continued operation of an aircraft that does not comply with an AD may result in enforcement actions, including grounding of the aircraft, which can have severe operational repercussions for the airline or operator.
In summary, the AD mandates that operators of Boeing 747 series aircraft, specifically those within line numbers 1 to 685, conduct detailed inspections of the main entry door number 1 forward edge frame as per the FAA's technical requirements to prevent potential safety hazards. Non-compliance with these requirements can result in civil penalties and enforcement actions, including the potential grounding of the aircraft.