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.
Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B747/248 Oxygen Generators 7/2001 DM
Applicability: Model 747 series aeroplanes, equipped with chemical oxygen generators, as listed in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin B747-35-2111 dated 1 March 2001.
Requirement: 1. For airplanes having any chemical oxygen generator and/or passenger, attendant, or lavatory service unit assembly that contains a chemical oxygen generator that has been replaced, carry out a detailed visual inspection of the chemical oxygen generator of the applicable assembly to verify correct installation of the release pin in the generator firing mechanism in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Service Bulletin (SB) B747-35-2111.
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: The release pin and safety pin are located in the generator firing mechanism. The safety pin hole is the hole in the generator firing mechanism that is closest to the main body of the generator. The release pin hole is the hole in the generator firing mechanism located furthest from the main body of the generator. The centre axis of the release pin hole is perpendicular to the centre axis of the safety pin hole.
Note 3: Inspections and corrective action carried out before the effective date of this Directive, per Boeing Telex M-7200-00-02474, dated 9, 13, 19, or 31October 2000; or Boeing Telex M-7200-00-03040, dated 18 December 2000; are considered acceptable for compliance with the initial inspection and corrective action specified in Requirement 1. However, prior accomplishment of the inspections and corrective action specified in the telexes does not eliminate the need for the inspection each time an oxygen generator is replaced.
2. If any discrepancy is found during the Requirement 1 inspection carry out the corrective action per SB B747-35-2111.
Note 4: FAA AD 2001-10-14 Amdt 39-12240 refers.
Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B747/248 (Continued)
Compliance: For Requirement 1 - Initially, within 90 days after the effective date of this Directive.
In addition, before further flight, after each replacement of any chemical oxygen generator and/or passenger, attendant, or lavatory service unit assembly that contains a chemical oxygen generator.
For Requirement 2 - Before further flight after the Requirement 1 inspection. This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 9 June 2001.
Background: This Directive requires the repetitive inspection of any chemical oxygen generators and/or passenger, attendant, or lavatory service unit assemblies of the passenger oxygen system that have been replaced. This inspection is to verify correct installation of the release pin in the generator firing mechanism of the oxygen generator. The Directive also requires any necessary corrective action to be accomplished.
This action is necessary to find and fix incorrect installation of the release pin in the generator firing mechanism, which could result in the unavailability of supplemental oxygen and possible incapacitation of passengers and cabin crew during an in-flight decompression.
Eugene Paul Holzapfel
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 29 May 2001
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 6 June 2001.
Overview
The Airworthiness Directive AD/B747/248 issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in 2001 addresses the safety issue of improperly installed chemical oxygen generators in Boeing 747 series aeroplanes. This legislation aims to rectify the potential unsafe condition that could lead to the unavailability of supplemental oxygen, potentially causing incapacitation of passengers and crew during an in-flight decompression. CASA, acting under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, has mandated that a thorough visual inspection be conducted whenever a chemical oxygen generator is replaced to ensure the correct installation of the release pin in the generator firing mechanism. The directive specifies a detailed inspection procedure and outlines the corrective actions required if any discrepancies are found. The objective is to enhance flight safety by preventing malfunctions related to the oxygen supply system.
Scope and Application
This Airworthiness Directive issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998 applies specifically to Boeing 747 series aeroplanes that are equipped with chemical oxygen generators, as detailed in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin B747-35-2111 dated 1 March 2001. The directive mandates that a detailed visual inspection must be conducted on the chemical oxygen generator of any applicable assembly containing a replaced generator, in order to verify the correct installation of the release pin in the generator firing mechanism. This requirement must be carried out in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions provided in the service bulletin. The directive also stipulates corrective actions to be taken if any discrepancies are found during the inspection, as per the same service bulletin. The initial inspection must be completed within 90 days of the directive's effective date, with subsequent inspections required before further flight after each replacement of any chemical oxygen generator and/or passenger, attendant, or lavatory service unit assembly containing a chemical oxygen generator. This Airworthiness Directive extends its application across the Commonwealth of Australia, as notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD/B747/248) pertains to Boeing 747 series aeroplanes equipped with chemical oxygen generators, specifically those listed in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin B747-35-2111 dated 1 March 2001. The AD mandates that a detailed visual inspection be conducted on the chemical oxygen generators whenever they are replaced, or whenever the relevant assemblies are replaced. This inspection is necessary to ensure that the release pin is correctly installed in the generator firing mechanism, as per the Accomplishment Instructions of Service Bulletin (SB) B747-35-2111. This directive requires the inspection to be conducted initially within 90 days of the AD's effective date, and subsequently, before any further flight after the replacement of any chemical oxygen generator or relevant assembly (sections 1 and 3). If any discrepancy is found during this inspection, corrective action must be taken immediately before any further flight (section 2).
Operators and owners of the affected aircraft must ensure compliance with the AD by conducting the required inspections and corrective actions. This includes having trained personnel perform the detailed visual inspections and making any necessary repairs or adjustments to the oxygen generators to ensure they are installed correctly. Operators must also maintain records of all inspections and corrective actions taken, as well as the dates on which they were performed. This ensures that the aircraft remain airworthy and compliant with the AD. The AD applies to all Boeing 747 series aeroplanes that have chemical oxygen generators and/or passenger, attendant, or lavatory service unit assemblies containing such generators (section 4).
Failure to comply with this AD may result in civil or criminal penalties. The AD is a legal requirement, and non-compliance could lead to enforcement action by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Potential penalties for non-compliance may include fines or other legal sanctions. The seriousness of the consequences underscores the importance of adhering to the AD's provisions to ensure the safety of passengers and crew during flight. CASA is responsible for monitoring compliance with the AD and may take enforcement action against operators who fail to comply with its requirements. This could include fines, suspension or revocation of operating certificates, or other legal action as deemed necessary (section 5).