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 B747 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B747/266 Flight Engineer’s Panel Wire Bundle Clamping
2/2002
Applicability: Model 747-100, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747SP, and 747SR series aeroplanes; line numbers 001 through 310 inclusive.
Requirement: 1. Perform a one-time detailed visual inspection for chafing of wire bundles in the area of the forward upper corner of the P4 flight engineer's panel, outboard of the drip shield, paying particular attention to wire bundles W528 and W530.
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.”
2. If, as a result of the Requirement 1 inspection, any chafing is found, repair the chafed wire bundles in accordance with Section 20-10-13 of the Boeing Standard Wiring Practices Manual.
3. Modify the aeroplane by rerouting electrical wire bundle W530 to ensure sufficient clearance between that wire bundle and an adjacent flood light support bracket and installing a caterpillar grommet on the flood light supports, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 747-25A2407, Revision 1, dated 23 September 1999.
Modifications accomplished prior to the effective date of this Directive in accordance with ASB 747-25-2407, dated 18 November 1977, are acceptable for compliance with Requirement 3. However, the detailed visual inspection required by Requirement 1 and any applicable corrective actions required by Requirement 2 must still be accomplished.
Where ASB 747-25A2407, Revision 1, specifies that installation of a caterpillar grommet may be accomplished per "your equivalent procedure,'' the procedures must be accomplished per the applicable chapter of the Boeing 747 Overhaul Manual specified in the service bulletin.
Note 2: FAA AD 2001-24-32 Amdt 39-12549 refers.
Boeing B747 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B747/266 (continued)
Compliance: For Requirement 1 - Before 16 January 2003.
For Requirement 2 - Before further flight, following the Requirement 1 inspection.
For Requirement 3 - Before further flight, following the Requirement 1 inspection or Requirement 2 repair, as applicable.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 21 February 2002.
Background: This Directive requires a one-time inspection for chafing of certain wire bundles behind the flight engineer's panel, together with any necessary repairs. The Directive also requires a modification to reroute a certain electrical wire bundle to ensure sufficient clearance between that wire bundle and an adjacent flood light support bracket.
These actions are necessary to prevent chafing of certain electrical wire bundles, which could result in smoke in the cockpit and an uncommanded discharge of fire extinguishing bottles for the No. 4 engine, with the consequent reduction in the ability to fight a fire in the No. 4 engine.
Signature of Eugene Paul Holzapfel, Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Eugene Paul Holzapfel
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 14 January 2002
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 30 January 2002.
Overview
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/B747/266, issued in 2002 by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), addresses the issue of potential chafing of wire bundles in Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes, which could result in hazardous conditions such as smoke in the cockpit and uncommanded discharge of fire extinguishing bottles. This AD was introduced to mitigate the risk of electrical failures in specific aircraft models, ensuring that these aeroplanes maintain the highest safety standards. The directive mandates a one-time detailed visual inspection of particular wire bundles, with necessary repairs if chafing is found, and requires modifications to reroute certain electrical wire bundles to prevent future chafing. This proactive approach aims to enhance the safety and reliability of the aircraft, aligning with the overarching policy objective of maintaining airworthiness and preventing unsafe conditions in aviation.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) pertains specifically to Boeing 747 series aeroplanes, including models 747-100, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747SP, and 747SR, with line numbers ranging from 001 to 310 inclusive. The directive applies to these aircraft to ensure their airworthiness by addressing specific safety concerns. It mandates a one-time detailed visual inspection for chafing of wire bundles in a particular area of the flight engineer’s panel, followed by necessary repairs if chafing is detected. Additionally, the directive requires rerouting of a specific electrical wire bundle and installation of a caterpillar grommet to prevent future chafing issues that could lead to safety hazards such as smoke in the cockpit and uncommanded discharges of fire extinguishing bottles. The AD specifies the timeline for compliance, with inspections and repairs needing to be completed before further flight following the inspection. This directive is effective nationwide in Australia, ensuring that all relevant aircraft operators comply with these safety measures.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) applies to specific Boeing 747 series aeroplanes, namely the 747-100, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747SP, and 747SR, within the line numbers 001 to 310 (inclusive). This AD, titled AD/B747/266 and dated 2/2002, mandates certain actions to address safety concerns regarding wire bundle chafing and to prevent potential electrical hazards. The AD is effective from 21 February 2002, with specific compliance dates for each requirement outlined in the directive.
The directive requires a one-time detailed visual inspection for chafing of wire bundles located in the area of the forward upper corner of the P4 flight engineer's panel, outboard of the drip shield. This inspection must focus particularly on wire bundles W528 and W530. If any chafing is detected during this inspection, the affected wire bundles must be repaired in accordance with Section 20-10-13 of the Boeing Standard Wiring Practices Manual. Furthermore, the directive mandates a modification to the aeroplane by rerouting electrical wire bundle W530 to ensure sufficient clearance from an adjacent flood light support bracket, and installing a caterpillar grommet on the flood light supports, as detailed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 747-25A2407, Revision 1, dated 23 September 1999. Modifications completed prior to the AD's effective date in line with ASB 747-25-2407, dated 18 November 1977, are acceptable, but the detailed visual inspection and any necessary repairs must still be carried out.
Operators and owners of the specified Boeing 747 series aeroplanes must comply with the requirements set forth in the AD. This includes conducting the mandatory visual inspection for wire bundle chafing before 16 January 2003, repairing any identified chafing before further flight, and implementing the specified modification before further flight following the inspection or repair. The directive also requires adherence to the Boeing 747 Overhaul Manual when installing a caterpillar grommet, if the Alert Service Bulletin specifies the use of "your equivalent procedure."
Failure to comply with the Airworthiness Directive can result in significant safety risks, including potential smoke in the cockpit and an uncommanded discharge of fire extinguishing bottles for the No. 4 engine. This could severely impair the ability to fight a fire in the No. 4 engine, leading to dire consequences. The AD does not specify particular penalties or consequences for non-compliance, but non-compliance can lead to regulatory actions, fines, or other legal repercussions under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998.