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/B747/270 Centre Wing/Horizontal Stabilizer Fuel
Tank Override/Jettison/Transfer Pumps
5/2002
Applicability: All Model 747 series aeroplanes.
Requirement: 1. Amend the limitations Section of the FAA approved Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) in accordance with paragraph (a) of FAA AD 2001-12-21; or
2. Establish that the correct thrust washer is fitted to the centre wing fuel tank override/jettison pumps and, if installed, horizontal stabilizer transfer pumps, following the procedures contained in paragraph (b) of FAA AD 2001-12-21. If the correct washer is fitted, this Airworthiness Directive requires no further action.
3. For those aeroplanes that do not meet the requirements of paragraph (b) of FAA AD 2001-12-21, or if the serial number on the pump data plate of any centre wing fuel tank override/jettison pump or, if fitted, horizontal stabilizer transfer pumps cannot be determined, replace pumps in accordance with the requirement of paragraph (c) of FAA AD 2001-12-21. Compliance with this requirement terminates Requirement 1 of this Airworthiness Directive and if applicable, the amendment to the AFM may be removed from the manual.
Note: FAA AD 2001-12-21 supersedes FAA AD 98-25-52.
Compliance: Requirement 1 or 2: Within 14 days after the effective date of this Airworthiness Directive.
Requirement 3: If applicable, before 26 April 2003.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on the 16 May 2002.
Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B747/270 (Continued)
Background: FAA AD 2001-12-21 was prompted by new information received from the fuel pump manufacturer. This new FAA AD supersedes FAA AD 98-25-52 which caused AD/747/194 TX to be raised and an amendment to be made to the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) to prevent dry operation of the centre wing fuel tank override/jettison pumps, and for certain aeroplanes, to prohibit operation of the horizontal stabilizer tank transfer pumps in-flight. This Airworthiness Directive requires verification of pumps fitted, and as necessary, the installation of improved fuel pumps, which terminates the requirements of the AFM amendments and cancellation of AD/747/194 TX.
Eugene Paul Holzapfel
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 7 April 2002
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 24 April 2002.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued Airworthiness Directive (AD) B747/270 under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998). This AD addresses safety concerns related to the centre wing and horizontal stabilizer fuel tank override/jettison/transfer pumps in all Boeing 747 series aeroplanes. The directive mandates specific actions to ensure the safe operation of these pumps, including amending the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) in accordance with FAA AD 2001-12-21, verifying the correct installation of thrust washers, and replacing non-compliant pumps. The policy objective of this directive is to correct unsafe conditions identified through new information from the fuel pump manufacturer, thereby mitigating risks associated with the operation of these fuel pumps. Compliance with the AD must be achieved within specified timeframes, with certain requirements needing to be met by 26 April 2003.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/B747/270 issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 applies to all Model 747 series aeroplanes. It mandates corrective actions to address unsafe conditions related to the centre wing and horizontal stabilizer fuel tank override/jettison/transfer pumps. Specifically, the AD requires either the amendment of the limitations section of the FAA-approved Aircraft Flight Manual according to FAA AD 2001-12-21, or the verification of the correct thrust washer on the fuel pumps, with pump replacement mandated if the verification fails or if the pump serial number is unidentifiable. Compliance with the AD must occur within specified timeframes, with certain actions needing to be completed within 14 days of the AD's effective date, and others by 26 April 2003. This AD was issued by a delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and was gazetted in the Commonwealth of Australia, thereby extending its reach across the national jurisdiction. The AD supersedes previous directives and associated amendments, ensuring that all relevant parties, including aircraft operators and maintenance personnel, are aware of the updated safety requirements.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD/B747/270) issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 mandates specific actions to address safety issues with Boeing 747 series aeroplanes. The AD targets the centre wing/horizontal stabilizer fuel tank override/jettison/transfer pumps, providing three primary requirements. Firstly, operators must amend the limitations section of the FAA approved Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) in accordance with FAA AD 2001-12-21 (a). Secondly, they must verify that the correct thrust washer is fitted to the centre wing fuel tank override/jettison pumps and, if applicable, the horizontal stabilizer transfer pumps, following the procedures in FAA AD 2001-12-21 (b). If the correct washer is fitted, no further action is required. Lastly, for aeroplanes not meeting the requirements of FAA AD 2001-12-21 (b) or if the serial number on the pump data plate cannot be determined, the pumps must be replaced in accordance with FAA AD 2001-12-21 (c). Compliance with this requirement terminates Requirement 1 of this AD and, if applicable, the amendment to the AFM may be removed from the manual.
Operators of Boeing 747 series aeroplanes are required to adhere to the specified compliance timelines. For Requirements 1 and 2, the actions must be completed within 14 days from the effective date of the AD, which is 16 May 2002. For Requirement 3, if applicable, the replacement of pumps must be done before 26 April 2003. Failure to comply with these directives may result in the aeroplanes not meeting the necessary safety standards, potentially leading to unsafe operational conditions.
Failure to comply with the Airworthiness Directive can result in significant legal consequences. The AD is enforceable under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, and non-compliance can lead to civil or criminal penalties. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the AD, under Australian law, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may impose fines or take other enforcement actions. Additionally, non-compliance could result in the grounding of the aircraft, which would prevent the operator from continuing flights until the required actions are taken. The potential civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance can include fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach and its impact on aviation safety.