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/B747/276 Thrust Reverser Modifications and Tests 7/2002
Applicability: Model 747-200 and 300 series aeroplanes powered by General Electric Model CF6- 80C2 series engines with Power Management Control engine controls.
Requirement: 1. Install an actuation system lock bracket and fastening hardware to each thrust reverser in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Lockheed Martin Service Bulletin 78-1007, Revision 1, dated 18 March, 1997, or Middle River Aircraft Systems Service Bulletin 78-1007, Revision 2, dated 10 March, 1998.
2. Install an actuation system lock (also called an electro- mechanical lock or electro-mechanical brake) on each thrust reverser in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Lockheed Martin Service Bulletin 78-1020, Revision 2, dated 20 March, 1997, or Middle River Aircraft Systems Service Bulletin 78-1020, Revision 3, dated 16 March, 1998.
3. Carry out thrust reverser wiring modifications of the wings, strut, and fuselage, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-78-2144, Revision 1, dated 11 April, 1996.
4. Carry out a functional test to detect discrepancies of the centre drive unit (CDU) cone brake and actuation system lock on each thrust reverser, in accordance with Appendix 1 of FAA AD 2000-15-04 amendment 39-11833.
5. Correct any discrepancy detected when carrying out the requirements of Requirement 4, and repeat the functional test of that repair, in accordance with the procedures described in approved maintenance data.
6. Repeat Requirement 4 functional tests.
Note: FAA AD 2000-15-04 amendment 39-11833 refers that supersedes FAA AD 99- 15-08 amendment 39-11227 that supersedes FAA AD 95-06-01 amendment 39-9171.
Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B747/276 (continued)
Compliance: For Requirements 1, 2 and 3: Prior to issue of a Certificate of Airworthiness.
For Requirement 4: Within 1,000 hours time- in-service after accomplishment of Requirement 1, 2 and 3.
For Requirement 5: Prior to further flight.
For Requirement 6: At intervals not exceeding 1,000 hours time- in-service. This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 11 July 2002.
Background: This Directive has been prompted as a result of a safety review of the thrust reverser systems on B747 aeroplane, and requires installation of modifications and repetitive functiona l tests of the system to ensure the integrity of the fail- safe features of the thrust reverser system to prevent the possibility of inadvertent in- flight deployment.
James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 3 June 2002
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 19 June 2002.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued Airworthiness Directive (AD) B747/276 in 2002 under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998). This AD pertains specifically to Boeing 747-200 and 300 series aeroplanes powered by General Electric CF6-80C2 series engines with Power Management Control engine controls. The directive was introduced to address safety concerns identified in a review of the thrust reverser systems, aiming to ensure the integrity of the fail-safe features and prevent the possibility of inadvertent in-flight deployment. The AD requires the installation of modifications and the implementation of repetitive functional tests to maintain the safety standards of these aircraft. The policy objective is to enhance aviation safety by mandating specific actions to mitigate identified risks.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) pertains specifically to Boeing 747-200 and 300 series aeroplanes powered by General Electric Model CF6-80C2 series engines with Power Management Control engine controls. This directive applies to all aircraft within its specified parameters, mandating certain modifications and tests to ensure airworthiness and safety. The AD is effective from 11 July 2002 and its applicability extends to any such aircraft registered in Australia, subject to the requirements and compliance timelines stipulated within the directive. The modifications and tests include installing an actuation system lock bracket and fastening hardware, installing an actuation system lock, conducting thrust reverser wiring modifications, performing functional tests, and addressing any detected discrepancies. Compliance with these requirements must be achieved prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Airworthiness for certain modifications, within specified timeframes for functional tests, and before further flight if discrepancies are detected. The directive is intended to prevent the possibility of inadvertent in-flight deployment of the thrust reverser system, thereby ensuring the integrity of the fail-safe features.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/B747/276 specifically targets Boeing 747-200 and 300 series aeroplanes powered by General Electric CF6-80C2 series engines with Power Management Control engine controls. The directive mandates several modifications and tests to the thrust reverser system to ensure the aircraft's safety. The requirements (sections 1-6) detail the necessary actions, including installing an actuation system lock bracket and hardware, installing an actuation system lock, modifying the thrust reverser wiring, conducting functional tests, correcting any detected discrepancies, and repeating the functional tests at specified intervals. These actions must be carried out according to specific service bulletins and instructions provided by Lockheed Martin, Middle River Aircraft Systems, and Boeing.
The AD imposes clear obligations on the operators of the affected Boeing 747 aeroplanes. Operators must ensure that all the modifications and tests specified in the AD are completed. For instance, Requirements 1, 2, and 3 must be completed prior to the issue of a Certificate of Airworthiness. Requirement 4, the functional test to detect discrepancies, must be carried out within 1,000 hours time-in-service after the completion of Requirements 1, 2, and 3. Additionally, any discrepancies detected during this test must be corrected, and the functional test repeated before further flight (Requirement 5). Finally, Requirement 6 necessitates that the functional tests be repeated at intervals not exceeding 1,000 hours time-in-service.
Failure to comply with the AD can lead to serious consequences. Although the AD itself does not specify particular offences or penalties, non-compliance with airworthiness directives in Australia can result in severe civil and criminal penalties. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance can lead to fines and imprisonment. Specifically, section 51 of the Act allows for fines of up to $21,000 for individuals and $105,000 for corporations, alongside potential imprisonment terms. Moreover, the AD’s provisions are backed by the enforcement powers of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which can take action against non-compliance, including grounding the aircraft until the required modifications and tests are satisfactorily completed.