AD/B747/28 Amdt 3 - Main Deck Pressure Web and Floor Beams - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, provide comprehensive regulations for civil aviation safety within the country, including the maintenance and operation of aircraft. One particular legislative instrument, F2006B03175, pertains to the Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes and was introduced to address issues related to the structural integrity of the main deck pressure web and floor beams. This amendment, Amendment 3, updates the Airworthiness Directives to include new inspection and modification requirements for the specified models, ensuring that these critical components are maintained to high safety standards. The policy objective behind this amendment is to enhance the safety and reliability of Boeing 747 aircraft by enforcing stringent inspection and, if necessary, modification procedures based on the latest safety directives issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This legislative measure ensures that Australian civil aviation standards are aligned with international safety protocols.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly in PART 39 - 105, encompasses a schedule of airworthiness directives which are imperative for the safety of civil aviation. Specifically, AD/B747/28 Amendment 3 pertains to Boeing 747 Series aeroplanes, focusing on the Main Deck Pressure Web and Floor Beams, mandating their inspection and modification. This directive applies to all models of Boeing 747 series aeroplanes as listed in Boeing Service Bulletin No. 747-53-2224, Revision 3, ensuring compliance with the specified requirements as detailed in the referenced document. This regulation is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and is applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia, covering both domestic and international flights operating within Australian airspace. The directive does not specify any exclusions or exemptions, thus all affected aircraft operators must adhere to the outlined safety measures to maintain airworthiness. The application of this directive may be further extended or specified through subordinate instruments issued by CASA.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, detail the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which are crucial for ensuring the safe operation of aircraft within Australia. Specifically, AD/B747/28 Amendment 3 pertains to Boeing 747 Series aeroplanes, focusing on the Main Deck Pressure Web and Floor Beams. This directive, which was issued on 9/83, applies to all models specified in Boeing Service Bulletin No. 747-53-2224, Revision 3 ((Section 39-105)). Compliance with this directive is mandated as per the requirement document, which is Boeing SB No. 747-53-2224, Revision 3, and it notes that FAA AD 83-11-02 Amendment 39-4659 is referenced. The main operative sections of this directive require operators to conduct inspections and, if necessary, modifications to the Main Deck Pressure Web and Floor Beams of Boeing 747 Series aeroplanes. This involves detailed checks to ensure structural integrity, and any identified issues must be rectified as per the outlined procedures ((Section 39-105)). Operators are required to follow the specific guidelines provided in the Boeing Service Bulletin No. 747-53-2224, Revision 3, to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. The directive supersedes the previous AD 81-13-03, ensuring that operators adhere to the latest safety standards and modifications. The obligations imposed by this directive include thorough documentation of all inspections and modifications carried out. Operators must ensure that the aircraft meets all specified criteria and that any required repairs or changes are completed to the satisfaction of CASA. Records must be kept of all actions taken, along with any associated test results and certifications, to demonstrate compliance with the directive ((Section 39-105)). Additionally, operators must notify CASA of any non-compliance or issues that arise during the inspection and modification process. Failure to comply with the provisions of this directive can result in severe consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 outline that non-compliance with Airworthiness Directives can lead to enforcement actions, including fines and potential grounding of the aircraft. Civil penalties can include fines up to a certain amount, while criminal penalties may be imposed for more severe breaches, potentially leading to imprisonment. CASA has the authority to take enforcement actions against operators who do not adhere to the required safety standards, which can significantly impact the operational capabilities of the affected aircraft ((Section 39-105)).