Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) were enacted to provide a comprehensive regulatory framework governing civil aviation safety in Australia. As part of this regulatory framework, Part 39 - 105 of the CAR 1998 includes Airworthiness Directives (ADs) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address specific safety concerns in aircraft operations. One such Airworthiness Directive, AD/B747/282 issued on 19 November 2002, was introduced to address the problem of cracking in fire extinguisher discharge pipes on Boeing 747 series aeroplanes fitted with certain engines. This AD required modifications to the fire extinguishers to correct the unsafe condition, aligning with the policy objective of ensuring the continued airworthiness and safety of the affected aircraft. The AD was subsequently published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 4 December 2002, marking its official implementation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses Airworthiness Directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for maintaining the safety of aircraft in Australian airspace. This particular Airworthiness Directive pertains to Boeing Model 747 Series aeroplanes, as specified in FAA AD 2002-19-12. It mandates modifications to the engine fire extinguisher systems to address the issue of discharge pipe cracking on aircraft fitted with GE CF6-80C2 and PW4000 Series engines. The directive requires specific actions as outlined in FAA AD 2002-19-12 and must be adhered to by the relevant operators within the stipulated compliance period, which has been revised to 26 December 2002. This directive, effective from 26 December 2002, supersedes the previous AD/B747/227, thereby ensuring that all affected aircraft comply with the new safety requirements.

Key Provisions

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) in question, AD/B747/282, applies specifically to Boeing Model 747 Series aeroplanes as outlined in FAA AD 2002-19-12 (section 1). This AD mandates that corrective action be taken concerning fire extinguisher discharge pipes, which have been found to crack on these aeroplanes, particularly those fitted with GE CF6-80C2 and PW4000 Series engines. The action required is in accordance with FAA AD 2002-19-12 (section 2). This directive supersedes the previous AD/B747/227 (section 2, Note 2). Compliance with this AD is to be achieved by adhering to the specific requirements and instructions detailed in the directive, with a revised effective date of 26 December 2002 (section 3). The obligations imposed by this AD on the parties or entities it governs include conducting the necessary modifications to the fire extinguisher discharge pipes to prevent further cracking and potential fire hazards. This involves ensuring that all applicable aircraft are inspected and any necessary repairs or replacements are performed in accordance with the directive's specifications (section 2). Additionally, it requires that these actions be completed by the specified compliance date to maintain the airworthiness of the affected aircraft. Breach of this AD can lead to significant consequences, as it directly impacts the safety of the aircraft and its passengers. The AD is designed to prevent unsafe conditions that could result in serious accidents or incidents. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) enforces this directive rigorously, and failure to comply can result in enforcement actions, which may include fines or other penalties. The specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the AD itself, but they are generally aligned with the provisions of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and other relevant regulations, which can include substantial fines and potential criminal charges for severe breaches.