Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR), as amended, form a comprehensive framework for ensuring the safety of civil aviation in Australia. This legislative instrument, enacted by the Australian Parliament, addresses critical safety issues through the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The ADs are intended to rectify unsafe conditions that may affect aircraft operation and passenger safety. One such directive, AD/B747/302, specifically targets Boeing 747-400 and -400F series aeroplanes, line numbers 1254 through 1293 inclusive, to address the degradation or loss of rudder feel and centering, which could potentially lead to increased pilot workload and loss of control. The directive mandates the replacement of the rudder feel, centering, and trim mechanism with a new or serviceable one, as per the instructions outlined in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-27-2392, dated February 20, 2003. This directive aims to mitigate safety risks and ensure compliance within 36 months of its effective date, which is 15 April 2004.

Scope and Application

This Airworthiness Directive issued under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 applies specifically to Model 747-400 and -400F series aeroplanes, which fall within the line numbers 1254 through 1293 inclusive. The directive mandates that the feel, centering, and trim mechanism of these aircraft must be replaced with a new or serviceable rudder feel, centering, and trim mechanism, in line with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-27-2392, dated February 20, 2003. This requirement aims to prevent degradation or loss of rudder feel and centering, which could potentially lead to increased pilot workload and even loss of control of the aeroplane. The directive becomes effective on 15 April 2004 and requires compliance unless the specified action has already been completed within 36 months after the effective date of this directive. The directive is issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which is a Commonwealth entity, thus conferring a national jurisdictional reach.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, outlines the requirements and provisions for Airworthiness Directives (ADs) that must be adhered to by aircraft operators and manufacturers. In the particular case of the Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes, AD/B747/302 issued on 4 April 2004, mandates that certain modifications be made to the rudder feel, centering, and trim mechanism. The directive applies to Model 747-400 and -400F series aeroplanes, specifically those with line numbers 1254 through 1293 inclusive (s.1). The requirement is to replace the existing rudder feel, centering, and trim mechanism with a new or serviceable one, as outlined in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-27-2392, dated 20 February 2003 (s.2). The purpose of this directive is to prevent degradation or loss of rudder feel and centering, which could increase pilot workload and potentially lead to loss of control of the aeroplane (s.3). Under the AD, the entities governed by this regulation, primarily aircraft operators and manufacturers, must ensure that the specified modifications are completed within a certain timeframe. Specifically, the action must be taken unless it has already been accomplished within 36 months after the effective date of the directive, which is 15 April 2004 (s.4). Failure to comply with this requirement may result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, which could lead to restrictions on its operation and potential grounding until the necessary modifications have been carried out. In terms of legal consequences, any breach of the requirements stipulated in this Airworthiness Directive could result in significant penalties and consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the text, under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and associated regulations, non-compliance with ADs can lead to fines and imprisonment. The severity of the penalty depends on the extent of the breach and the potential risk to public safety. In extreme cases, the aircraft may be prohibited from flying until the required modifications are completed, which could have significant financial and operational implications for the operator. The directive was published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 24 March 2004, ensuring that all relevant parties are informed of the requirements and any associated consequences of non-compliance.