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 CASR 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/B747/312 Fire Extinguisher System Tube 10/2004
Applicability: Model 747-400 and 747-400D series aeroplanes, as listed in Boeing Service Bulletin (SB) 747-26A2270, Revision 2 dated 26 June 2003.
Requirement: Either inspect or pressure test the fire extinguishing system tube as detailed in Requirement 1 or 3 of this Directive.
- Perform a detailed inspection of the fire extinguishing system tube and clamps for correct installation, either using an inspection hole and boroscope or with the floor panel removed, per Boeing SB 747-26A2270 Revision 2. If the fire extinguishing system tube is installed correctly no further action is required by this Directive.
2. If the fire extinguishing system tube is installed incorrectly, remove the fire extinguishing system tube and perform a detailed inspection of the fire extinguishing system tube for chafing/damage per Boeing SB 747-26A2270 Revision 2.
- If no chafing/damage is found, install the existing fire extinguishing system tube per Figure 3 of Boeing SB 747-26A2270 Revision 2.
b. If any chafing/damage is found, replace the fire extinguishing system tube with a new tube or repair the fire extinguishing system tube, per Boeing SB 747-26A2270 Revision 2, and install the new or repaired tube per Figure 3 of Boeing SB 747-26A2270 Revision 2.
3. Perform a pressure test of the fire extinguishing system tube to check for leakage of the fire-extinguishing agent per Boeing SB 747-26A2270 Revision 2.
4. If any leakage is found during the pressure test as detailed in Requirement 3 of this Directive, replace the fire extinguishing system tube with a new tube or repair the fire extinguishing system tube, per Boeing SB 747-26A2270 Revision 2, and install the new or repaired tube per Figure 3 of Boeing SB 747-26A2270 Revision 2.
Note: FAA AD 2004-09-33 Amdt 39-13624 refers.
Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B747/312 (continued)
Compliance: For Requirement 1: Unless previously accomplished, within 6,500 flight hours or 18 months from the effective date of this Directive, whichever occurs first.
For Requirement 2: Prior to further flight following the completion of Requirement 1 of this Directive.
For Requirement 3: Unless previously accomplished the initial inspection is to be carried out within 6,500 flight hours or 18 months from the effective date of this Directive, whichever occurs first, thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6,500 flight hours or 18 months, whichever occurs first, until the actions specified in Requirement 1, 2 or 4 of this Directive have been done.
For Requirement 4: Prior to further flight following the completion of Requirement 3 of this Directive.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 30 September 2004.
Background: This Directive provides inspection requirements to prevent a chafed hole in the fire extinguishing system tube of the aft cargo compartment, which could result in a lack of fire extinguishing agent and consequent uncontained fire in the aft cargo compartment.
Gary J Carr
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 5 August 2004
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 8 September 2004.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Act 1998 was enacted to ensure the safety of civil aviation in Australia. This Act provides the framework for the regulation of civil aviation safety and security, including the issuance of airworthiness directives to address specific safety issues. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), under the authority of this Act, issued Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/B747/312 on 5 August 2004 to address a safety concern related to the fire extinguishing system tubes in Boeing 747-400 and 747-400D series aeroplanes. The AD aims to prevent potential chafing or damage to the fire extinguishing system tube, which could lead to a lack of fire extinguishing agent and a consequent uncontained fire in the aft cargo compartment. This directive ensures compliance with the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 by requiring inspections and necessary repairs or replacements of the fire extinguishing system tube, ensuring the continued airworthiness of the affected aircraft.
Scope and Application
This Airworthiness Directive issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) applies to Boeing 747-400 and 747-400D series aeroplanes, as specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-26A2270, Revision 2 dated 26 June 2003. The directive mandates either an inspection or pressure testing of the fire extinguishing system tube to prevent the risk of a chafed hole that could result in a lack of fire extinguishing agent and consequently, an uncontained fire in the aft cargo compartment. The requirement necessitates a detailed inspection of the fire extinguishing system tube and clamps for correct installation, with subsequent actions dependent on the findings. The compliance schedule stipulates that certain inspections and actions must be completed within a specific timeframe measured in flight hours or months from the directive's effective date. This directive applies nationally and became effective on 30 September 2004, with its details published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 8 September 2004.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) B747/312 issued under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR) mandates specific actions for the inspection and maintenance of the fire extinguishing system tubes in Boeing 747-400 and 747-400D series aircraft. Section 1 of the AD specifies the applicability of the directive to certain aircraft models, while section 2 outlines the requirements. This includes either inspecting or pressure testing the fire extinguishing system tube as per Boeing Service Bulletin 747-26A2270 Revision 2. The directive mandates that if the tube is found to be installed incorrectly, it must be removed, inspected for damage, and either reinstalled or replaced depending on the findings. Additionally, if any leakage is detected during the pressure test, the tube must be replaced or repaired and then reinstalled. Section 3 details the compliance timeline, requiring certain actions within a specified period from the effective date of the directive or within a certain number of flight hours.
The AD imposes several obligations on the parties it governs. Operators of Boeing 747-400 and 747-400D series aircraft must ensure that the required inspections and maintenance actions are performed as per the AD. This includes conducting detailed inspections and pressure tests of the fire extinguishing system tubes, removing and inspecting or replacing the tubes if necessary, and ensuring that any identified issues are resolved before further flights. Compliance with these requirements is crucial to maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and preventing potential safety hazards such as uncontained fires in the aft cargo compartment.
Breaches of the AD may result in serious safety risks and legal consequences. Non-compliance with the specified inspection and maintenance requirements could lead to the failure of the fire extinguishing system, potentially resulting in uncontained fires. Under the CASR, failure to comply with an airworthiness directive can result in civil penalties. For individuals, the maximum penalty can be up to $126,000 or imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both. For corporations, the maximum penalty is significantly higher, up to $630,000 for each offence. Additionally, non-compliance may lead to the grounding of the aircraft until the required actions are completed, which can have substantial operational and financial implications for the operators.