AD/B747/36 Amdt 1 - Frame to Tension Tie Joint Body Station 760 or 780

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, serve to regulate and ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. Within this extensive regulatory framework, Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives focuses on maintaining the airworthiness of specific aircraft types, including the Boeing 747 series. This legislation was introduced to address safety concerns related to the structural integrity of these aircraft, particularly in response to findings of cracking on a B747 fatigue test airframe. The policy objective is to mandate compliance with specified Boeing Service Bulletins to mitigate potential flight safety risks. Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53-2088 Revision 2 is required for all applicable aircraft to ensure structural integrity is maintained, particularly prior to achieving 10,000 flight cycles. This regulatory measure ensures that the aviation industry adheres to stringent safety standards, thus safeguarding the public and maintaining the high safety standards of Australian civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the application of airworthiness directives for various aircraft, including the Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes. This particular legislative instrument, AD/B747/36 Amendment 1, applies to all aircraft of the specified type listed in the Requirement Document. The directive mandates compliance with Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53-2088 Revision 2, requiring inspection and necessary repairs to be carried out prior to the aircraft reaching 10,000 flight cycles. This requirement is predicated on the discovery of cracking in the fatigue test airframe, which the Boeing Supplemental Structural Inspection Document has flagged as having significant flight safety implications. This legislative instrument underscores the necessity for stringent safety standards and underscores the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety within Australia's jurisdiction.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, detail the Airworthiness Directives (ADs) concerning Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes. The AD/B747/36 Amendment 1 pertains to the frame to tension tie joint at Body Station 760 or 780 and was issued on 2 August 1986. It applies to all aircraft listed in the Requirement Document. The directive mandates compliance with Boeing Service Bulletin (SB) 747-53-2088 Revision 2 before the aircraft reaches 10,000 flight cycles. This requirement is rooted in the discovery of cracking on the B747 fatigue test airframe, which prompted the issuance of the SB due to its potential flight safety implications. The amendment reflects the revision status of the service bulletin. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, the obligations imposed on the parties or entities governed by the AD/B747/36 Amendment 1 are clear and precise. Operators and owners of Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes must ensure that the required inspections and repairs are conducted as specified in Boeing SB 747-53-2088 Revision 2. This includes a thorough inspection of the frame to tension tie joint at Body Station 760 or 780. These inspections must be carried out before the aircraft accumulates 10,000 flight cycles to maintain compliance with the directive. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) mandates these procedures to ensure that any potential structural issues are identified and rectified, thereby safeguarding flight safety. The AD/B747/36 Amendment 1 also outlines the consequences for non-compliance with its requirements. Failure to adhere to the specified inspection and repair criteria can result in serious civil or criminal penalties. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with an AD may lead to enforcement actions by CASA, including fines, suspension, or revocation of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness. The severity of the penalties reflects the importance of the directive in maintaining the safety and airworthiness of Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes. Ensuring compliance is thus not only a legal obligation but also a critical safety measure.