COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B747/40
Amdt 7
Trailing Edge Flap Tracks 7/90
Applicability: All models referenced in Boeing SB 57A2229 Rev 9.
Requirement: Action in accordance with the requirements of FAA AD 89-05-04 Rev 1 Amendment 39-6148 as revised by Amendment 39-6484, Paragraphs A to N inclusive.
Compliance: As detailed in the Requirement Document.
Background: The previous issues of this Directive fulfilled the requirements of FAA AD 84-19-02 all Revisions. That was superseded by the initial issue of FAA AD 88-16-03 which in turn was raised to Revision 1 as a result of FAA AD T88-21-50 (AD/B747/67- subsequently cancelled).
Amendment 5 included all of the Requirements from FAA ADs 88-16-03 Rev 1 and T88-21-51. It also increased the number of fail-safe bar fastener holes to be inspected. Amendment 6 referenced Revision 8 of the Requirement document.
Amendment 7 references Revision 9 of the Requirement document and, as there are no longer discrete Australian technical requirements, calls up the technical requirements of the FAA AD in toto.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth) were enacted to establish comprehensive regulations for the aviation industry, ensuring safety, efficiency, and security in Australian airspace. One of the legislative instruments under this Act, specifically the Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes AD/B747/40 Amendment 7, focuses on trailing edge flap tracks to address safety concerns associated with the structural integrity of Boeing 747 aircraft. This instrument was developed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to align with international standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure compliance with safety directives. The primary policy objective of this legislation is to mandate actions that prevent potential structural failures in the trailing edge flap tracks of Boeing 747 aeroplanes, thereby enhancing the overall safety of civil aviation operations within Australia.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to the maintenance and operation of Boeing 747 series aeroplanes within the Australian aviation industry. This legislation mandates compliance with the Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directives concerning trailing edge flap tracks, as outlined in FAA AD 89-05-04 Rev 1 Amendment 39-6148 as revised by Amendment 39-6484. These directives apply to all models referenced in Boeing Service Bulletin 57A2229 Rev 9. The geographic reach of these regulations is national, applying uniformly across the Commonwealth of Australia. The legislation does not specify exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, meaning it encompasses all Boeing 747 series aeroplanes operating in Australia. The application of these regulations is extended and detailed through subordinate instruments, which call up the technical requirements of the FAA AD in their entirety, ensuring that all relevant safety measures are meticulously followed.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, addresses the safety standards for specific aircraft models, including the Boeing 747 series. Section AD/B747/40 Amendment 7 mandates that all Boeing 747 models referenced in Boeing Service Bulletin 57A2229 Revision 9 must adhere to the requirements outlined in FAA Airworthiness Directive (AD) 89-05-04 Revision 1 Amendment 39-6148, as further amended by 39-6484. This includes specific actions detailed in Paragraphs A to N of the Requirement Document. This directive is a critical part of ensuring that the trailing edge flap tracks of these aircraft meet necessary safety standards.
Compliance with these provisions requires that operators of Boeing 747 series aeroplanes follow the detailed instructions provided in the FAA AD. The actions and inspections mandated are to ensure the integrity and safety of the trailing edge flap tracks, which are crucial for the aircraft’s aerodynamic performance and overall safety. The operators must conduct inspections and take corrective actions as specified in the FAA AD, ensuring they align with the technical requirements provided. The directive also requires that any modifications or repairs must be logged and maintained in accordance with the regulatory standards set forth.
The Civil Aviation Regulations impose several obligations on the entities governed by these provisions. Operators of Boeing 747 series aeroplanes must ensure that they are fully aware of the AD and its requirements. They must implement the specified actions in a timely manner, maintain accurate records of all inspections and repairs, and ensure that all personnel involved in these activities are properly trained and qualified. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in significant safety risks and potential non-compliance with international and Australian civil aviation regulations.
Any breach of these safety directives can lead to serious consequences. Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) can take enforcement action against non-compliance, which may include fines, suspension of airworthiness certificates, or even grounding of the affected aircraft. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, individuals or entities found in breach of these regulations can be subject to civil penalties, including substantial fines. In more severe cases, criminal charges may be pursued, resulting in fines of up to $210,000 for individuals and $1,050,000 for corporations, alongside potential imprisonment. Such stringent measures underscore the importance of adhering to the AD to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety.