COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B747/42 Evacuation Slides/Rafts - Modification 6/85
Applicability: All models equipped with B.F. Goodrich evacuation slides and slide/rafts, part numbers as specified in B.F. Goodrich Service Bulletins listed below.
Requirement: B.F. Goodrich S.B. 25-090 R.1 B.F. Goodrich S.B. 25-084 B.F. Goodrich S.B. 25- 088 R.1
Note: FAA AD 85-02-01 refers.
Compliance: Prior to 31 March 1986.
Background: Evacuation slides/rafts have been subject to malfunction or non-inflation to an unacceptable level. The modifications contained in this directive should restore successful deployment rates.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, contain provisions within Part 39 that address the safety and airworthiness of aircraft, specifically through Airworthiness Directives (ADs). These regulations, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), aim to ensure that aircraft meet safety standards, thereby protecting passengers, crew, and the general public. One such directive, AD/B747/42, pertains to Boeing 747 series aeroplanes and mandates modifications to B.F. Goodrich evacuation slides and slide/rafts to address issues of malfunction or inadequate inflation. This directive is a response to recognised safety issues and seeks to ensure the effective deployment of evacuation equipment in emergency situations. The policy objective is to mitigate the risk of injury or fatality during evacuations by enhancing the reliability of these critical safety systems.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, mandates the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes, including the AD/B747/42 concerning evacuation slides and slide/rafts modifications. This regulation applies to all models of Boeing 747 aeroplanes that are equipped with B.F. Goodrich evacuation slides and slide/rafts, as identified in the specified B.F. Goodrich Service Bulletins. The requirement necessitates compliance with B.F. Goodrich Service Bulletins 25-090 R.1, 25-084, and 25-088 R.1, with reference to FAA AD 85-02-01. The modifications outlined in these directives are intended to address issues where evacuation slides/rafts have malfunctioned or failed to inflate adequately, thereby ensuring higher success rates in deployment. Compliance with these directives must be achieved prior to 31 March 1986. The regulations are enforced nationally under the Commonwealth of Australia, and there are no specified exclusions or exemptions in this directive. Any extensions or restrictions to the application of this directive are managed through subordinate instruments as necessary.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, require the modification of Boeing 747 Series aeroplanes equipped with specific B.F. Goodrich evacuation slides and slide/rafts. Section 39.105, specifically AD/B747/42, mandates that all models of Boeing 747 aeroplanes equipped with B.F. Goodrich evacuation slides and slide/rafts, as per the part numbers specified in B.F. Goodrich Service Bulletins 25-090 R.1, 25-084, and 25-088 R.1, must comply with the modifications outlined in these bulletins. These modifications are to address known issues with the slides and rafts, including malfunction or inadequate inflation, and aim to ensure successful deployment in emergency situations.
The obligations imposed by the Act on the parties or entities it governs are clear and specific. Operators of Boeing 747 aeroplanes must ensure that their aircraft are equipped with the required modifications to the B.F. Goodrich evacuation slides and slide/rafts as outlined in the specified service bulletins. This involves not only the installation of the modifications but also maintaining records of compliance with the directives. Operators must adhere to the compliance deadline of 31 March 1986, ensuring that all modifications are completed by this date to maintain airworthiness standards.
Failure to comply with the Airworthiness Directives can result in significant civil and criminal consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This may include the imposition of fines, suspension or revocation of aircraft certificates of airworthiness, and other regulatory penalties. Additionally, operators who fail to adhere to the directives could face criminal charges, including imprisonment, for actions that endanger the safety of passengers and crew. The maximum penalties for such offences can be severe, reflecting the critical nature of ensuring the safety of all individuals on board.
In summary, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, and specifically AD/B747/42, mandate that operators of Boeing 747 aeroplanes must implement specific modifications to their B.F. Goodrich evacuation slides and slide/rafts to prevent malfunctions. Non-compliance with these directives not only poses significant safety risks but also carries substantial civil and criminal penalties. Ensuring adherence to these regulations is crucial for maintaining the high safety standards required in commercial aviation.