COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B747/55 Nacelle Strut Attachment Fitting Bolts 1/87
Applicability: All models with line numbers 1 to 644.
Requirement: Action in accordance with Para’s A,B,C,D,E & F of FAA AD 86-23-01.
Note: Boeing SB 747-57A2235 refers.
Compliance: As per Requirement Document from 31 January 1987.
Background: The manufacturer reports of fractured H-11 bolts which secure the nacelle strut attachment fittings. One instance reported was of both bolts fractured at one fitting.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended in 2006 through the legislative instrument F2006B03236, specifically addresses the safety concerns surrounding the Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes. This legislation, enacted by the Australian Government, targets the identified problem of fractured H-11 bolts that secure the nacelle strut attachment fittings, which could potentially lead to severe safety hazards. The policy objective is to mandate actions that ensure the continued airworthiness of these aircraft by requiring compliance with specific maintenance and inspection directives as outlined in FAA AD 86-23-01. The regulations emphasise adherence to these directives to prevent the occurrence of further bolt fractures, thereby enhancing the overall safety and reliability of civil aviation operations.
The enactment of this legislation by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) underscores the commitment to maintaining stringent safety standards within the aviation sector. By mandating adherence to the FAA directives and referencing Boeing Service Bulletin 747-57A2235, the regulations aim to ensure that all Boeing 747 Series aeroplanes meet the required safety benchmarks. This proactive approach is designed to mitigate risks associated with structural failures, thereby protecting both the passengers and crew on board.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, pertains to the Airworthiness Directives for the Boeing 747 series aeroplanes, with the directive AD/B747/55 focusing on nacelle strut attachment fitting bolts. This regulation applies to all Boeing 747 models with line numbers ranging from 1 to 644. The directive mandates action in accordance with paragraphs A, B, C, D, E, and F of FAA AD 86-23-01, with a reference to Boeing Service Bulletin 747-57A2235 for further guidance. The directive requires compliance with the requirement document issued on 31 January 1987, stemming from reports of fractured H-11 bolts that secure the nacelle strut attachment fittings, including an instance where both bolts at a single fitting fractured. This regulation extends to ensuring that the specified maintenance and inspection actions are performed to mitigate the risk of similar incidents.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, section 105, outlines the requirements for airworthiness directives that must be followed for certain aircraft, including the Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes. Section AD/B747/55 addresses the issue of nacelle strut attachment fitting bolts, referencing FAA AD 86-23-01 for the required actions. This directive applies to all models of the Boeing 747 series with line numbers ranging from 1 to 644. The main requirement is that these aircraft must comply with the actions detailed in paragraphs A, B, C, D, E, and F of FAA AD 86-23-01, and this compliance must be documented according to the requirement document issued on 31 January 1987. The manufacturer's service bulletin, Boeing SB 747-57A2235, provides further information.
The Civil Aviation Regulations impose several obligations on the parties governed by this directive. Operators of Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes must ensure that the nacelle strut attachment fitting bolts are inspected and maintained according to the specified actions outlined in FAA AD 86-23-01. This includes identifying and replacing any fractured H-11 bolts that secure the nacelle strut attachment fittings. Operators must also maintain records of the compliance with these directives and ensure that all actions are completed in accordance with the requirement document and the manufacturer's service bulletin.
Failure to comply with the airworthiness directives outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations can lead to various civil and criminal consequences. If an operator fails to adhere to the requirements set forth in section AD/B747/55, they may be subject to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. This could include fines, the imposition of operational restrictions, or even the grounding of the aircraft until the required actions are taken. In severe cases, individuals responsible for the non-compliance could face criminal charges, which may result in substantial penalties. The exact penalties depend on the severity of the breach and the discretion of the court, but they can include both financial penalties and imprisonment.