COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B747/60 Ceiling Lighting Wire Bundles 2/88
Applicability: All aeroplanes modified with Heath Tecna Superbins in accordance with STC SA2365 NM.
Requirement: Action in accordance with FAA AD 87-23-01. Compliance: Prior to 26 April 1988.
Background: Operators have reported instances of chafing and/or burning of the ceiling lighting wire bundles caused by contact between the outboard edges of the ceiling panels and the bin back panels. This condition if not corrected could result in fires.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES, were enacted to ensure the safe operation of aircraft in Australian airspace. One such directive, AD/B747/60, pertains to Boeing 747 Series aeroplanes and addresses the issue of chafing and burning of ceiling lighting wire bundles due to contact between the outboard edges of the ceiling panels and bin back panels, which could lead to fires if unaddressed. This directive was introduced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, an agency of the Commonwealth of Australia, to enhance the safety of air travel by mitigating potential hazards associated with specific modifications to the aircraft. The policy objective is to prevent in-flight hazards that could compromise passenger and crew safety.
The AD/B747/60 directive requires compliance with FAA AD 87-23-01 and mandates corrective action for all aeroplanes modified with Heath Tecna Superbins in accordance with STC SA2365 NM. The directive stipulates that corrective action must be taken prior to 26 April 1988, ensuring that any identified risks are mitigated within a specified timeframe. This proactive approach aligns with the overarching goal of the Civil Aviation Regulations to maintain the highest safety standards in the aviation industry.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/B747/60 concerning Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes, applies to all aeroplanes that have been modified with Heath Tecna Superbins in accordance with STC SA2365 NM. This directive is intended to address safety concerns related to the ceiling lighting wire bundles, which have been reported to chafe and/or burn due to contact between the outboard edges of the ceiling panels and the bin back panels. Such contact, if unaddressed, could potentially lead to fires. The requirement for compliance is aligned with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) AD 87-23-01, and all corrective actions must be completed prior to 26 April 1988. This directive has a national reach within Australia, administered by CASA under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. The applicability is confined to the specified modifications and does not extend to other aircraft types or modifications. No exclusions or exemptions are explicitly stated in the directive, and it does not mention any thresholds. The scope of this directive may be further extended or specified through subordinate instruments issued by CASA.
Key Provisions
The primary sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 relevant to this legislation are sections 39-105 (Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives) and AD/B747/60. These sections mandate that all Boeing 747 Series aeroplanes, which have been modified with Heath Tecna Superbins in accordance with STC SA2365 NM, must adhere to FAA AD 87-23-01. The requirement is for compliance to be achieved before 26 April 1988. This directive addresses reported instances where the ceiling lighting wire bundles have suffered chafing and/or burning due to contact between the outboard edges of the ceiling panels and the bin back panels, which could potentially lead to fires if left unaddressed.
Operators of Boeing 747 Series aeroplanes modified with the specified components must ensure they implement the necessary actions to comply with FAA AD 87-23-01. This involves taking corrective measures to prevent the chafing and burning of the ceiling lighting wire bundles. Specifically, operators must ensure that the wiring bundles are protected adequately to avoid any contact with the outboard edges of the ceiling panels and the bin back panels. This may include installing protective coverings or modifying the positioning of the wiring bundles to prevent any potential friction or contact that could lead to damage.
Failure to comply with these directives can lead to severe consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce these regulations, and non-compliance could result in enforcement actions. Such actions may include fines, suspension, or revocation of airworthiness certificates, which could prevent the aeroplane from operating legally. The exact penalties and consequences are determined by CASA, but they are designed to ensure that all safety directives are followed rigorously to protect passengers and crew and to maintain the safety of the aircraft.
The potential civil and criminal consequences of breaching these regulations can be significant. For instance, if an operator fails to implement the required safety measures and this results in an incident, the operator could face substantial fines and legal action. Additionally, individuals responsible for ensuring compliance, such as maintenance personnel or management, could be held personally liable for any breaches. The severity of penalties reflects the importance of adhering to these safety directives to prevent potentially catastrophic outcomes such as fires on board.