COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B747/63 APU Fuel Drain System 6/88
Applicability: B747 aeroplanes line numbers:
i) 1-153, 156 and 157 on which Boeing SB 747-49-2021 has been incorporated, and
ii) 154, 155, 158-678, 680 and 682-684.
Requirement: 1. Inspect the APU fuel supply line for leaks in accordance with Boeing 747 Maintenance Manual Section 28-25-00 page 601, dated 25 August 1987.
2. Modify the APU fuel line drain system, fuel pump drain, and turbine drain assembly in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 747-49-2051 dated 5 November 1987.
Note: FAA AD 88-05-07 Amdt 39-5867 refers.
Compliance: 1. Unless already accomplished, within 30 days after 16 June 1988 and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 30 days until modified in accordance with Para 2 of the Requirement. If leakage is detected, rectify before further flight.
2. Prior to 31 December 1990.
Note: Modification iaw SB 747-49-2051 constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements.
Background: An overseas operator has reported finding fuel in the forward cargo compartment and in several of the overwing floor beam bays. The fuel originated from a leak in the APU engine fuel pump seal which pressurized the fuel line shroud and passed into the aircraft through an improperly installed coupling on the shroud. This Directive has been issued to eliminate a potential fire hazard.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under PART 39 - 105, specifically addresses the safety and maintenance of Boeing 747 series aeroplanes through Airworthiness Directives. This legislative instrument was enacted by the Australian Government to ensure the safety of civil aviation operations within Australia, particularly in response to identified risks in specific aircraft models. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, as part of its mandate to regulate and oversee aviation safety, introduced this directive to address a reported issue of fuel leaks in Boeing 747 aeroplanes, which posed a potential fire hazard. The policy objective is to mandate the inspection and necessary modifications to the APU fuel drain system to mitigate the risk of fuel leaks, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
The AD/B747/63 directive mandates inspections and modifications of the APU fuel supply line and related components to prevent leaks that could lead to hazardous conditions. This directive applies to specific line numbers of Boeing 747 aeroplanes and requires these actions to be undertaken within specified timeframes. The directive was issued following reports of fuel leaks leading to fuel accumulation in unsafe areas of the aircraft, highlighting the necessity for stringent safety measures. The directive’s aim is to ensure that all affected aircraft meet the required safety standards, thereby protecting passengers, crew, and the public from potential fire hazards associated with fuel leaks.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority, address specific safety directives concerning aircraft airworthiness. In this instance, Part 39 - 105 pertains to the Boeing 747 series aeroplanes, particularly focusing on the APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) fuel drain system. This directive applies to specific line numbers of the Boeing 747 aeroplanes, including those that have incorporated Boeing Service Bulletin 747-49-2021, and mandates compliance with Boeing Service Bulletin 747-49-2051. The legislation imposes a requirement for inspecting the APU fuel supply line for leaks and modifying the APU fuel line drain system, fuel pump drain, and turbine drain assembly to mitigate the risk of fire hazards. The inspection must occur within 30 days after 16 June 1988 and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 30 days until the modifications are implemented, with immediate rectification if leakage is detected. Modifications must be completed prior to 31 December 1990, with adherence to FAA AD 88-05-07 Amdt 39-5867. This directive ensures the safety and airworthiness of the specified Boeing 747 aeroplanes within the Commonwealth of Australia.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, includes an Airworthiness Directive (AD) pertaining to Boeing 747 series aeroplanes. The AD, titled "APU Fuel Drain System" (AD/B747/63), issued on 6 August 1988, mandates actions concerning the APU fuel supply line and its associated systems. The directive applies to certain Boeing 747 aeroplanes, specifically line numbers 1-153, 156 and 157 if Boeing Service Bulletin 747-49-2021 has been incorporated, and line numbers 154, 155, 158-678, 680 and 682-684. This directive necessitates two primary actions.
Firstly, the APU fuel supply line must be inspected for leaks as outlined in Boeing 747 Maintenance Manual Section 28-25-00, page 601, dated 25 August 1987. Secondly, the APU fuel line drain system, the fuel pump drain, and the turbine drain assembly must be modified according to Boeing Service Bulletin 747-49-2051, dated 5 November 1987. Compliance with these directives is critical for maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensuring the safety of operations.
Operators of the affected Boeing 747 aeroplanes are obligated to adhere to the inspection and modification requirements set forth in the directive. Inspections must be conducted unless already completed, within 30 days after 16 June 1988 and at intervals not exceeding 30 days until modifications are made. If any leakage is detected during inspection, it must be rectified before further flight. Additionally, all modifications must be completed by 31 December 1990. Compliance with the modification requirements will terminate the repetitive inspection requirements.
Failure to comply with the AD may result in significant legal and safety consequences. Non-compliance could lead to operational risks, including the potential for fire hazards as highlighted in the background of the directive. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority enforces strict adherence to these regulations, and violations may result in penalties, enforcement actions, and potential grounding of non-compliant aircraft. The specific penalties and consequences are governed by the broader regulatory framework of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and associated regulations, which may include fines and other administrative measures. The directive references FAA AD 88-05-07 Amdt 39-5867, indicating a coordinated effort between Australian and international aviation authorities to ensure safety standards are uniformly enforced.