COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B747/76
Amdt 1
H-11 Steel Bolts 7/90
Applicability: Model 747 with line numbers 001 through 648.
Requirement: 1. Visually inspect H-11 steel bolts for cracks or fractures at locations in accordance with Boeing SB 747-51-2043 Rev 1.
2. Replace all H-11 steel bolts with Inconel 718 bolts at locations in accordance with Boeing SB 747-51-2043 Rev 1.
Note: FAA AD 89-23-07 refers.
Compliance: For Requirement 1: Prior to exceeding 4 years since date of manufacture or within 15 calendar months after 22 February 1990, whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 18 calendar months until H-11 bolts are replaced with Inconel 718 bolts.
For Requirement 2: Prior to 22 February 1994.
Background: Country of origin AD. Fracture or cracking of H-11 steel bolts at critical locations has been reported. This condition if not corrected could result in severe structural damage. Amendment 1 references the latest revision to the Requirement document.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the Civil Aviation (Airworthiness) Regulations 1998, address the safety and airworthiness of aircraft through the implementation of specific directives and requirements. One such directive, AD/B747/76 Amendment 1, pertains to Boeing 747 series aeroplanes, specifically targeting the H-11 steel bolts. This legislation was enacted by the Australian Government to mitigate the risk of structural failure due to the reported fractures or cracking of H-11 steel bolts, which could potentially lead to severe damage if unaddressed. The directive is applicable to Boeing 747 models with line numbers ranging from 001 through 648. The policy objective of this regulation is to ensure the continued airworthiness of the affected aircraft by requiring regular inspections and necessary replacements of the steel bolts with Inconel 718 bolts to enhance safety and reliability in air travel.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes, specifically AD/B747/76 Amendment 1 concerning H-11 steel bolts, applies to all models of the Boeing 747 with line numbers ranging from 001 to 648. This directive is a critical safety measure aimed at addressing the risk of structural damage due to the potential fracture or cracking of H-11 steel bolts at specific locations, as detailed in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-51-2043 Revision 1. This legislation is part of the overarching Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which is a Commonwealth instrument, thereby ensuring a unified approach to aviation safety across Australia. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and involves a visual inspection for cracks or fractures at the specified intervals and the replacement of the H-11 steel bolts with Inconel 718 bolts by a specified deadline. The directive is applicable until the mandated replacements are completed, ensuring that all affected aircraft meet the required safety standards.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which concerns airworthiness directives, includes the amendment AD/B747/76 Amdt 1 pertaining to H-11 steel bolts on Boeing 747 series aeroplanes. This legislation applies to all Model 747 aeroplanes with line numbers ranging from 001 through 648 (Section 1). The directive mandates two primary requirements (Section 1). Firstly, all H-11 steel bolts must be visually inspected for cracks or fractures at specified locations, as outlined in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-51-2043 Rev 1. Secondly, all identified H-11 steel bolts must be replaced with Inconel 718 bolts at the same locations (Section 1). These directives are cross-referenced with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Advisory Directive AD 89-23-07.
Compliance with the airworthiness directive is crucial. For Requirement 1, the inspection must occur prior to the aeroplane exceeding four years since its date of manufacture, or within 15 calendar months after 22 February 1990, whichever is later. After this initial inspection, the inspection must be repeated at intervals not exceeding 18 calendar months until the H-11 steel bolts are replaced (Section 1). Requirement 2 necessitates that all H-11 steel bolts are replaced with Inconel 718 bolts by 22 February 1994 (Section 1). These compliance timelines and actions are essential to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the aeroplanes.
Failure to comply with the directives may lead to severe consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations do not explicitly detail penalties for non-compliance in this specific directive, but general regulatory frameworks and related aviation safety laws typically impose significant penalties. These can include fines, operational restrictions, or more severe enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The severity of the penalties may depend on the extent of non-compliance and any resultant safety risks. Ensuring adherence to these airworthiness directives is paramount to maintaining the safety and airworthiness of Boeing 747 series aeroplanes.