AD/B747/79 Amdt 2 - Structural Modification/Inspection Program

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, addresses the critical issue of ensuring the continuing airworthiness of Boeing 747 series aeroplanes through the implementation of Airworthiness Directives (AD). Enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, these regulations aim to enhance safety standards and ensure that all aircraft meet the necessary requirements to operate safely. One such AD, AD/B747/79 Amendment 2, pertains to a structural modification and inspection program for Boeing 747 series aircraft, applicable to those listed in Boeing Document D6-35999 Revision E. The directive requires modifications as outlined in Section 3 and Appendices A, B, and D of the document, as well as inspections according to Section 4 and Appendices B and C. The policy objective is to mandate structural modifications and inspections to ensure the safety and reliability of these aircraft, following recommendations from the FAA sponsored Airworthiness Assurance Working Group, which aimed to address the challenges posed by high time aircraft. Compliance with these directives is essential to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft, with the modifications and inspections intended to replace those that are deemed ineffective.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, as amended, applies to Boeing 747 series aeroplanes specified in Boeing Document D6-35999 Revision E, Sections 3 and 4, and their respective appendices. This legislation mandates the structural modification and inspection programme outlined in the referenced Boeing document, ensuring that all affected aircraft meet specified airworthiness standards. The modifications and inspections are designed to address issues identified in high time aircraft and ensure their continuing airworthiness. Compliance with these directives is mandatory for all entities operating Boeing 747 series aeroplanes that fall within the scope of this regulation. Notably, the legislation does not exempt any aircraft from these requirements unless explicitly stated within the referenced Boeing document. The applicability extends across the Commonwealth of Australia, with enforcement by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The regulations may be further detailed or extended through subordinate instruments issued by the authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, mandates a series of modifications and inspections for Boeing 747 series aeroplanes through Airworthiness Directive AD/B747/79 Amendment 2. The directive applies to Boeing 747 series aircraft as listed in Boeing Document D6-35999 Revision E, Sections 3 and 4, and Appendices A, B, C, and D (Section 1). The primary requirements are twofold: firstly, modifications must be carried out in accordance with Boeing Document D6-35999 Revision E, Section 3, and Appendices A, B, and D (Requirement 1); secondly, inspections must be conducted in line with the same document, Section 4, and Appendices B and C (Requirement 2). It is important to note that the modifications outlined in Requirement 1 do not nullify the inspection requirements of other Airworthiness Directives unless explicitly stated otherwise (Note 2). Entities governed by these regulations, particularly those operating Boeing 747 series aircraft, are required to adhere to the modifications and inspection protocols as specified in Boeing Document D6-35999 Revision E. Compliance must be achieved with a revised effective date of 14 September 1995 for the changes introduced by this Amendment. The directive stems from the FAA-sponsored Airworthiness Assurance Working Group, which identified the need for enhanced procedures to ensure the continuing airworthiness of high-time aircraft. This particular Airworthiness Directive is a result of the group's efforts, focusing on modifications and inspections to address issues where previous inspection methods were deemed insufficient. Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in AD/B747/79 Amendment 2 can result in significant legal consequences. The regulations do not explicitly detail penalties or consequences within the text provided, but non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations can generally lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. These actions may include fines, operational restrictions, or even grounding of the aircraft until compliance is demonstrated. The severity of the penalties will depend on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, but the overarching goal is to ensure that all parties maintain the highest standards of airworthiness and safety.