COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B747/8 Fuel System - Inspection 8/76
Applicability: All models.
Requirement: 1. Inspect the dry bay areas between the outboard reserve tanks, wing STA 1280, and the surge tanks, wing STA 1485, for evidence of fuel leaks, unless already accomplished per Boeing SL 747-SL-28-3 dated 11 June 1976. Verify the existence of a clear drain path through each vent/drain hole and stringer limber hole to prevent accumulation of fluids. Clean all dry bay access door clamp rings and wing mating surfaces. Tighten all attach bolts to 35-40 inch lbs.
2. Unless already accomplished per Boeing SL 747-SL-28-4 dated 21 June 1976, inspect all engine struts for evidence of fuel leakage. Inspections shall be accomplished by gaining access on the left side of each nacelle strut through the B, C and D panels with prefix nos. 452, 462, 472 or 482.
3. Unless already accomplished per Boeing SL 747-SL-28-5 dated 21 June 1976, inspect overwing fuel filler caps for approved part numbers IO-3297-119 “GAAB P/N 38222-2" or IO-3297-147 “GAAB P/N 38222-3" and determine that non- metallic lanyards are installed; or
FAA AD 76-14-06.
Compliance: Before 20 July 1976.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39, was enacted to ensure the safety and regulation of civil aviation within Australia. One component of these regulations is the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) aimed at maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft by addressing specific safety concerns. This legislative instrument, F2006B03257, pertains to Boeing 747 Series aeroplanes and specifically addresses the issue of fuel system integrity through mandatory inspections. The directive was introduced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The primary policy objective of this AD is to mitigate risks associated with fuel leaks in critical areas of the aircraft, thereby enhancing flight safety and preventing potential accidents due to fuel system failures. Compliance with these directives is mandatory and must be achieved within the specified timeframe to ensure the continued safe operation of the aircraft.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the application of Airworthiness Directives to ensure the safe operation of civil aircraft, including the Boeing 747 series aeroplanes. The directive AD/B747/8 mandates a thorough inspection of the fuel system to identify any potential fuel leaks, ensuring the structural integrity and safety of the aircraft. This directive applies universally to all models of the Boeing 747 series, requiring compliance by aircraft operators and maintenance personnel. It specifies the need to inspect the dry bay areas, engine struts, and overwing fuel filler caps, with detailed instructions on the inspection process and the verification of approved parts and fastenings. The geographic reach of this regulation is nationwide, applying across all states and territories within the Commonwealth of Australia. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the directive, meaning it applies to all operators of Boeing 747 aircraft in Australia, regardless of their specific operations or locations. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, and failure to adhere to the specified inspection and maintenance requirements can result in regulatory action. The regulation's scope is extended through subordinate instruments, which may provide further detailed guidance or clarification on the implementation of the directive.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, which concerns the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, provides detailed requirements for the inspection of Boeing 747 series aeroplanes (AD/B747/8). This legislation mandates inspections of the fuel system to ensure safety standards are met. Firstly, Section 1 requires operators to inspect the dry bay areas between the outboard reserve tanks, wing STA 1280, and the surge tanks, wing STA 1485, for fuel leaks. This must be done unless it has already been completed in accordance with Boeing Service Letter 747-SL-28-3 dated 11 June 1976. Additionally, operators must verify a clear drain path through each vent/drain hole and stringer limber hole, clean all dry bay access door clamp rings and wing mating surfaces, and ensure all attach bolts are tightened to 35-40 inch lbs.
Secondly, Section 2 of the directive requires operators to inspect all engine struts for fuel leaks, unless this has already been completed as per Boeing Service Letter 747-SL-28-4 dated 21 June 1976. The inspection should be carried out by accessing the left side of each nacelle strut through the B, C, and D panels with prefix numbers 452, 462, 472, or 482. Thirdly, Section 3 requires operators to inspect overwing fuel filler caps for approved part numbers IO-3297-119 “GAAB P/N 38222-2" or IO-3297-147 “GAAB P/N 38222-3", and ensure that non-metallic lanyards are installed, unless this has already been completed according to Boeing Service Letter 747-SL-28-5 dated 21 June 1976, or in compliance with FAA AD 76-14-06.
Operators of Boeing 747 series aeroplanes must adhere to these inspection requirements to ensure compliance with the Civil Aviation Regulations. The directive stipulates that these inspections must be completed before 20 July 1976. Failure to comply with these provisions can result in severe consequences, including potential civil or criminal penalties. Under Australian law, non-compliance with aviation safety regulations can lead to enforcement actions by CASA, which may include fines, suspension of airworthiness certificates, or other punitive measures. The exact penalties are determined by the severity of the breach and can vary, but they are designed to enforce adherence to safety standards to protect public safety.