AD/B747/90 Amdt 1 - Trailing Edge Flap Track

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), were enacted by the Australian Parliament to regulate civil aviation safety standards across the nation. In particular, Part 39 - 105 of these regulations addresses Airworthiness Directives (ADs), which are legally enforceable safety measures issued by CASA to ensure the airworthiness of aircraft. The problem that this piece of legislation aimed to address is the potential for unsafe conditions in aircraft, such as the Boeing 747 series, that could lead to severe consequences, including loss of controllability. This AD was introduced to correct specific safety issues identified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and CASA, such as corrosion and cracks in certain flap track bolt holes, which could compromise the structural integrity of the aircraft. This Airworthiness Directive, specifically AD/B747/90 Amendment 1, was issued by a CASA delegate to revoke the previous AD/B747/90 and implement new safety measures in response to reports of corrosion and cracks in the trailing edge flap track of Boeing 747 series aircraft. The policy objective of this AD is to ensure that corrective actions are taken to address the identified unsafe condition, thereby maintaining the airworthiness of the affected aircraft and ensuring the safety of all persons on board. This AD became effective on 20 March 2003, aligning with the revised requirements set out by the FAA.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105 and the Airworthiness Directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), governs the safety and airworthiness of aircraft within Australia. This legislative instrument applies to all aircraft and aeronautical products, with a particular focus on the Boeing 747 series aeroplanes as detailed in the specific AD/B747/90 Amendment 1. The directive mandates corrective actions in response to identified safety concerns, such as missing cadmium plating and corrosion in certain flap track bolt holes, which could compromise the aircraft’s controllability. The directive is applicable to all aircraft listed in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-57-2256 Revision 3, dated 21 June 2001, and requires adherence to the technical requirements outlined in FAA AD 2002-23-21 Amendment 39-12965. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be achieved by the specified effective date, as detailed in the compliance section of the AD. The CASA delegate, David Alan Villiers, has revoked the previous AD/B747/90 and issued this amendment to ensure continued safety and compliance within the Australian civil aviation sector.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, includes an Airworthiness Directive (AD) that specifically targets Boeing 747 series aeroplanes, as outlined in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-57-2256 Revision 3 dated 21 June 2001. This directive, AD/B747/90 Amendment 1, focuses on addressing issues with the trailing edge flap track. The requirement section mandates that the corrective action must be executed in accordance with the technical specifications set forth in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) AD 2002-23-21 Amendment 39-12965. The compliance date for these actions is set for 20 March 2003, with the amendment itself becoming effective on the same date. The directive imposes certain obligations on the parties it governs, specifically those who own or operate Boeing 747 series aircraft. These entities are required to adhere to the technical instructions provided in FAA AD 2002-23-21 Amendment 39-12965. The directive's applicability is limited to aircraft models listed in the specified Boeing Service Bulletin, necessitating that owners or operators identify if their aircraft fall under the purview of this AD. The directive aims to ensure that any identified issues with the trailing edge flap track are addressed promptly to maintain airworthiness standards. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in the AD/B747/90 Amendment 1 could result in significant consequences. While the regulations do not explicitly detail the penalties for non-compliance, the overarching framework of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 provides for both civil and criminal sanctions. These may include fines, imprisonment, or other civil penalties as deemed appropriate by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The potential for non-compliance to compromise aircraft safety underscores the importance of adhering to the directive’s requirements.