AD/B747/91 - EFIS Control Panel

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, were enacted by the Parliament of Australia to regulate airworthiness and safety in the civil aviation industry. This legislative instrument addresses issues related to the maintenance and safety of aircraft, particularly focusing on directives that ensure the airworthiness of specific models, such as the Boeing 747 series aeroplanes. The regulations are designed to prevent potential hazards that could compromise the safety of flight operations, in line with international standards and requirements. For instance, Airworthiness Directive AD/B747/91 pertains to the EFIS control panel of Boeing 747-400 series aeroplanes, necessitating compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) directives to avert failures that could lead to dangerous conditions in the flight deck. This legislation, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), aims to ensure that aircraft remain in a condition that guarantees the safety of passengers, crew, and the general public. The policy objective is to mandate stringent safety protocols and technical compliance, thereby mitigating risks associated with aircraft operation. The regulations are integral in maintaining high safety standards in the aviation sector, aligning with international aviation safety frameworks and requirements.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, apply to all model 747-400 series aeroplanes with line numbers 1 through 791. These regulations are enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and are intended to ensure that these aircraft meet specific safety standards. The focus of this particular regulation is to address potential failures in the Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) control panel, which could lead to smoke in the flight deck. Compliance with the regulations requires adherence to the technical requirements outlined in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) AD 91-06-17, with additional guidance provided by Collins Service Bulletin No DCP-7000-31-04. These regulations extend to all operators of the specified Boeing 747 series within Australian airspace and are in place to mitigate safety risks associated with the identified issues. The regulations do not specify any exclusions or exemptions, indicating that all relevant aircraft must comply with the outlined safety directives.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, includes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. Within this, AD/B747/91 addresses the EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrument System) Control Panel for Boeing 747-400 series aeroplanes with line numbers ranging from 1 through 791. This directive requires compliance with the technical requirements outlined in FAA AD 91-06-17, and it is further supported by Collins Service Bulletin No DCP-7000-31-04. The directive mandates that the specified action be taken to ensure the prevention of failure in the pilots' EFIS control panel, which could otherwise result in smoke in the flight deck. The obligations imposed by this directive on the relevant parties include adhering to the technical specifications provided by the FAA AD 91-06-17 and Collins Service Bulletin No DCP-7000-31-04. Operators of Boeing 747-400 series aeroplanes must ensure that the necessary actions are implemented in accordance with these documents. This includes conducting any required inspections, maintenance, or modifications to the EFIS control panel to prevent the risk of failure that could compromise flight safety. Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/B747/91 may result in serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with an airworthiness directive is a breach of aviation safety standards. This could lead to civil or criminal penalties, depending on the severity and intent of the breach. For civil penalties, the maximum fine can be substantial, often reaching up to several thousand Australian dollars. In more severe cases, where there is a clear disregard for safety regulations, criminal charges could be pursued, leading to fines and potential imprisonment for responsible individuals or entities.