COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B747/97 Cargo Fire Extinguishing Agent Containers 9/91
Applicability: Model 747-400 series as listed in Boeing SB 747-26A 2180.
Requirement: Action in accordance with the Technical Requirements of FAA AD 91-12-03 Amdt 39-7014.
Compliance: As specified in the Requirement Document with a revised effective date of 5 September 1991 for Australian registered aircraft.
Background: The FAA has received a report from one operator identifying two occurrences of false indication of low pressure in the cargo compartment fire extinguishing containers.
This condition, if not corrected, could reduce or stop the discharge of fire extinguishing agent due to water freezing in the metered distribution lines, and could cause false low pressure indications in the initial discharge indicating system.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted to establish comprehensive regulations governing civil aviation in Australia, ensuring safety and efficiency in the operation of aircraft. Part 39 of these regulations specifically addresses airworthiness directives, which are legally enforceable rules issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to correct known safety deficiencies in aircraft, airframe components, engines, propellers, and other associated equipment. The policy objective of these regulations is to maintain a high standard of safety in the civil aviation sector, thereby protecting the public and enhancing the integrity of Australia's aviation industry. One such airworthiness directive, AD/B747/97, pertains to Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes, particularly addressing the issue of cargo fire extinguishing agent containers to prevent potential fire hazards due to false low pressure indications caused by water freezing in the metered distribution lines.
The Federal Parliament of Australia enacted this regulatory framework to fill the gap in ensuring that all aircraft operating in Australian airspace comply with stringent safety standards. By adopting and adapting directives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 provide a robust mechanism to mitigate risks associated with aircraft operation. This approach ensures that Australian-registered aircraft meet international safety benchmarks, thereby safeguarding the interests of passengers, crew, and the general public.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/B747/97 related to Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes, applies to the 747-400 series as listed in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-26A 2180. This directive mandates compliance with the technical requirements of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) AD 91-12-03 Amendment 39-7014, with an effective date of 5 September 1991 for aircraft registered in Australia. The directive is issued in response to reports from an operator identifying instances of false low pressure indications in cargo compartment fire extinguishing containers, which could lead to reduced or ceased discharge of the fire extinguishing agent due to water freezing in the metered distribution lines. This could also cause incorrect low pressure indications during the initial discharge phase. The scope of this legislation is specifically tailored to ensure the airworthiness of the specified Boeing 747 models registered in Australia, thereby enhancing the safety standards for civil aviation within the Commonwealth.
Key Provisions
The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, PART 39 - 105, focus on the Airworthiness Directives (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Specifically, AD/B747/97 pertains to Boeing 747 Series Aeroplanes, particularly the cargo fire extinguishing agent containers (Section 9/91). This directive applies to the Model 747-400 series as listed in Boeing Service Bulletin (SB) 747-26A 2180. It mandates that actions must be taken in accordance with the Technical Requirements of FAA AD 91-12-03 Amdt 39-7014. Compliance with this directive is required for Australian registered aircraft, with a revised effective date of 5 September 1991, as specified in the Requirement Document.
The obligations imposed by this legislation on the parties or entities it governs are significant. Operators of Boeing 747-400 series aircraft must ensure that the cargo fire extinguishing agent containers are maintained in accordance with the specified technical requirements. This includes addressing any instances of false indication of low pressure in the cargo compartment fire extinguishing containers, which could otherwise lead to a reduction or cessation of fire extinguishing agent discharge due to water freezing in the metered distribution lines. Operators must also correct any conditions that could cause false low pressure indications in the initial discharge indicating system, ensuring the safety and efficacy of the fire extinguishing system on board.
Failure to comply with the requirements set out in the AD/B747/97 may result in serious consequences. The legislation does not explicitly state the specific offences or penalties for breach; however, non-compliance with airworthiness directives is generally considered a serious matter under aviation law. Breaches of these regulations could potentially lead to enforcement actions by CASA, including fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and other regulatory penalties. The exact penalties may vary depending on the severity and circumstances of the breach, but they are designed to ensure that aircraft remain airworthy and safe for operation.