Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, address the maintenance and airworthiness of civil aircraft in Australia, ensuring safety standards are met through directives such as the Boeing 75 Series Aeroplanes AD/B75/1 Amendment 2. This legislative instrument, enacted by the Australian Government, specifically targets the inspection and maintenance of wing spars on Boeing 75 Series aeroplanes. The amendment was introduced to address safety concerns by ensuring that the structural integrity of the wing spars is maintained, thereby preventing potential in-flight failures. The policy objective is to align with the United States Federal Aviation Administration's directives to maintain a consistent standard of airworthiness across international fleets. The compliance requirement mandates annual inspections unless specific sealing criteria are met, emphasising the importance of rigorous and regular maintenance checks to ensure the safety of air travel.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Boeing 75 Series Aeroplanes, applies to all aircraft of the 75 series and governs the maintenance and inspection requirements for these aircraft. This regulation mandates that all operators of Boeing 75 series aeroplanes must inspect the wing spars for cracks, checks, and warping at each annual inspection and remove the centre fuel tank to facilitate this inspection. In cases where the wing spars are found to be defective, they must be replaced or repaired in accordance with the US Civil Aeronautics Manual 18. Additionally, the regulation requires that all drain holes be open and ensures the gap between the fuel tank and the upper surface of the centre section is sealed to prevent moisture ingress if the fuel tank is not removed during each annual inspection. This Airworthiness Directive also references FAA AD 50-06-02 and notes that an approved modification of the centre section fabric covering can allow for spar inspections without the need to remove the fuel tank, provided it aligns with the Old Aeroplane Company Ltd Drawing No 001 or a similar approved scheme. The amendment to this directive is effective from 17 September 1992, and compliance is required at each annual inspection unless specific sealing criteria are met as outlined in the regulation.

Key Provisions

The key provision of this legislative instrument, AD/B75/1 Amendment 2, requires operators of Boeing 75 series aeroplanes to inspect and maintain the wing spars (section 10/92). Specifically, operators must remove the centre fuel tank and inspect both the front and rear spars for any cracks, checks, or warping. Any defective spars found must be replaced or repaired according to the US Civil Aeronautics Manual 18. Additionally, operators are required to ensure all drain holes are open. However, if the gap between the fuel tank and the upper surface of the centre section is sealed to prevent moisture entering the tank compartment, the tank does not need to be removed at each annual inspection. This sealing can be achieved using grade A fabric tape or an equivalent sealing method. Operators must comply with this directive at each annual inspection unless the specified criteria in Requirement Note 1 have been met. This compliance ensures the ongoing airworthiness and safety of Boeing 75 series aeroplanes. It is imperative that operators adhere to these requirements to maintain the structural integrity of the wing spars and prevent potential in-flight failures. Failure to comply with this Airworthiness Directive may result in significant safety risks. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) enforces these regulations, and non-compliance could lead to severe consequences. While specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, violations of airworthiness directives generally result in enforcement actions, including fines, suspension of operations, or other regulatory measures. Operators must ensure that all inspections and repairs are conducted in accordance with the specified requirements to avoid any potential penalties or legal ramifications.