AD/B767/107 - Cockpit Wire Bundle Chafing

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by the legislative instrument F2006B03288, address the critical issue of cockpit wire chafing in Boeing 767 series aeroplanes, particularly focusing on the potential risks posed by minimal clearance between the oxygen connector and adjacent wire bundles. This legislative instrument was enacted to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft by preventing electrical issues that could arise from wire chafing, thereby mitigating potential hazards during flight. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, under the Commonwealth of Australia, established this directive following reports from the Federal Aviation Administration. The overarching policy objective is to enhance the safety of aviation operations by mandating specific modifications to wiring in the cockpit area, as outlined in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 767-35A0029, thereby ensuring compliance before 1 July 2000. This directive supersedes previous measures and aims to maintain adequate clearance and prevent wire chafing.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, mandate specific safety measures for the operation of Boeing 767 series aeroplanes, as detailed in the Airworthiness Directive AD/B767/107 concerning cockpit wire bundle chafing. This directive applies specifically to the model 767 aeroplanes listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 767-35A0029 dated 30 January 1997. It requires operators to modify the wiring in the vicinity of the captain’s and first officer’s consoles in accordance with either Boeing ASB 767-35A0029 or its revision dated 25 June 1998. The directive becomes effective on 28 January 1999 and requires compliance prior to 1 July 2000. The directive is a response to reports of chafed wires and inadequate clearance between the oxygen connector and adjacent wire bundles, aiming to prevent such issues and ensure adequate clearance. This directive supersedes the previous AD/B767/86 and references FAA AD 98-23-05 Amdt 39-10869 for further guidance.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, address the safety standards and compliance requirements for Boeing 767 series aeroplanes. Within this regulatory framework, the Airworthiness Directive AD/B767/107 pertains to cockpit wire bundle chafing, which was issued to address safety concerns identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 767-35A0029 dated 30 January 1997. The directive mandates that the wiring in the vicinity of the captain’s and first officer’s consoles must be modified to prevent chafing and ensure adequate clearance between the oxygen connector and adjacent wire bundles. This modification can be carried out according to either Boeing ASB 767-35A0029 or its Revision 1 dated 25 June 1998. The directive references FAA AD 98-23-05 Amdt 39-10869, indicating alignment with other international standards. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and specific. Aircraft operators and maintenance organisations must ensure that the required modifications to the wiring are completed before 1 July 2000. The directive became effective on 28 January 1999, providing a timeframe within which compliance must be achieved. This requirement ensures that the aeroplanes meet the necessary safety standards to prevent potential hazards such as wire chafing, which could compromise the aircraft’s operational safety. Failure to comply with the Airworthiness Directive AD/B767/107 can result in significant consequences. Non-compliance could potentially lead to safety incidents, thereby violating the overarching aim of the regulations to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety. While the specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the directive itself, under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, breaches of airworthiness directives can attract substantial penalties. These may include fines and legal action, which could also result in the grounding of non-compliant aircraft, thereby impacting the operational capabilities of the airline. The seriousness of these potential penalties underscores the importance of adhering to the specified requirements.