AD/B767/111 - MLG Forward Trunnion Joint

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, were introduced to address safety and operational standards in civil aviation. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives. One such directive, AD/B767/111, pertains to Boeing 767 series aeroplanes, focusing on the maintenance of the main landing gear's forward trunnion joint. This directive responds to identified issues of corrosion in this critical component, which could potentially lead to catastrophic failures during operation. The directive requires compliance with the technical requirements outlined in FAA AD 99-10-08 Amendment 39-11161, as well as referencing Boeing Service Bulletin 767-32A0127. The policy objective is to ensure the continued safety and airworthiness of Boeing 767 series aircraft through stringent maintenance protocols. The Airworthiness Directive became effective on 12 August 1999, applying to model 767 series aircraft with line positions from 001 through 455. The directive mandates that inspections and necessary actions be taken in accordance with specified requirements, with the aim of preventing corrosion-induced failures. Compliance is to be achieved as outlined in the Requirement Document, which specifies the initial and any repeat inspections necessary to maintain the integrity of the forward trunnion joint. This legislative measure underscores the importance of maintaining stringent safety standards to safeguard both the aircraft and its passengers.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39, impose an Airworthiness Directive aimed at ensuring the safety of Boeing 767 series aircraft, covering line positions 001 through 455. This directive mandates adherence to the technical requirements outlined in FAA AD 99-10-08 Amendment 39-11161, with a reference to Boeing Service Bulletin 767-32A0127. The directive necessitates actions in accordance with the specified Requirement Document for both initial and repeat inspections, with a compliance deadline set as of 12 August 1999. The directive addresses the critical issue of corrosion at the forward trunnion joint of the main landing gear, which could potentially lead to stress corrosion fractures and subsequent landing gear collapse. The geographic reach of this regulation is effectively national, as it pertains to all Boeing 767 series aircraft operating within Australia, thereby ensuring compliance with international safety standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in this directive, and it extends its application through subordinate instruments as necessary to enforce compliance.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, are set out in AD/B767/111 concerning the Boeing 767 Series Aeroplanes. Section 1 of this directive mandates the application of the technical requirements outlined in FAA AD 99-10-08 Amdt 39-11161 for Boeing 767 series aircraft with line positions 001 through 455. This directive is informed by Boeing Service Bulletin 767-32A0127 and is aimed at addressing corrosion issues identified at the forward trunnion joint of the main landing gear. The directive stipulates that compliance must be achieved by following the requirements specified in the Requirement Document, with inspections occurring at initial and, if applicable, subsequent intervals. This directive became effective on 12 August 1999, with a revised compliance date of the same. The obligations imposed by this directive on the relevant parties include adherence to the technical requirements outlined in the FAA AD 99-10-08 Amdt 39-11161, ensuring that all inspections and necessary actions are performed in accordance with the Requirement Document. Operators of Boeing 767 series aircraft within the specified line positions must conduct the required inspections and take appropriate action to address any identified issues related to corrosion in the forward trunnion joint. This includes utilising the guidance provided in Boeing Service Bulletin 767-32A0127 to ensure that all steps are followed correctly. Failure to comply with the directives outlined in this legislation can result in significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 include provisions for both civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. Civil penalties can include fines up to the maximum allowable under the regulations, while criminal penalties may apply in more severe cases, potentially involving imprisonment. The specific penalties are determined based on the severity of the breach and the extent to which safety has been compromised. Operators must ensure strict adherence to these directives to avoid such repercussions.