AD/B767/117 - Landing Gear Control Lever Module Adjacent Wiring Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the Civil Aviation (Airworthiness) Regulations 1998, include the Airworthiness Directives (ADs) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These ADs are designed to address specific safety issues identified in civil aviation operations, ensuring that aircraft meet the required safety standards. The AD concerning Boeing 767 Series Aeroplanes was enacted to address the problem of potential interference and chafing of the landing gear control cable and adjacent wire bundles, which could lead to the failure of the landing gear to extend. This issue was highlighted following incidents where the landing gear failed to extend and the landing gear control cable was severed due to interference with the adjacent wire bundles. The AD mandates a series of inspections and corrective actions to prevent such occurrences, ensuring the continued airworthiness of Boeing 767 aeroplanes. The policy objective is to enhance the safety of civil aviation by mitigating the risks associated with the specified defect.

Scope and Application

This Airworthiness Directive issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) pertains to Boeing 767 series aeroplanes, specifically those listed in Boeing Service Bulletin 767-32A0163 Revision 1 dated 1 October 1998. The directive mandates a series of inspections and repairs to address issues related to the landing gear control lever module and adjacent wiring, which could potentially lead to severe operational hazards such as the failure of the landing gear to extend during critical flight phases. The directive requires operators to perform a detailed visual inspection to detect any damage to the wire expando sleeve of the wire bundles adjacent to the landing gear control lever module, following the procedures outlined in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 767-32A0163 dated 5 March 1998, or Service Bulletin (SB) 767-32A0163, Revision 1, dated 1 October 1998. Depending on the findings, subsequent actions include wrapping or repairing the wire expando sleeve, inspecting and repairing the varglas layer, and inspecting and rewrapping the wire bundles. All actions must be completed before further flight, with the initial inspection required within 90 days from the directive's effective date of 18 May 2000. This directive applies nationally across Australia and is enforced through the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which are subject to potential amendments or clarifications via subordinate instruments issued by CASA.

Key Provisions

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/B767/117 issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) applies specifically to Boeing 767 series aeroplanes and mandates a series of inspections and corrective actions to address potential safety issues related to the landing gear control lever and adjacent wiring. The directive, effective from 18 May 2000, requires a one-time detailed visual inspection of the wire expando sleeve of the wire bundles adjacent to the landing gear control lever module. This inspection must be performed in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 767-32A0163 or Service Bulletin (SB) 767-32A0163, Revision 1, dated 1 October 1998. If no damage is detected, the wire expando sleeve must be wrapped as per the bulletins. If damage is detected, further inspections are required to assess the varglas layer and the wire bundles, with subsequent actions including repairs, rewrapping, and additional wrapping as necessary. The obligations imposed by this AD on the parties governed include conducting the initial inspection within 90 days of the directive's effective date, and ensuring that any subsequent inspections and corrective actions are completed before further flight. Each step of the inspection and repair process must follow the procedures outlined in the referenced Boeing bulletins, ensuring that the wire expando sleeves, varglas layers, and wire bundles are examined and treated appropriately. This involves meticulous visual inspections, possible repairs, and rewrapping of the wire bundles and sleeves with new varglas layers where required. Failure to comply with the AD can result in significant consequences. The AD does not specify explicit penalties or legal consequences for non-compliance within the provided text, but non-compliance could lead to grounding of the aircraft until the required inspections and repairs are completed, potentially resulting in operational disruptions and financial losses. Additionally, non-compliance could compromise the safety of the aircraft, leading to potential legal actions by CASA or other regulatory authorities, and possibly civil or criminal penalties under broader aviation safety laws if the non-compliance results in an unsafe condition that leads to an accident or incident.