AD/B767/120 - Alternate Brake Selector Valve

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by the Airworthiness Directive AD/B767/120, was enacted to address specific safety concerns identified with Boeing 767 Series aeroplanes. This legislation, introduced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, aims to ensure the airworthiness of the affected aircraft by mandating the replacement of the hydraulic reducer fitting in the return port of the alternate brake selector valve. This requirement applies to Boeing 767-200, -300, and -300F series aircraft, specifically those with line numbers from 1 to 607 inclusive, and equipped with P/N S160T300-series carbon brakes. The directive responds to reports of brake housing fractures due to higher loads caused by brake vibration during landing gear retraction, which necessitated an urgent safety measure to prevent potential failures and ensure compliance by 8 February 2001. This Airworthiness Directive became effective on 15 June 2000, aligning with international standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration. The policy objective of this legislative instrument is to maintain and enhance aviation safety by implementing stringent airworthiness directives that prevent mechanical failures and ensure the reliability of aircraft systems. The directive underscores the importance of timely compliance to safeguard against potential hazards, reflecting a commitment to upholding the highest standards of air safety and operational integrity within the aviation industry.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39, specifically address the airworthiness of aircraft in Australia. Within this Part, the Airworthiness Directive AD/B767/120 pertains to Boeing 767 Series Aeroplanes, more precisely, the models 767-200, -300, and -300F series aircraft with line numbers 1 through 607 inclusive, that are equipped with P/N S160T300-series carbon brakes. This directive mandates the replacement of the hydraulic reducer fitting in the return port of the alternate brake selector valve with a new restrictor fitting, aligning with the Boeing Service Bulletin 767-32-0152, original, Revision 1 or 2. The directive was issued due to reports of a brake housing fracturing from higher loads during landing gear retraction, which this modification aims to prevent. The compliance deadline was set for 8 February 2001, unless the action was already completed. The Airworthiness Directive became effective on 15 June 2000, underscoring the urgency and importance of addressing this safety concern. The scope of this directive is limited to the specified Boeing 767 series aircraft, and its implementation is overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39, includes specific provisions concerning the airworthiness of aircraft, such as the Boeing 767 series aeroplanes. The Airworthiness Directive AD/B767/120, issued on 6 June 2000, pertains to the alternate brake selector valve for Boeing 767-200, -300, and -300F series aircraft, specifically those with line numbers 1 through 607 inclusive and equipped with P/N S160T300-series carbon brakes. This directive (Section 39.105) mandates that the hydraulic reducer fitting in the return port of the alternate brake selector valve must be replaced with a new restrictor fitting in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 767-32-0152, original or revisions 1 or 2. This action aims to prevent a fracture in the brake housing due to the higher loads associated with brake vibration during landing gear retraction, as referenced in FAA AD 99-27-05 Amdt 39-11486. Compliance with this directive is required unless the specified action has already been performed, and it must be completed by 8 February 2001. The Act imposes specific obligations on the operators of the affected Boeing 767 series aircraft to ensure compliance with the airworthiness directive. Operators must inspect the alternate brake selector valve and confirm that the hydraulic reducer fitting in the return port is replaced with the new restrictor fitting as specified. This replacement must adhere to the requirements outlined in Boeing Service Bulletin 767-32-0152, ensuring that the modifications are carried out correctly to prevent any potential failure of the brake housing. The directive becomes effective from 15 June 2000, meaning that operators must act promptly to ensure their aircraft meet the necessary safety standards. Failure to comply with the provisions of this airworthiness directive can result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 outline the potential penalties for non-compliance, which can include fines and other legal repercussions. The severity of these penalties is determined by the specific breach and the regulatory framework in place. The primary objective of these regulations is to ensure the highest standards of safety are maintained in civil aviation, and any failure to comply can result in significant legal and financial penalties. Operators are, therefore, strongly advised to adhere strictly to the requirements set out in the Airworthiness Directive AD/B767/120 to avoid any potential adverse outcomes.