Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, incorporates Airworthiness Directives (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These regulations are enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia Parliament to ensure the safety of civil aviation, addressing specific safety concerns identified by CASA. The Airworthiness Directive AD/B767/121 was introduced in response to a safety issue identified in Boeing 767 series aircraft concerning the tension bolts in the side load underwing fittings. The directive was issued on 22 May 2000 following a report of stress corrosion leading to fractured and cracked bolts, which could result in the loss of the strut. CASA's objective through this AD is to mandate inspections and necessary actions to prevent such unsafe conditions from leading to potential accidents, ensuring compliance with safety standards set forth in Boeing Alert Service Bulletins 767-57A0074 and its revision.

Scope and Application

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) applies specifically to Boeing 767 series aircraft with line numbers ranging from 1 through 230 inclusive. The directive mandates inspections and corrective actions to address an identified unsafe condition concerning the tension bolts in the side load underwing fittings of these aircraft. The directive requires a one-time inspection of these bolts to ascertain their composition, followed by further ultrasonic inspections if necessary, and replacement of any compromised bolts. Compliance with the AD must be achieved before further flight after specified dates, and subsequent inspections must occur at intervals not exceeding 500 flight hours or 300 flight cycles, whichever is later. This AD applies nationally within Australia, as per the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, and it extends its reach to all entities and individuals involved in the operation and maintenance of the specified Boeing 767 series aircraft. The AD does not explicitly mention any exclusions or exemptions but is subject to enforcement through subordinate instruments, ensuring adherence to the safety standards outlined.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes an Airworthiness Directive (AD) for the Boeing 767 series aeroplanes. This AD, issued under subregulation 39.1(1), mandates that certain actions be taken to address an unsafe condition identified in the side load underwing fittings of the aircraft. The AD applies to Boeing 767 series aircraft with line numbers 1 through 230 inclusive (s.1). The key requirement is a one-time inspection of the tension bolts in the side load underwing fittings to ascertain whether they are made of H-11 steel, as detailed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 767-57A0074 or its Revision 1 (s.2). If H-11 steel bolts are found or the type of bolt cannot be determined, an ultrasonic inspection must be performed to detect any cracking or fracturing, again following Boeing ASB 767-57A0074 or its Revision 1. Should any cracked or fractured bolts be found, they must be replaced with new, improved bolts before further flight. If both tension bolts in one side load underwing fitting are found to be cracked or fractured, inspections of the adjacent structure must also be conducted in accordance with a method acceptable to the Authority. The AD imposes specific obligations on the operators of Boeing 767 series aircraft. For aircraft with line numbers 1 through 162, the initial inspection and subsequent actions must be completed before further flight after 26 May 2000. For aircraft with line numbers 163 through 230, these actions must be completed before further flight after 31 May 2000. Additionally, operators must conduct repeat inspections at intervals not exceeding 500 flight hours or 300 flight cycles, whichever occurs later (s.3). Failure to comply with these requirements could result in serious safety hazards, as indicated by the background information regarding the stress corrosion that led to the fracturing and cracking of the tension bolts. There are no specific penalties mentioned in the AD for non-compliance, but it is clear that failure to adhere to these safety directives could result in significant safety risks and potential legal consequences under the broader Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. The AD becomes effective on 22 May 2000, and its enforcement is critical to maintaining the airworthiness of the affected aircraft.