AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
Boeing 767 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B767/143 Main Passenger Door Wire Bundles 8/2001
Applicability: Model 767-300 series aeroplanes, as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 767-33A0085, Revision 2, dated 7 December 2000.
Requirement: 1. Carry out one-time general visual inspection to detect chafing and determine adequate clearance of the wire bundles above the F4/G2 galley, in accordance with Figure 1 or Figure 3, as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of ASB 767-33A0085, Revision 2.
Note 1: For the purposes of this Directive, a general visual inspection is defined as: "A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to find obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or drop-light and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked."
2. If chafing and/or inadequate clearance is found during the Requirement 1 inspection, repair or replace damaged wires in the wire bundles; install a bracket assembly on the wire bundle support bracket; install nut spacer plates; and re-route the wire bundles away from the ceiling support bracket, as applicable, as specified by and in accordance with Figure 2 or Figure 3, as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of the ASB.
Accomplishment of the one-time inspection and corrective actions in accordance with either Boeing ASB 767-33A0085, dated 11 May 2000 or Revision 1, dated 31 August 2000, before the effective date of this Directive, is considered acceptable for compliance with Requirements 1 and 2 of this Directive.
Note 2: FAA AD 2001-12-03 Amdt 39-12258 refers.
Compliance: For Requirement 1 - Within 6 months after the effective date of this Directive. For Requirement 2 - Before further flight after the Requirement 1 inspection. This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 9 August 2001.
Boeing 767 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B767/143 (Continued)
Background: This Directive requires a one-time general visual inspection to find chafing and determine adequate clearance of certain wire bundles in the ceiling panel near the main passenger door and, if necessary, corrective action.
These actions are intended to prevent damage to the wires in the bundles due to contact between the bundles and the adjacent ceiling support bracket. Such damage could result in electrical arcing, smoke, or fire in the cabin, and failure of certain systems essential to safe flight and landing of the aeroplane.
Eugene Paul Holzapfel
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 29 June 2001
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 11 July 2001.
Overview
The Boeing 767 Series Aeroplanes Airworthiness Directive (AD/B767/143) was enacted on 9 August 2001 by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address an identified unsafe condition relating to the wire bundles located in the ceiling panel near the main passenger door of Boeing 767-300 series aeroplanes. This directive was issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, responding to potential issues of chafing and inadequate clearance of these wire bundles, which could lead to electrical arcing, smoke, fire, and system failures. The directive mandates a one-time general visual inspection to detect any chafing and ensure adequate clearance, followed by corrective actions if necessary. The CASA delegate, Eugene Paul Holzapfel, issued this directive to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the specified aircraft models, aligning with international standards such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) AD 2001-12-03 Amdt 39-12258. The directive was gazetted on 11 July 2001, establishing the compliance timeline and scope for affected operators.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998 specifically applies to Boeing 767-300 series aeroplanes as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 767-33A0085, Revision 2, dated 7 December 2000. This AD is designed to ensure the airworthiness of these aircraft by mandating a one-time general visual inspection to detect chafing and assess the adequate clearance of wire bundles in the ceiling panel near the main passenger door. If any chafing or inadequate clearance is detected, corrective actions such as repairing or replacing damaged wires, installing a bracket assembly, nut spacer plates, and re-routing the wire bundles must be taken. These actions are imperative to prevent potential damage to the wires, which could lead to electrical arcing, smoke, or fire in the cabin, and could compromise systems crucial to the safe flight and landing of the aeroplane. The directive, which became effective on 9 August 2001, requires that the inspection be completed within 6 months of the effective date, and corrective actions be undertaken before further flight after the inspection. The directive applies nationally within the Commonwealth of Australia and is applicable to all entities operating these specific model aeroplanes within the country.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/B767/143 applies to Boeing 767-300 series aeroplanes as specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 767-33A0085, Revision 2, dated 7 December 2000. Section 39.1(1) of CAR 1998 provides the authority for this AD. The AD mandates a one-time general visual inspection to identify chafing and assess the clearance of the wire bundles above the F4/G2 galley, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of ASB 767-33A0085, Revision 2 (Requirement 1). If chafing or inadequate clearance is detected, corrective actions must be taken, such as repairing or replacing damaged wires, installing a bracket assembly, installing nut spacer plates, and re-routing the wire bundles as specified in the ASB (Requirement 2). Completion of these actions must occur before further flight after the inspection.
The AD imposes several obligations on the parties it governs. Operators of Boeing 767-300 series aeroplanes must ensure that the specified visual inspection and any necessary corrective actions are performed. This involves a thorough examination of the wire bundles and their clearance from the ceiling support bracket to prevent damage. Operators must follow the instructions in the ASB for the inspection and corrective actions. Compliance with these requirements is critical to maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensuring the safety of passengers and crew.
Failure to comply with the AD may result in civil or criminal consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Safety Act 1998, non-compliance with an AD can lead to enforcement actions, including fines. The maximum penalty for contravening the AD could be significant, depending on the severity and circumstances of the non-compliance. In addition, if non-compliance results in an incident or accident, it could lead to criminal charges, including charges under the Crimes Act 1914, which could result in substantial penalties and imprisonment. Ensuring strict adherence to the AD is therefore essential to avoid these potential legal repercussions.