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/B767/158 P50 Panel - Electrical Wire Bundles
Inspection and Protection
11/2001
DM
Applicability: Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series aeroplanes, as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 767-24A0139, and Model 767-400ER series aeroplanes as listed in Boeing ASB 767-24A0140, both dated 9 February 2001.
Requirement: 1. Carry out a detailed visual inspection of the wire bundles between the P50 panel and the nose wheel structure to find discrepancies (i.e. chafed or broken wires, damaged insulation or conductors, inadequate clearance between the wire bundle, insulation and nose wheel well structure) in accordance with ASB 767-24A0139 (for Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series aeroplanes), or ASB 767-24A0140 (for Model 767-400ER series aeroplanes), as applicable.
Note 1: For the purposes of this Directive, a detailed visual inspection is defined as: “An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.”
2. If any discrepancy is found during the Requirement 1 inspection, repair or replace any damaged wires or worn components; install protective sleeving over the wire bundles and relocate the wire bundle to provide adequate clearance in accordance with Figure 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of either ASB 767- 24A0139 or ASB 767-24A0140 as applicable.
Note 2: Accomplishment of Requirement 2 is not considered terminating action for the Requirement 1 repetitive inspections.
Note 3: FAA AD 2001-18-12 Amdt 39-12438 refers.
Compliance: For Requirement 1 - Within 90 days after the effective date of this Directive and thereafter every 6,000 hours time in service or 18 months, whichever occurs first.
For Requirement 2 - Before further flight after the Requirement 1 inspection. This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 28 September 2001.
Boeing 767 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B767/158 (Continued)
Background: This Directive requires repetitive inspections to find discrepancies of the wire bundles located between the P50 panel and the nose wheel well structure and, if necessary, corrective action. These actions are necessary to find and rectify discrepancies, which could result in electrical arcing, smoke and/or fire in the cabin together with failure of certain systems essential to safe flight.
Eugene Paul Holzapfel
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 18 September 2001
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 26 September 2001.
Overview
The Civil Aviation (Airworthiness) Regulations 1998 were enacted to establish regulations that govern the airworthiness of aircraft and aeronautical products, ensuring they meet safety standards. These regulations were introduced to address the need for a structured framework that ensures the safety and reliability of aircraft operating within Australia. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the relevant authority that enforces these regulations. The policy objective of the regulations is to maintain and enhance the safety of civil aviation by ensuring that all aircraft and aeronautical products are maintained in an airworthy condition. This involves setting forth detailed requirements for the design, production, maintenance, and operation of aircraft, ensuring they meet stringent safety standards and are subject to regular inspections and compliance checks.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) applies to specific Boeing 767 series aeroplanes, namely the Model 767-200, -300, -300F, and -400ER series, as detailed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletins (ASB) 767-24A0139 and 767-24A0140 dated 9 February 2001. The directive mandates corrective action to address potential unsafe conditions related to the electrical wire bundles between the P50 panel and the nose wheel structure. This includes conducting detailed visual inspections to identify issues such as chafed or broken wires, damaged insulation, conductors, and inadequate clearance. Should any discrepancies be found, the directive stipulates that the affected wires or components must be repaired or replaced, and protective measures, including sleeving and repositioning of the wire bundle, must be implemented to prevent electrical arcing, smoke, fire, and system failures. The AD requires initial inspections within 90 days of its effective date and mandates subsequent inspections every 6,000 hours of flight time or 18 months, whichever comes first, and immediate corrective action before further flight if any discrepancies are detected.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/B767/158 issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) mandates specific actions for certain Boeing 767 series aeroplanes to ensure their safe operation. Section (a) of the AD applies to Model 767-200, -300, -300F, and -400ER series aeroplanes listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletins (ASB) 767-24A0139 and 767-24A0140 dated 9 February 2001. The requirement section (b) stipulates a detailed visual inspection of the wire bundles between the P50 panel and the nose wheel structure to identify discrepancies such as chafed or broken wires, damaged insulation or conductors, or inadequate clearance between the wire bundle and the nose wheel well structure. This inspection must be conducted in accordance with the respective ASB for each model series and should involve supplementary lighting and inspection aids as necessary. If any discrepancies are found, the AD requires that the damaged wires or worn components be repaired or replaced, protective sleeving be installed over the wire bundles, and the wire bundle be relocated to provide adequate clearance. Note that completion of these corrective actions does not terminate the requirement for repetitive inspections.
The AD imposes specific obligations on the entities governed by it. For Requirement 1, the directive mandates a detailed visual inspection within 90 days from the effective date of the AD and then every 6,000 hours of time in service or every 18 months, whichever comes first. For Requirement 2, any corrective action required due to findings from Requirement 1 must be completed before further flight. Non-compliance with these obligations can result in significant safety risks, including electrical arcing, smoke, fire in the cabin, and failure of essential systems, which could compromise the safety of the flight.
The AD outlines potential civil or criminal consequences for non-compliance. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the AD itself, breaches of CASA directives can generally lead to enforcement actions by CASA, including fines, legal proceedings, and potential grounding of the aircraft until compliance is achieved. The seriousness of the potential hazards identified by the AD suggests that penalties for non-compliance could be substantial, reflecting the importance of adhering to the specified requirements to maintain airworthiness and ensure the safety of the aeroplanes involved.