COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Boeing 767 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B767/16 Engine Strut Hydraulic Line Support Bracket 8/87
Applicability: All models listed in Boeing Service Bulletin 767-29-0032. Requirement: Action in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin No. 767-29-0032. Compliance: Prior to 31 March 1988.
Background: The manufacturer has received approximately ten reports of bracket cracks. There has also been two additional reports of broken brackets allowing the flange and clamp to migrate and wear the adjacent fuel line.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Regulations, enacted in 1998, are a comprehensive framework designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. The regulations address various aspects of aviation operations, including airworthiness, pilot qualifications, aircraft maintenance, and emergency procedures. One specific area covered by these regulations is the issuance of Airworthiness Directives, which are binding orders issued to ensure aircraft meet certain safety standards. The directive AD/B767/16, which applies to Boeing 767 series aeroplanes, aims to address a critical safety concern identified in the engine strut hydraulic line support bracket. This directive was introduced in response to reports of bracket cracks and subsequent issues that could compromise the structural integrity and safety of the aircraft. The regulation is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, with the overarching policy objective being to enhance and maintain the highest safety standards in Australian civil aviation.
The enactment of these regulations by the Australian Parliament underscores a commitment to rigorous oversight and compliance in the aviation sector. The specific directive AD/B767/16 highlights the proactive approach taken by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority in addressing potential hazards. By requiring compliance with Boeing Service Bulletin No. 767-29-0032 before a specified date, the directive aims to mitigate risks associated with bracket failures, ensuring that any identified issues are rectified promptly. This legislative measure is integral to maintaining the safety and reliability of civil aviation operations in Australia, reflecting a dedication to protecting both the public and industry professionals.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as part of the legislative instrument F2006B03336, govern the safety standards for civil aviation in Australia, ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft operated within the country. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 pertains to Airworthiness Directives (ADs), which are regulatory mandates issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address safety concerns. AD/B767/16 is one such directive, focusing on Boeing 767 Series aeroplanes and mandating actions to rectify issues identified with the engine strut hydraulic line support bracket. This directive applies to all models listed in Boeing Service Bulletin 767-29-0032, requiring compliance with the instructions provided in the service bulletin. The directive necessitates adherence to the specified actions to be completed prior to 31 March 1988, responding to reports of bracket cracks and instances where broken brackets caused adjacent fuel lines to wear, underscoring the necessity for timely and precise corrective measures to maintain aircraft safety and operational integrity.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes a Schedule of Airworthiness Directives that applies to Boeing 767 Series Aeroplanes. One such directive, AD/B767/16, pertains to the engine strut hydraulic line support bracket. This directive applies to all models listed in Boeing Service Bulletin 767-29-0032 (1). The directive mandates that actions be taken in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin No. 767-29-0032 to address the identified issue with the engine strut hydraulic line support bracket (2). The requirement is that these actions must be completed prior to 31 March 1988 to ensure compliance (3).
The obligations under this directive are primarily focused on maintenance and repair. Operators and owners of Boeing 767 Series Aeroplanes must ensure that the hydraulic line support brackets are inspected and, if necessary, repaired or replaced in line with the manufacturer's service bulletin. This involves detailed checks and potentially complex repair work to prevent any further deterioration or failure of the brackets, which could compromise the aircraft's safety (4). Proper documentation and record-keeping are also required to demonstrate compliance with the directive, ensuring that the aircraft remains airworthy and meets all regulatory standards (5).
Failure to comply with AD/B767/16 could result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) can impose penalties for non-compliance, which may include fines or other sanctions. In severe cases, CASA may also take action to suspend or revoke the aircraft's airworthiness certificate, which would prevent the aeroplane from being operated until the required actions are completed and approved (6). Additionally, operators who fail to comply with the directive may face legal action, including potential civil liability for any accidents or incidents that result from the non-compliance (7). The maximum penalties for non-compliance can include substantial financial penalties and legal repercussions, which underscore the importance of adhering to the directive (8).