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/B767/174 Thrust Reverser Modifications and Operational
Checks
8/2002
Applicability: Model B767 series aeroplanes powered by Rolls-Royce RB 211-524 series engines.
Requirement: 1. Install a second locking gearbox system on both left and right hand engine thrust reversers in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 767-78-0059, Revision 2, dated 10 June, 1993; or Revision 3, dated 20 January, 1994.
Note 1: FAA AD 94-17-03, amendment 39-8998, specifies the appropriate revision levels for Rolls-Royce and Eldec Service Bulletins referred to in the Boeing Service Bulletins contained in Requirement 1.
2. Carry out operational checks of number 2 and 3 gearbox locks and airmotor brake in accordance with Appendix 1 (including figure 1) of FAA AD 94-17-03.
3. Repeat Requirement 2 operational checks.
Terminating Action
Compliance with this Directive terminates the actions required by paragraph (a) of FAA AD 91-22-02, amendment 39-8062.
Note 2: FAA AD 94-17-03, amendment 39-8998.refers.
Compliance: For Requirement 1: Prior to the issue of a Certificate of Airworthiness.
For Requirement 2: Within 3,000 flight hours after accomplishment of Requirement 1, or within 1,000 flight hours after the effective date of this Directive, whichever occurs later.
For Requirement 3: At intervals not exceeding 3,000 flight hours. This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 8 August 2002.
Boeing 767 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B767/174 (continued)
Background: This Directive requires inspections, adjustments, functional checks, the installation of a modification and repetitive operational checks of the thrust reverser gearbox locks and the airmotor. These actions are intended to enhance the level of safety inherent in the original type design of the thrust reverser system to prevent possible discrepancies that exist in the current thrust reverser control system, that could result in an inadvertent deployment of a thrust reverser during flight.
Eugene Paul Holzapfel
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 28 June 2002
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 17 July 2002.
Overview
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, specifically in 2002, targets safety issues associated with the thrust reverser system in Boeing 767 series aeroplanes powered by Rolls-Royce RB 211-524 series engines. This AD was introduced to address potential safety risks related to the inadvertent deployment of thrust reversers during flight, a condition that could compromise the integrity and safety of the aircraft. The directive was issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) delegate, Eugene Paul Holzapfel, aiming to rectify identified unsafe conditions through mandated modifications and operational checks. The overarching policy objective is to ensure the airworthiness of affected aircraft by implementing specific technical and operational requirements to mitigate identified risks.
Scope and Application
This Airworthiness Directive applies to Boeing 767 series aeroplanes that are powered by Rolls-Royce RB 211-524 series engines. It mandates specific modifications and operational checks to the aircraft's thrust reverser system to mitigate potential safety risks. The requirement to install a second locking gearbox system on both left and right hand engine thrust reversers must be carried out in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 767-78-0059, Revision 2 or 3. Additionally, operational checks of the number 2 and 3 gearbox locks and airmotor brake must be conducted following the guidelines in Appendix 1 of FAA AD 94-17-03. These checks must be performed within specific flight hour intervals to ensure ongoing compliance. The directive terminates certain previous actions specified in FAA AD 91-22-02. This AD is applicable within the Commonwealth of Australia and becomes effective from 8 August 2002, with compliance required before the issuance of a Certificate of Airworthiness for Requirement 1, and within specified flight hour intervals thereafter.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/B767/174, issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, applies specifically to Boeing 767 series aeroplanes powered by Rolls-Royce RB 211-524 series engines. The AD mandates specific actions to address safety concerns related to the thrust reverser system of these aircraft. Firstly, it requires the installation of a second locking gearbox system on both the left and right hand engine thrust reversers as per Boeing Service Bulletin 767-78-0059, Revision 2 or 3. Secondly, it mandates operational checks of the number 2 and 3 gearbox locks and airmotor brake, following the guidelines in Appendix 1 of FAA AD 94-17-03, which must be conducted within 3,000 flight hours after the installation of the second locking gearbox system or 1,000 flight hours after the effective date of the AD, whichever is later. Thirdly, these operational checks must be repeated at intervals not exceeding 3,000 flight hours.
The AD imposes clear obligations on the operators of Boeing 767 series aeroplanes within its scope. Operators must ensure that the specified modifications and operational checks are performed in accordance with the AD. For Requirement 1, the installation of the second locking gearbox system must be completed before the issue of a Certificate of Airworthiness. Requirements 2 and 3 pertain to operational checks, which must be carried out within 3,000 flight hours post-installation or 1,000 flight hours after the AD's effective date, and then repeated at intervals not exceeding 3,000 flight hours. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to safety risks, as the AD is designed to prevent possible discrepancies in the thrust reverser control system that could result in inadvertent deployment during flight.
Breach of the obligations outlined in the AD can result in significant consequences. While the AD itself does not explicitly state civil or criminal penalties for non-compliance, failure to adhere to such ADs can lead to regulatory action by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This may include grounding of the aircraft, refusal of airworthiness certification, or other enforcement actions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. Additionally, non-compliance can lead to safety incidents, which could result in criminal charges and substantial financial penalties under other aviation legislation, reflecting the serious nature of ensuring airworthiness and public safety.