AD/B767/178 Amdt 1 — Auto-Speedbrake Control System

Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 were enacted to ensure the safety of air navigation in Australia, in accordance with the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The Act empowers the Governor-General to make regulations for the Act, and regulation 39.001 of the CASR 1998 allows the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to issue airworthiness directives (ADs) for kinds of aircraft or aeronautical products. The policy objective is to ensure the continuing airworthiness of aircraft in Australia by mandating requirements based on information from the State of Design, which, in this case, is the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The AD/B767/178 Amendment 1 was introduced to address a request from industry, allowing the use of later approved revisions of Boeing Service Bulletin (SB) 767-27A0160 for the Boeing 767 series aircraft. This legislative instrument, which became effective on 9 July 2013, cancels and replaces the previous issue of AD/B767/178. The amendment was made at the request of industry, and a statement of compatibility with human rights has been provided, confirming that the amendment does not engage any of the applicable rights or freedoms.

Scope and Application

The AD/B767/178 Amendment 1 applies specifically to the Boeing 767 series aircraft registered in Australia, thereby ensuring compliance with international standards for airworthiness. This amendment is a response to industry requests and is a minor adjustment allowing the use of later revisions of the Boeing Service Bulletin 767-27A0160, previously mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in AD 2002-12-04. The United States, as the State of Design for the Boeing 767, issued this directive, which CASA subsequently mandated for Australian aircraft through AD/B767/178. The amendment, AD/B767/178 Amendment 1, takes effect from 9 July 2013, replacing the previous directive. This change, being of a minor nature, did not necessitate additional public consultation or a Regulatory Impact Statement. The amendment is made under the delegation of authority provided by the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 and the Civil Aviation Act 1988, ensuring that the requirements align with both national and international civil aviation safety standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR 1998), under regulation 39.001, empower the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to issue airworthiness directives (ADs) for types of aircraft or aeronautical products. AD/B767/178 Amdt 1, which pertains to the Boeing 767 series aircraft, is one such directive issued by CASA in response to a United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) directive, AD 2002-12-04. This amendment allows the use of later approved revisions of Boeing Service Bulletin (SB) 767-27A0160. The AD becomes effective on 9 July 2013, replacing the previous version. This legislation imposes specific obligations on aircraft operators and maintenance entities concerning the Boeing 767 series aircraft. Operators must ensure that any maintenance actions required under this AD are carried out in accordance with the approved revisions of Boeing SB 767-27A0160. Maintenance entities are required to perform these maintenance actions using procedures specified in the latest revisions of the service bulletin. Compliance with these ADs is crucial to maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensuring the safety of air navigation. Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in AD/B767/178 Amdt 1 may result in serious safety implications. Although the explanatory statement does not explicitly detail the penalties for non-compliance, non-compliance with ADs generally can result in civil or criminal penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The potential consequences may include fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach and its impact on aviation safety. CASA has the authority to enforce these regulations and may take appropriate action against entities that fail to comply with the mandated maintenance requirements. In summary, AD/B767/178 Amdt 1 is a critical regulatory tool aimed at ensuring the continued safety and airworthiness of Boeing 767 series aircraft by mandating specific maintenance actions. Compliance with this AD is mandatory for all relevant parties, and failure to adhere to its requirements may result in significant legal and safety consequences. The legislative instrument is compatible with human rights, as it does not engage any applicable rights or freedoms.