Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, address the need to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating in Australian airspace. One specific measure introduced under this regulation is the Airworthiness Directive (AD) for Boeing 767 Series Aeroplanes, identified as AD/B767/178. This AD was issued in 2002 by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address safety concerns related to the auto-speedbrake control system in certain Boeing 767 models. The primary objective of this AD is to prevent uncommanded deployment of the auto-speedbrake spoilers during flight, which could compromise the controllability of the aircraft. The directive mandates modifications to the right main landing gear and the auto-speedbrake control system, as specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-27A0160, to be completed by 31 July 2007. The AD became effective on 3 October 2002, aiming to enhance the overall safety standards of civil aviation in Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, sets out the requirements for the maintenance and operation of aircraft within Australia. The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under this regulation applies to Boeing 767 series aeroplanes, specifically the models 767-200, -300, and -300F, within the line numbers 1 through 759 inclusive. The AD mandates modifications to the right main landing gear and the auto-speedbrake control system, following the instructions outlined in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 767-27A0160 dated 20 December 2000. These modifications are intended to rectify an unsafe condition where uncommanded deployment of the auto-speedbrake spoilers during flight could occur, potentially reducing the controllability of the aircraft. The directive is applicable nationwide, within the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia, and becomes effective on 3 October 2002, with compliance required before 31 July 2007. The AD was published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 11 September 2002.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, detail the Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the CAR 1998. This directive, AD/B767/178, pertains to Boeing 767 Series Aeroplanes and mandates modifications to the right main landing gear and auto-speedbrake control system. This action is necessary to rectify an unsafe condition that could lead to uncommanded deployment of the auto-speedbrake spoilers during flight, which would compromise the aircraft's controllability. The modifications must be carried out according to Work Packages 1 through 4 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 767-27A0160, dated 20 December 2000. The AD specifies that these work packages can be performed independently, simultaneously, or in any sequence, with the caveat that Work Package 4 should be executed last. The obligations imposed by this AD on the relevant parties include ensuring that the specified modifications to the right main landing gear and auto-speedbrake control system are completed. These modifications must be carried out in accordance with the instructions provided in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-27A0160, with special attention to the sequence of work packages. Operators and owners of Boeing 767-200, -300, and -300F series aeroplanes, specifically those with line numbers 1 through 759, must ensure that these modifications are completed before the compliance deadline of 31 July 2007. Compliance with this AD is mandatory, and failure to adhere to the specified modifications could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy. Failure to comply with the requirements of this Airworthiness Directive may lead to serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance can result in civil penalties, including fines and potential prosecution. The severity of the penalty can depend on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, but the maximum penalty for contravening an AD can be significant. Additionally, an aircraft found to be non-compliant may be grounded, preventing it from operating until the required modifications are made. This not only has financial implications for the operator but also poses safety risks to passengers and crew. The AD becomes effective on 3 October 2002, and all modifications must be completed by the stipulated deadline to avoid any legal repercussions.