Overview

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) aims to address potential safety issues with the Boeing 767 series aeroplanes' passenger address and entertainment system Video Control Centre (VCC). This AD, effective from 4 September 2003, targets specific models identified in various Boeing Alert Service Bulletins. The key objective of this directive is to prevent the risk of wire bundle chafing against rudder and elevator control cables, which could cause arcing and severing of the cables. Such a condition, if combined with certain flight scenarios, could compromise the aeroplane's controllability. The AD mandates modifications to the VCC wire bundles and, where necessary, an operational test to ensure compliance and safety. This legislative instrument was introduced to mitigate the identified unsafe conditions and ensure the continued airworthiness of the specified Boeing 767 series aeroplanes.

Scope and Application

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations pertains specifically to Boeing 767 series aeroplanes, including models 767-200 and -300, as identified in particular Boeing Alert Service Bulletins. The directive mandates modifications to the wire bundles of the passenger address and entertainment system's Video Control Centre (VCC) to prevent potential chafing against rudder and/or elevator control cables, which could lead to arcing and subsequent severing of the cables. Such severing, particularly in conjunction with specific flight conditions such as an engine-out during takeoff or high crosswinds during takeoff or landing, could compromise the aeroplane's controllability. The directive applies to aircraft identified in specific Boeing Alert Service Bulletins, which detail the modifications required. Compliance with the directive must be achieved within six months of its effective date for the wiring modifications, and an operational test must be performed before further flight. This AD applies nationally within the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforceable by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) B767/186 issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under subregulation 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 mandates specific actions to ensure the safety of Boeing 767 series aeroplanes. The directive applies to B767-200 and -300 series aeroplanes, identified by certain Boeing Alert Service Bulletins (ASB) (Sections 1 and 2). The primary requirement is to modify the wire bundles of the Video Control Centre (VCC) of the passenger address and entertainment system in accordance with the instructions in the relevant Boeing ASBs (Section 3). Additionally, for applicable aeroplanes, an operational test must be performed as specified in ASBs 767-23A0154 or 767-23A0157, as appropriate (Section 4). The directive specifies compliance timelines, requiring the wire bundle modifications to be completed within six months of the AD's effective date, while the operational test must be conducted before further flight after the modifications are completed (Section 5). The AD imposes several obligations on the parties and entities it governs. Operators and owners of the specified Boeing 767 series aeroplanes must ensure that the modifications to the VCC wire bundles are performed according to the Accomplishment Instructions detailed in the applicable Boeing ASBs. This includes ensuring that the wire bundles are modified to prevent chafing against rudder and elevator control cables, which could lead to arcing and potential severing of these cables (Sections 3 and 4). Operators must also ensure that the specified operational tests are conducted before any further flight of the aeroplanes following the wire bundle modifications (Section 5). Failure to comply with these requirements may result in non-compliance with civil aviation safety regulations. Failure to adhere to the provisions of the AD may result in serious safety risks, including the potential for arcing and severing of rudder and elevator control cables, which could severely compromise the controllability of the aeroplane during critical phases of flight, such as takeoff and landing. The AD does not explicitly outline penalties for non-compliance; however, non-compliance with CASA directives generally may lead to enforcement actions, including fines, penalties, and potential grounding of the affected aircraft. The severity of the consequences would depend on the specific circumstances and the extent of non-compliance. Operators and owners are therefore strongly advised to adhere strictly to the requirements outlined in the AD to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the aircraft.