AD/B767/189 - Aileron Control Override Quadrant - Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR 1998), specifically through Airworthiness Directive AD/B767/189, addresses the issue of corrosion in the aileron control override quadrant mechanism of Boeing 767-200, -300, and -300F series aeroplanes. This legislation, enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, was introduced to ensure the safety and airworthiness of these aircraft. The directive mandates the replacement of the aileron control override quadrant with a modified unit containing Corrosion Resistant Steel (CRES) ball bearings to prevent the potential disabling of the secondary control path under non-normal conditions, thereby enhancing the aircraft's lateral controllability and overall flight safety. The directive became effective on 2 October 2003, with compliance required within 17 months for the replacement action and immediately for the prohibition of unmodified quadrants.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39, mandate the application of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to ensure the safety of aircraft operations within Australia. This particular AD applies to Boeing 767 series aeroplanes, specifically models B767-200, -300, and -300F with line numbers ranging from 1 to 836 inclusive. The AD mandates the replacement of the aileron control override quadrant with a modified unit to address corrosion issues that could compromise the aircraft's lateral controllability. The directive requires compliance within 17 months of its effective date, which was 2 October 2003, with certain actions required immediately upon its publication. This AD is applicable nationally within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring uniform safety standards across all jurisdictions. Notably, the AD excludes actions specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 767-27-0142, clarifying the scope of required modifications. The AD was issued by a delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and is legally binding for all relevant aircraft operators within Australia.

Key Provisions

The Airworthiness Directive AD/B767/189 pertains specifically to Boeing 767-200, -300, and -300F series aeroplanes with line numbers 1 to 836 inclusive (section 1). This AD mandates that the aileron control override quadrant must be replaced with a modified unit as outlined in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-27A0175 dated 25 October 2001 (section 1). It is also specified that unless the aileron control override quadrant is modified according to the requirements of this directive, it must not be installed on any aircraft (section 1). Importantly, the directive does not require the actions specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 767-27-0142 (Note 1), although it references FAA AD 2003-15-03 Amdt 39-13245 (Note 2). The AD imposes specific obligations on the entities it governs. Primarily, it requires the replacement of the aileron control override quadrant within a specified timeframe (section 3). For Requirement 1, the replacement must be completed within 17 months from the effective date of the directive (section 3). Requirement 2, which prohibits the installation of unmodified quadrants, takes effect immediately upon the directive's issuance (section 3). This directive ensures that the identified unsafe condition is rectified to maintain the airworthiness and safety of the affected aircraft. Failure to comply with the requirements of the AD may lead to civil and criminal consequences. The AD explicitly states that no aileron control override quadrant may be installed on any aircraft unless it is modified as per the directive (section 1). This non-compliance could potentially result in severe penalties, including fines or imprisonment, as outlined under the broader civil aviation safety regulations. The specific maximum penalties are not detailed within this AD but are governed by the overarching Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998.