AD/B767/19 - Relocation of Engine Electronic Control Switches

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, was enacted to ensure the airworthiness of aircraft and thereby address safety concerns in the aviation industry. One such directive, AD/B767/19, pertains to the relocation of engine electronic control switches in Boeing 767 series aeroplanes. This was introduced to prevent incidents of inadvertent fuel control switch shut-off, which could lead to engine shutdown during flight. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, under the Australian Government, enacts these regulations to maintain and improve aviation safety. The policy objective behind this directive is to mitigate the risk of engine failure by ensuring the correct operational sequence of engine controls, following incidents where crew members inadvertently shut off the engine using the fuel control switches instead of the intended electronic control switches.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the applicability of Airworthiness Directives (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for all Boeing 767 series aeroplanes operating in Australia. This particular directive, AD/B767/19, mandates the relocation of engine electronic control switches to mitigate the risk of inadvertent fuel control switch shut-off, as specified in Boeing Service Bulletin No. 767-73-0024. This requirement is informed by incidents where aeroplanes experienced inadvertent engine shutdowns in flight due to incorrect switch operations. The directive applies to all Boeing 767 series aeroplanes, with compliance deadlines varying based on whether the aeroplanes have previously incorporated the requirements of FAA AD T87-13-51, necessitating adherence before 31 December 1989, or if they have not, requiring compliance prior to the issue of an Australian Certificate of Airworthiness. The scope of this legislation extends to ensuring the safety of air travel by addressing critical mechanical issues identified through incident analysis.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, specifically AD/B767/19, mandate the relocation of engine electronic control (EEC) switches on all Boeing 767 series aeroplanes (section 11/88). This requirement is in accordance with the specifications provided in Boeing Service Bulletin No. 767-73-0024. This directive aims to prevent inadvertent fuel control switch shut off in lieu of EEC switch actuation, following two overseas incidents where engines shut down in flight due to crew operating the fuel control switches instead of the EEC switches. Compliance with this directive must be achieved by aeroplanes that already incorporate the requirements of FAA AD T87-13-51 by 31 December 1989, or by aeroplanes not incorporating these requirements, prior to the issue of an Australian Certificate of Airworthiness (section 11/88). The Act imposes specific obligations on the operators and maintenance entities responsible for the Boeing 767 series aeroplanes. Operators must ensure that the engine electronic control switches are relocated as per the Boeing Service Bulletin No. 767-73-0024. This includes the necessary modifications and checks to ensure the EEC switches are positioned to prevent inadvertent engine shut down. Maintenance personnel must verify the compliance of these modifications and ensure that all procedures are documented and records are kept as per the regulations. The obligations also extend to ensuring that all aeroplanes meet these requirements before they are issued an Australian Certificate of Airworthiness if they have not already incorporated the requirements of FAA AD T87-13-51. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/B767/19 can result in significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to impose penalties for non-compliance. The specific penalties can vary depending on the severity of the breach and the impact on aviation safety. In cases of serious breaches, the penalties can include substantial fines, legal action, and the potential grounding of the aeroplanes until compliance is achieved. These measures are designed to ensure that all operators adhere strictly to the safety directives to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety. The maximum penalties are determined by CASA in accordance with the severity of the non-compliance, but they can include significant financial penalties and potential legal ramifications for the entities involved.