COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Boeing 767 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B767/23 Off-Wing Escape Slide Integrator Hook 6/89
Applicability: All model 767 series with Service Bulletin 767-25-0051 incorporated. Requirement: Action in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-25A0104 Revision 2.
Note: FAA AD 89-07-10 Amdt 39-6175 refers.
Compliance: Prior to 31 December 1989.
Background: Investigation of inadvertent deployments of the off-wing escape slide has shown that an incorrectly adjusted actuator nut will prevent the integrator hook from correctly engaging. The off-wing escape slide compartment door latching mechanism is modified by replacing the hook in the integrator assembly, and reworking the integrator assembly.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39, contains AD/B767/23 concerning the off-wing escape slide integrator hook for Boeing 767 series aeroplanes. Enacted to address inadvertent deployments of the off-wing escape slide, which were traced to an incorrectly adjusted actuator nut preventing the integrator hook from engaging properly, this regulation ensures the safety and reliability of the escape slide system. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, as part of its mandate to regulate airworthiness, has issued this directive to mandate modifications to the integrator assembly, as per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-25A0104 Revision 2. The primary policy objective is to enhance aircraft safety by ensuring the correct functionality of emergency escape systems, thereby protecting passengers and crew in emergency situations.
The regulation applies to all Boeing 767 series aeroplanes that have incorporated Service Bulletin 767-25-0051, mandating that the required actions be completed prior to 31 December 1989. This directive aligns with the Federal Aviation Administration's AD 89-07-10 Amendment 39-6175, ensuring a consistent approach to addressing this safety issue across jurisdictions. The aim is to mitigate the risk of escape slide malfunctions, which could critically impact evacuation procedures during an emergency.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, pertain to ensuring the safety of aviation operations within the Commonwealth of Australia, with an overarching focus on the maintenance and operational standards of aircraft. This particular legislation, AD/B767/23, applies to all Boeing 767 series aeroplanes that have incorporated Service Bulletin 767-25-0051. The requirement mandates compliance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-25A0104 Revision 2, which was also referenced in FAA AD 89-07-10 Amdt 39-6175. The regulation emphasises the need for corrective actions to prevent inadvertent deployments of the off-wing escape slide, which can occur due to an incorrectly adjusted actuator nut that hinders the proper engagement of the integrator hook. This directive necessitates the modification of the off-wing escape slide compartment door latching mechanism by replacing the hook in the integrator assembly and reworking the integrator assembly. Compliance with these directives must be achieved prior to 31 December 1989. The scope of this regulation is confined to the specified model of aircraft within the designated parameters and does not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions beyond what is mentioned in the service bulletins referenced.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, under the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, mandates certain actions for Boeing 767 series aeroplanes regarding the off-wing escape slide integrator hook. According to AD/B767/23 (6/89), the directive applies to all Boeing 767 series aeroplanes that have incorporated Service Bulletin 767-25-0051. This directive requires actions to be taken in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-25A0104 Revision 2. It is also noted that FAA AD 89-07-10 Amendment 39-6175 is relevant to this directive. The compliance deadline for these actions was before 31 December 1989. The directive was issued following investigations into inadvertent deployments of the off-wing escape slide, which revealed that an incorrectly adjusted actuator nut could prevent the integrator hook from properly engaging. To address this, the off-wing escape slide compartment door latching mechanism must be modified by replacing the hook in the integrator assembly and reworking the integrator assembly.
Entities governed by these regulations must ensure that all Boeing 767 series aeroplanes comply with the specified modifications to the off-wing escape slide integrator hook. This includes verifying that the actuator nut is correctly adjusted and that the hook and integrator assembly have been properly replaced and reworked. Operators and maintenance providers must ensure that these actions are taken before the specified compliance deadline and that all modifications are documented and verified by an authorised personnel. Regular inspections and maintenance checks should be conducted to ensure ongoing compliance with these directives.
Failure to comply with the requirements outlined in AD/B767/23 (6/89) can result in significant civil and criminal penalties. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may impose fines, and in severe cases, operators could face prosecution. The maximum penalties for non-compliance can include substantial fines and potential imprisonment for individuals responsible for the oversight. Non-compliance not only poses a risk to passenger safety but also breaches the stringent regulatory standards set by CASA to ensure the highest levels of aviation safety. It is imperative that all entities involved adhere strictly to these directives to avoid any legal repercussions and to maintain the safety and integrity of the aircraft in operation.