AD/B767/28 Amdt 3 - Wing Leading Edge Slat Control Rod

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the Legislative instrument F2006B03384, are designed to address safety concerns specifically associated with Boeing 767 series aeroplanes. This particular regulation, part of the broader framework under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, was enacted to respond to reports of structural issues with the wing leading edge slat control rods on these aircraft. The primary concern identified was the occurrence of cracks and worn attach bolts on the control rods of the wing outboard leading edge slats, which posed a risk to the aircraft's controllability and could lead to further structural damage. The policy objective of this airworthiness directive is to ensure that actions are taken to prevent these issues, thereby maintaining the safety and integrity of the aircraft during operation. The directive mandates compliance with specific technical requirements to address these safety issues, thereby protecting both the aircraft and its passengers.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, specifically address the Boeing 767 series aircraft as outlined in Boeing Service Bulletin 767-57-0021, Revision 1 or Revision 5. These regulations mandate actions in compliance with the technical requirements specified in FAA AD 96-14-05 Amendment 39-9687. The primary objective of these regulations is to ensure the airworthiness of the aircraft by addressing issues such as cracks and worn attach bolts of the control rods of the wing outboard leading edge slats. Compliance with these directives is critical to prevent reduced controllability of the aircraft and to avoid damage to the slat structure or the fixed leading edge of the wing. The regulations were originally issued on 30 November 1989, with subsequent amendments on 19 April 1990 and 21 February 1991, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance aircraft safety through updates and corrective actions.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39-105, address the airworthiness directives for Boeing 767 series aeroplanes, including the Wing Leading Edge Slat Control Rod, which is outlined in AD/B767/28 Amendment 3 issued on 11 September 1996. This legislative instrument applies to the 767 series aircraft as detailed in Boeing Service Bulletin 767-57-0021, either Revision 1 or Revision 5. The requirement of this directive mandates that actions must be taken in accordance with the technical specifications of FAA AD 96-14-05 Amendment 39-9687 (section 1). Compliance with this directive is to be achieved by following the technical requirements set out in the Requirement Document (section 2). The regulations impose a number of obligations on the entities governed by this Act. These obligations include ensuring that the specified actions are taken to address the identified issues with the wing outboard leading edge slat control rods. Specifically, the regulations require that the control rods are inspected, repaired or replaced as necessary, and that any terminating action that was previously optional is now mandatory, in response to the new FAA AD (section 3). Additionally, any modifications or repairs must be documented and certified by appropriately qualified personnel to ensure the continued airworthiness of the aircraft (section 4). Failure to comply with the airworthiness directives can lead to severe civil and criminal consequences. Under these regulations, non-compliance can result in the grounding of the aircraft, with potential civil penalties including fines and sanctions against the operators and maintenance providers. The maximum penalties for such breaches can be substantial, reflecting the serious implications for aviation safety. Additionally, any failure to comply with the directive can lead to criminal charges against individuals responsible for the oversight of the aircraft, with potential imprisonment for serious breaches that endanger public safety (section 5).