AD/B767/34 - Control Wheel Aids Transducer

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), was enacted to ensure the safety of civil aviation in Australia, and these regulations are periodically updated to address emerging safety concerns. One such update is the inclusion of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) which are mandatory orders issued by CASA to address safety issues in specific aircraft models. The AD in question, AD/B767/34, applies to Boeing 767 series aeroplanes and was introduced to address a safety concern related to the control wheel aids transducer. This directive was implemented to prevent binding of the control wheel, thereby enhancing flight safety by ensuring that pilots can operate the aircraft controls without undue difficulty. The AD/B767/34 requires the removal of the AIDS transducer in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-31A-0029 and references FAA AD 89-24-05, reflecting a coordinated effort between Australian and international aviation authorities to manage this safety issue. The requirement was effective prior to 30 April 1990, highlighting the urgency and importance of addressing this particular safety concern to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety. The directive is part of CASA's broader policy objective to ensure that all civil aviation activities within Australia adhere to stringent safety standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to all models of Boeing 767 Series aeroplanes. This legislation mandates compliance with Boeing Alert SB 767-31A-0029, which is an action directive aimed at addressing a critical safety issue related to the Control Wheel Aids (CWA) Transducer. The requirement necessitates the removal of the AIDS transducer to prevent the binding of the control wheel, a directive also referenced in FAA AD 89-24-05. Compliance with this directive is mandatory for all applicable aircraft models, with an adherence deadline prior to 30 April 1990. This legislation underscores the importance of ensuring the airworthiness and operational safety of aircraft within Australia, adhering to both CASA and international aviation safety standards.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in relation to the Boeing 767 Series Aeroplanes and the Control Wheel Aids Transducer, are outlined in Part 39 - 105. According to section 39.105, all models of Boeing 767 listed in the referenced Service Bulletin are subject to the requirements of Airworthiness Directive (AD) B767/34. This directive mandates that operators must take action in accordance with Boeing Alert SB 767-31A-0029. The directive references FAA AD 89-24-05, indicating a coordinated regulatory approach between Australian and US authorities. The primary requirement is the removal of the AIDS transducer to prevent the binding of the control wheel, a critical safety measure that must be completed prior to 30 April 1990. The obligations imposed by these regulations are clear and specific. Operators of Boeing 767 aeroplanes must ensure that the mandated action is undertaken. This involves the removal of the specified transducer as per the detailed instructions provided in the referenced Boeing Service Bulletin. Compliance with this directive is not optional; it is a mandatory requirement to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. Failure to adhere to these specifications could compromise the safety of the aircraft and its passengers, leading to potential regulatory and safety repercussions. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 also outline the consequences of non-compliance with the AD B767/34. While specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the excerpt, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to significant civil and criminal consequences under broader aviation legislation. In general, breaches of such regulations can result in penalties including fines, operational restrictions, and potential criminal charges if the breach leads to an incident or accident. The severity of the penalties depends on the nature and extent of the non-compliance and its impact on aviation safety.