AD/B767/35 - Entry/Service Door Acoustic Seal

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, established by the Commonwealth of Australia, address safety standards for aircraft operations and maintenance. The Boeing 767 Series Aeroplanes Airworthiness Directive AD/B767/35 pertains specifically to the acoustic seal of the entry/service door, aiming to rectify potential safety hazards that might arise from seal migration. The directive applies to Boeing 767 models in specific line positions and mandates compliance with Boeing Service Bulletin 767-25-0123 R1, referencing Federal Aviation Administration AD 90-01-05. The objective is to ensure that the acoustic seal remains properly positioned to enable the correct arming and deployment of emergency evacuation slides in the event of an emergency, thus enhancing passenger safety. This legislation was enacted by the Australian Parliament to ensure that civil aviation operations within Australia adhere to stringent safety standards. The policy objective is to maintain and improve the safety of aircraft operations by addressing specific mechanical issues that could compromise passenger safety. By mandating the compliance with recognised industry standards and service bulletins, the regulations aim to mitigate risks associated with potential failures in critical aircraft systems, ensuring that all aircraft meet necessary safety benchmarks.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to the Boeing 767 series aeroplanes, including those at Line Position 1 through 244 and Line Position 246 through 262. This legislative instrument mandates compliance with Boeing Service Bulletin 767-25-0123 R1, which addresses the acoustic seal on entry and service doors, and references Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Directive 90-01-05. The directive aims to prevent issues such as incomplete arming of emergency evacuation slides, which could be critical in emergency situations. The requirement necessitates action before 15 June 1990 to ensure that the acoustic seal is properly implemented to avoid any potential hazards during an emergency evacuation. This regulation, issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, is binding across the Commonwealth of Australia and applies to all relevant aircraft operators and maintenance providers within this jurisdiction.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within PART 39 - 105, concern the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) for certain aircraft models. Section 39.105 focuses on Boeing 767 Series Aeroplanes, detailing the requirements for the entry/service door acoustic seal, as outlined in AD/B767/35. This directive mandates compliance with Boeing Service Bulletin (SB) 767-25-0123 R1, referencing FAA AD 90-01-05, and applies to specific line positions of the Boeing 767 aircraft, namely positions 1 through 244 and 246 through 262. The directive requires adherence to these specifications to ensure safety, particularly regarding the acoustic seal's role in the arming of emergency evacuation slides. The obligations imposed by this Act on the parties and entities it governs include ensuring that the acoustic seal on the entry/service door of the specified Boeing 767 models is properly installed and maintained. Operators and maintenance personnel must follow the instructions provided by Boeing SB 767-25-0123 R1 to address any issues with the seal. Ensuring that the emergency evacuation slides are correctly armed is crucial, as the migration of the acoustic seal could lead to incomplete arming, potentially compromising the effectiveness of the slides during an emergency evacuation. These obligations are designed to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensure the safety of passengers and crew. Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/B767/35 can result in serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with an AD can lead to penalties for both individuals and organisations. The specific penalties for breaching these regulations can include substantial fines, with the exact amount varying based on the severity and circumstances of the breach. Additionally, the breach of these safety directives can result in the grounding of the aircraft until the required actions are completed, thereby impacting the operator's ability to conduct flights. In severe cases, repeated non-compliance or significant safety breaches may lead to more severe legal consequences, including prosecution and potential imprisonment for those responsible.