AD/B767/37 - Brake Metering Valve Module Shaft

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105, addresses the safety of Boeing 767 series aeroplanes through Airworthiness Directives. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, these regulations were introduced to ensure the safety of air travel by addressing specific mechanical issues identified in certain aircraft models. One such issue pertains to the brake metering valve module shaft on the Boeing 767 series aeroplanes, as detailed in AD/B767/37. The directive mandates the replacement of aluminium brake metering valve modules with steel shafts to prevent potential fractures, which could lead to a loss of braking capability. This directive applies to model 767 series aeroplanes with specific line positions and requires compliance within a defined timeframe to maintain the safety and reliability of these aircraft. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, overseen by the Australian Government, are designed to ensure that civil aviation in Australia meets the highest safety standards. The policy objective behind these regulations is to mitigate risks associated with aircraft operation, as evidenced by the specific Airworthiness Directive aimed at preventing the fracture of aluminium brake metering valve module shafts on Boeing 767 series aeroplanes. This proactive approach aligns with the overarching goal of protecting public safety and maintaining the integrity of civil aviation operations in Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, mandates the replacement of aluminium brake metering valve module shafts with steel shafts in certain Boeing 767 series aeroplanes. This requirement applies to aeroplanes with line positions 1-131, 133-135, 137-147, 149, 155-157, and 159-161. The directive stems from identified issues with similar shafts on Boeing 757 series aeroplanes, where fractures have caused potential loss of braking capabilities. Compliance with this directive must be achieved within 750 landings after 12 July 1990 or prior to the aeroplane accumulating 15,000 landings, whichever comes later. The directive aligns with Boeing Service Bulletin 767-32-0081 and references FAA AD 89-26-01 Amdt 39-6416, ensuring that the specified modifications are implemented to enhance safety in air travel.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate the adherence to Airworthiness Directives (AD) to ensure the safe operation of aircraft. One such directive, AD/B767/37, concerns the Boeing 767 series aeroplanes and is aimed at addressing a potential safety issue with the brake metering valve module (section 1). This AD applies to Boeing 767 series aeroplanes with specific line positions as detailed in the directive (section 2). The requirement of this AD is to replace the aluminium brake metering valve module with steel shafts if not already done, as per Boeing Service Bulletin 767-32-0081 (section 3). This action is to prevent fractures that could lead to a loss of braking capability, a known issue in the Boeing 757 series aeroplanes which share a similar design (section 4). The obligations imposed by this AD on the operators and maintainers of the Boeing 767 series aeroplanes include conducting a thorough inspection of the brake metering valve module and ensuring the replacement of any aluminium shafts with steel ones if necessary (section 5). This inspection and replacement must be carried out within 750 landings after 12 July 1990 or before the aeroplane accumulates 15,000 landings, whichever comes later (section 6). Operators must keep detailed records of all inspections and any actions taken in compliance with this directive to demonstrate adherence to the regulatory requirements (section 7). Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/B767/37 could result in serious safety risks, potentially leading to severe consequences including accidents or incidents that could endanger lives. While the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not specify penalties for non-compliance with Airworthiness Directives, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) can impose administrative and legal actions against non-compliant operators, which may include fines and other regulatory sanctions (section 8). It is imperative for operators to ensure strict adherence to these safety directives to maintain the airworthiness of their aircraft and to comply with the overarching goal of ensuring public safety in civil aviation.