AD/B767/42 - Fuel Tank Access Doors

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, address the issue of enhancing the safety of Boeing 767 series aeroplanes by mandating compliance with certain airworthiness directives. One such directive, AD/B767/42, pertains to the modification of fuel tank access doors to increase their resistance to impact. This was enacted to align with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) 25.963(e), which mandates higher resistance to impact for certain fuel tank access panels to mitigate the risk of penetration caused by engine debris or objects thrown by the aircraft tyres. The regulation was introduced to ensure that all Boeing 767 aeroplanes with line numbers 001 through 234 adhere to these safety standards, thereby enhancing overall flight safety and compliance with international safety standards. The policy objective is to minimise the risk of fuel tank damage, which could potentially lead to catastrophic outcomes.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to all Boeing 767 series aeroplanes with line numbers ranging from 001 to 234. This regulation mandates that these aircraft must adhere to Airworthiness Directive AD/B767/42, which pertains to the fuel tank access doors. The directive requires action in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 767-28A0019 to ensure compliance. This compliance is necessary for aircraft that were in service prior to 30 October 1991. The directive is aimed at enhancing the structural integrity of certain fuel tank access panels to withstand impacts, thereby mitigating the risk of penetration from engine debris or objects ejected by aircraft tyres, in line with Federal Aviation Regulations 25.963(e). This regulation applies to all entities operating Boeing 767 series aircraft within the Commonwealth of Australia and ensures adherence to safety standards prescribed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The scope of this regulation extends to all aircraft operators within Australia, ensuring that the specified modifications are implemented to maintain the airworthiness of Boeing 767 series aeroplanes. It mandates that these operators must take necessary actions as per the outlined service bulletin to ensure that their aircraft meet the required safety standards. The directive does not specify exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds within the text, suggesting that all applicable aircraft must comply without exception. The regulation's application may be further extended or clarified through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Boeing 767 Series Aeroplanes, require adherence to the provisions outlined in AD/B767/42. This directive mandates that all Boeing 767 aircraft with line numbers 001 through 234 must comply with the requirements set forth in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-28A0019. The directive is designed to ensure that certain fuel tank access doors meet the necessary standards to withstand impacts, thereby reducing the risk of penetration from engine debris or objects thrown by the aircraft's tyres, as stipulated under FAR 25.963(e). Compliance with this directive must be achieved before 30 October 1991. The obligations imposed by this Act require aircraft operators and maintenance personnel to follow the specific action items detailed in Boeing Alert SB 767-28A0019. This includes inspecting, modifying, or replacing fuel tank access doors as necessary to meet the specified impact resistance standards. The directive aims to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the fuel tanks, thereby mitigating potential hazards during flight. Operators must ensure that all modifications and inspections are performed by qualified personnel and documented appropriately to maintain the aircraft's airworthiness. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/B767/42 can result in significant legal and operational consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has the authority to take enforcement actions against non-compliant aircraft. These actions can include grounding the aircraft until compliance is achieved, imposing fines, or pursuing legal action against the aircraft operator or owner. Additionally, the failure to adhere to these safety directives can lead to increased risks during flight, potentially resulting in severe safety incidents. Therefore, it is crucial for all parties involved to strictly follow the requirements set out in the Airworthiness Directive to avoid any legal repercussions or safety hazards.