AD/B767/44 - Spoiler Wheel Command Unit

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, constitute a comprehensive framework for ensuring the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. The legislation was introduced to address the need for stringent regulations and standards governing all aspects of civil aviation, including aircraft maintenance and operational procedures. This Act serves to maintain and enhance the safety of air travel by providing detailed directives and requirements, which are periodically updated to reflect advancements in technology and evolving safety standards. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), under the auspices of this Act, is tasked with the policy objective of ensuring that all civil aviation activities within Australia are conducted in a manner that minimises risk to passengers, crew, and the general public. The specific regulation in question, AD/B767/44, pertains to the Boeing 767 Series Aeroplanes and is aimed at preventing the uncommanded extension of three flight spoilers by mandating compliance with Boeing Service Bulletin 767-27-0085 R1 or a later revision, and aligning with FAA AD 90-10-07. Compliance with these directives is critical and must be achieved prior to 30 June 1992, underscoring the importance of timely adherence to safety mandates in the aviation industry.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/B767/44, pertains to Boeing 767 Series aeroplanes and mandates compliance with Boeing Service Bulletin 767-27-0085 revision 1 or later, which is designed to prevent the uncommanded extension of three flight spoilers. This directive applies to specific line numbers of the aircraft, namely lines 1 through 243, 257, 262, 263, 269, 273 through 275, 282, 285, 289, and 291. Compliance with this airworthiness directive is required prior to 30 June 1992, ensuring that the specified modifications are implemented to maintain the safety standards of the aircraft in question. The regulation is part of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, and while it does not explicitly state exclusions or exemptions, it is generally understood that these would be determined by the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and potentially through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate the airworthiness directives for certain types of aircraft, including the Boeing 767 series aeroplanes. In the case of AD/B767/44, the focus is on the Spoiler Wheel Command Unit. This directive applies to specific line numbers in the aircraft, ensuring that all relevant parts comply with the safety standards set out by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The requirement is to adhere to Boeing Service Bulletin 767-27-0085, revision R1 or later, which is intended to prevent uncommanded extension of three flight spoilers. It is important to note that this directive also references FAA AD 90-10-07 for further guidance. The obligations imposed by these regulations are clear and specific. Operators and owners of Boeing 767 aeroplanes must ensure that the Spoiler Wheel Command Unit is compliant with the specified service bulletin and revisions. This includes conducting necessary inspections and making any required modifications to the unit. The compliance must be achieved prior to 30 June 1992, as stipulated in the directive. This ensures that the aircraft remain safe for operation and that the risk of uncommanded spoiler extension is minimised. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive can lead to serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, operators who do not adhere to these directives may face penalties. Civil penalties for non-compliance can include fines up to $210,000 for corporations and $42,000 for individuals, depending on the severity and frequency of the breach. Furthermore, CASA has the authority to issue enforcement actions, including grounding the aircraft until compliance is achieved. Criminal penalties can also apply, with potential imprisonment for individuals found guilty of breaches that result in serious harm or death. These stringent measures underscore the importance of adhering to the regulations to maintain aviation safety standards.