AD/B767/49 - Collins Flight Control Computers

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, aim to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. Specifically, Part 39 - 105, which includes the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses safety concerns associated with specific aircraft models and components. The Airworthiness Directive AD/B767/49, issued in relation to Boeing 767 series aeroplanes fitted with Collins flight control computers, was enacted to mitigate risks associated with intermittent altitude hold, altitude capture, and flight director mistracking anomalies. This directive mandates inspections and modifications in line with the Federal Aviation Administration's AD 90-11-10 (Amdt 39-6608) to ensure these safety issues are effectively managed. The objective is to maintain the highest safety standards for all civil aviation activities in Australia. The enforcement of these regulations by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is essential in ensuring compliance and addressing any potential safety gaps that could compromise flight operations. By aligning with international standards and implementing rigorous inspection and modification protocols, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 aim to safeguard the aviation industry and protect the public from potential hazards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all Boeing 767 series aeroplanes fitted with Collins flight control computers. This regulation is critical for ensuring the airworthiness of the specified aircraft models by mandating inspections and necessary modifications to prevent anomalies such as intermittent altitude hold, altitude capture, and flight director mistracking. The directive is applicable to all operators of these aircraft and requires compliance with the technical requirements outlined in FAA AD 90-11-10 (Amendment 39-6608). There are specific compliance timelines, with Part A requiring compliance before 31 December 1992 and Part B before 31 December 1991. These directives are integral in maintaining the safety standards mandated by the Commonwealth of Australia, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of civil aviation operations within the country.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, contains the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. This includes AD/B767/49, which pertains to Boeing 767 series aeroplanes equipped with Collins flight control computers. The directive is applicable to all models of Boeing 767 aeroplanes that are fitted with Collins flight control computers (AD/B767/49). The requirement is that these aeroplanes must be inspected and/or modified as per the technical specifications outlined in FAA AD 90-11-10 (Amendment 39-6608). This directive aims to prevent issues such as intermittent altitude hold, altitude capture, and flight director mistracking anomalies. The obligations imposed by this regulation are that operators of Boeing 767 aeroplanes must ensure that their aircraft meet the specified technical requirements. For Part A of the directive, compliance must be achieved prior to 31 December 1992, while for Part B, compliance is required before 31 December 1991. This involves inspecting the Collins flight control computers and making any necessary modifications to prevent the identified anomalies. The directive mandates that these changes are carried out in accordance with the detailed instructions provided in FAA AD 90-11-10 (Amendment 39-6608). Failure to comply with AD/B767/49 could result in serious safety risks, as the directive is designed to address critical flight control issues. The consequences of non-compliance can be severe, potentially leading to operational restrictions or grounding of the affected aircraft until the necessary modifications are made. Although specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, non-compliance with CASA directives can generally lead to enforcement actions, including fines, penalties, or legal proceedings. The severity of these consequences depends on the extent of the non-compliance and its impact on aviation safety.