AD/B767/66 - Girt Bar

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), were enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. This legislation forms part of a broader regulatory framework designed to address the inherent risks associated with aviation activities. One specific legislative instrument, F2006B03420, pertains to the Boeing 767 Series Aeroplanes and introduces Airworthiness Directives (ADs) aimed at mitigating safety risks. This particular directive, AD/B767/66, was introduced in response to an incident involving a failed escape slide deployment, which CASA sought to prevent by mandating adjustments to the ball plunger for girt bar locks as per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-52A0061 Revision 1. The policy objective is to ensure that all relevant aircraft meet stringent safety standards, thereby protecting passengers and crew. The AD/B767/66 is an example of how CASA enforces compliance with international safety standards, referencing the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) equivalent directive (FAA AD 92-07-13 Amdt 39-8209) to align with global safety protocols. The requirement for compliance before 25 August 1992 underscores the urgency and importance of addressing this specific safety concern. This directive exemplifies CASA's commitment to maintaining high safety standards within the Australian civil aviation sector, ensuring that all aircraft meet rigorous operational requirements to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all persons on board.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, governs the airworthiness directives applicable to Boeing 767 series aeroplanes, with the AD/B767/66 Girt Bar directive being a critical example. This directive applies to all Boeing 767 series aircraft as listed in Boeing ASB 767-52A0061 Revision 1 and mandates that the ball plunger for the girt bar locks be adjusted in accordance with the specified Boeing Alert Service Bulletin. The directive ensures compliance with the safety requirements set out to prevent incidents such as the reported failure of an escape slide, by ensuring the proper retention of the girt bar to the girt bar carrier. The requirement for compliance was set before 25 August 1992, aligning with the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) directive AD 92-07-13 Amdt 39-8209. This regulation extends its reach to all operators of Boeing 767 series aircraft within Australia, ensuring adherence to national safety standards and interoperability with international civil aviation safety directives. The regulations are enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and are integral to maintaining the airworthiness of these aircraft, with the authority to extend or restrict the application of these directives through subordinate instruments as needed.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, includes the Airworthiness Directives (AD) which are crucial for maintaining the safety standards of aircraft operations in Australia. In the context of Boeing 767 Series Aeroplanes, AD/B767/66 addresses the "Girt Bar" issue, which is detailed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-52A0061 Revision 1. This directive mandates that operators of Boeing 767 series aircraft must adjust the ball plunger for the girt bar locks as per the specified Boeing bulletin. This adjustment is necessary to ensure that the girt bar is properly retained to the girt bar carrier, which is vital for the functionality of the escape slides. The requirement to comply with this directive is particularly urgent for aircraft that were in service prior to 25 August 1992, a date marked by a significant incident where an escape slide failed to deploy correctly. The obligations imposed by this AD are clear and direct: aircraft operators must adhere to the instructions outlined in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-52A0061 Revision 1. This involves meticulous attention to the ball plunger adjustment to prevent any future failures of the girt bar mechanism, which could otherwise lead to escape slide deployment issues. The directive references FAA AD 92-07-13 Amdt 39-8209, indicating that the regulatory framework extends beyond Australian borders, aligning with international safety standards. Ensuring compliance with these provisions is not merely a legal requirement but a fundamental aspect of ensuring passenger safety and aircraft operational integrity. Failure to comply with the AD/B767/66 could result in significant legal and safety repercussions. The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) enforces these regulations rigorously, and non-compliance could lead to penalties. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, it is understood that breaches of airworthiness directives can result in substantial fines, operational restrictions, or even grounding of the affected aircraft until the non-compliance issues are rectified. The severity of these consequences underscores the importance of adhering strictly to the AD requirements, ensuring that all Boeing 767 series aircraft are maintained to the highest safety standards.