AD/B767/70 - Flap/Stabiliser Position Module (FSPM)

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, was enacted to provide a regulatory framework governing airworthiness directives, including those issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This legislative instrument, known as AD/B767/70, was introduced to address the specific issue of ensuring the correct installation of the Flap/Stabiliser Position Module (FSPM) on Boeing 767 Series Aeroplanes. This was in response to concerns that an incorrect FSPM could result in the loss of critical configuration warnings or damage to the FSPM connector, which could compromise the safety of the aircraft. The policy objective of this directive is to mandate compliance with Boeing Alert SB 767-27A0118 Revision 1 dated 9 January 1992, and to align the compliance deadline with that of the FAA, extended by two months for Australian registered aircraft. The enacting body, the Australian Parliament, through the Civil Aviation Authority Act 1997, delegates the responsibility to CASA to issue such airworthiness directives. This particular directive aims to mitigate safety risks associated with the installation of an incorrect FSPM, thereby ensuring the continued airworthiness and safety of Boeing 767 Series Aeroplanes operating within Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives, applies to Boeing 767 series aeroplanes, including models 767-200, -200ER, -300, and -300ER registered in Australia. This regulation mandates compliance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-27A0118 Revision 1, dated 9 January 1992, to ensure that the correct Flap/Stabiliser Position Module (FSPM) is installed, thereby preventing potential hazards such as loss of configuration warnings or damage to the FSPM connector. The directive extends the compliance deadline by approximately two months for Australian registered aircraft, aligning with FAA AD 92-16-16 Amendment 39-8326. This directive is a crucial safety measure that must be adhered to by aircraft operators and maintenance personnel to maintain the airworthiness of the specified Boeing 767 models.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, details a Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for certain Boeing 767 Series aeroplanes. This includes models 767-200, -200ER, -300 and -300ER, as listed in the Requirement Document (Section 1). The directive mandates that these aircraft must comply with the action outlined in Boeing Alert SB 767-27A0118 Revision 1, dated 9 January 1992. The directive references FAA AD 92-16-16 Amendment 39-8326, providing a broader context for the requirement. Entities governed by this legislation, primarily aircraft operators and maintenance providers, are obliged to ensure that the Flap/Stabiliser Position Module (FSPM) is correctly installed on the specified Boeing 767 Series aeroplanes. This requirement is critical to prevent the installation of an incorrect FSPM, which could result in a loss of critical flight configuration warnings and potential damage to the FSPM connector. The directive requires that compliance with these specifications must be achieved before 1 January 1993. Failure to adhere to the directive may lead to serious safety implications during flight operations. The Act imposes significant obligations on the operators and maintenance providers of the specified Boeing 767 aircraft. These entities must ensure that the correct FSPM is installed and that all modifications or replacements are performed in accordance with the guidance provided by Boeing Alert SB 767-27A0118 Revision 1. Additionally, they must verify that any previous installations have been correctly executed to avoid the risk of incorrect configurations which could compromise the aircraft's safety. This includes ensuring that all personnel involved in the installation and maintenance processes are adequately trained and familiar with the relevant safety directives. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive could result in severe consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 outlines that non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to civil penalties, including fines. The exact penalties are not specified in the directive but could be substantial given the critical nature of the requirement. Furthermore, operating an aircraft that does not comply with the specified airworthiness directive could result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, which could lead to grounding and legal actions against the operator. These consequences underscore the importance of strict adherence to the directive to ensure the safety of all flights.