AD/B767/73 - Leading Edge Slat Wedge

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, incorporates Airworthiness Directives (AD) to ensure the safe operation of aircraft within Australia. The AD/B767/73 pertains specifically to Boeing 767 series aeroplanes, addressing a critical issue related to the leading edge slat wedges. This legislative instrument was introduced to address the problem of slat wedge damage or disbonding, which has been reported to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on multiple occasions, with two instances resulting in the loss of slat wedges. Such loss could potentially compromise the controllability of the aircraft, necessitating stringent safety measures. The directive is grounded in the technical requirements outlined in FAA AD 93-14-19 Amdt 39-8644, with Boeing Service Bulletin 767-57A0039 Revision 1 also referenced for compliance. The enactment of this regulation by the Commonwealth of Australia through its aviation regulatory authority underscores the policy objective of maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, apply to all Boeing 767 series aeroplanes with line numbers ranging from 1 to 488. This legislation mandates compliance with the technical requirements outlined in FAA AD 93-14-19 Amendment 39-8644, which pertains to the inspection and repair of leading edge slat wedges on these aircraft. The directive is a response to multiple reports of wedge damage or disbonding, which in severe instances led to a loss of slat wedges, potentially affecting the aircraft’s controllability. The requirement for compliance is explicitly tied to the provisions of the Requirement Document, with an effective date of 14 October 1993, as amended. Boeing Service Bulletin 767-57A0039 Revision 1 is referenced for detailed instructions on implementing the required actions. This regulation extends its jurisdictional reach across the Commonwealth of Australia, applying uniformly to all relevant aircraft within its territory.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, require that Boeing 767 series aeroplanes adhere to certain airworthiness directives. According to AD/B767/73, these aeroplanes must be compliant with the technical requirements outlined in FAA AD 93-14-19 Amdt 39-8644. The directive references Boeing SB 767-57A0039 Revision 1 and requires that the actions be taken in line with these documents. The compliance date is specified as 14 October 1993, and it applies to all model 767 series aeroplanes with line numbers 1 through 488. The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act are quite specific and centre around the maintenance and repair of the leading edge slat wedges of Boeing 767 aeroplanes. Operators must ensure that the slat wedges are inspected and repaired or replaced as necessary to prevent damage or disbonding. This is crucial because the loss of slat wedges can adversely affect the controllability of the aircraft, potentially leading to significant safety issues. The directive references both FAA and Boeing documents, which provide detailed technical instructions and specifications for compliance. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directives set out in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can lead to serious consequences. The Act does not explicitly state the penalties for non-compliance with these directives; however, general provisions under civil aviation law may apply. Non-compliance can result in safety hazards, and operators found in breach of these regulations could face enforcement actions, fines, and potential grounding of the aircraft. Additionally, there may be criminal liabilities for individuals or companies if their negligence leads to accidents or incidents due to non-compliance. Given the potential impact on aircraft controllability, the directives are intended to prevent incidents such as the loss of slat wedges that have already resulted in accidents. Operators must ensure that they follow the technical requirements meticulously and keep abreast of any updates or revisions to the directives to maintain the airworthiness of their Boeing 767 aeroplanes. The background note highlights the severity of the issue, with reports of damage or disbonding leading to partial loss of slat wedges, underscoring the importance of strict compliance with the specified directives.