AD/B767/75 Amdt 1 - Over-Wing Escape Slide

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105, includes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD) for Boeing 767 Series Aeroplanes. This legislation was introduced to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating in Australia. One such AD, AD/B767/75 Amendment 1, addresses issues related to over-wing escape slides on Boeing 767 series aircraft. The Federal Parliament enacted this legislation to ensure compliance with international safety standards and to mitigate risks associated with the deployment of over-wing escape slides, particularly focusing on damage to slides when deployed across sharp corners on the trailing edge of the wing and the gaps between trailing edge panels. This was in response to findings from functional tests conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) which highlighted potential safety hazards. The objective is to enhance the safety of passengers and crew by ensuring that escape slides are fully functional in emergency situations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to Boeing 767 series aeroplanes in line positions 1 through 542 that are equipped with over-wing escape slides. This legislation mandates compliance with the technical requirements outlined in FAA AD 95-15-01 Amendment 39-9304, addressing the issue of over-wing escape slides being damaged during deployment due to sharp corners on the trailing edge of the wing and large gaps between the trailing edge panels. The compliance must be achieved unless the necessary actions were already implemented in accordance with the initial issue of this directive, which was before 24 November 1996. The directive was prompted by functional tests conducted by the FAA, which revealed these specific problems with the escape slides, and was subsequently expanded by Amendment 1 in response to a new Requirement Document. Boeing Service Bulletins 767-57-0043 Revisions 1, 2, and 3 provide further guidance in addressing these issues.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes specific requirements for the Boeing 767 series aeroplanes, particularly focusing on over-wing escape slides (AD/B767/75 Amdt 1). This directive applies to Model 767 series aircraft in line positions 1 through 542 that are equipped with over-wing escape slides. The primary requirement is to comply with the technical specifications outlined in FAA AD 95-15-01 Amendment 39-9304. Boeing Service Bulletin 767-57-0043, in its revisions 1, 2, and 3, further supports the compliance necessary for these aircraft. The regulations impose a clear obligation on the operators of these aircraft to ensure that the specified actions are carried out according to the requirements of the FAA directive. Specifically, the compliance must be achieved before 24 November 1996, unless the actions were already completed under the initial issue of the directive. This requirement is crucial for maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew during emergency evacuations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued the original directive in response to functional tests that showed over-wing escape slides were prone to damage when deployed across sharp corners on the trailing edge of the wing and the gaps between the trailing edge panels. This was a critical finding, as the integrity of escape slides is paramount in emergency situations. The subsequent Amendment 1 broadens the scope of the directive to address these safety concerns more comprehensively. Failure to comply with these airworthiness directives can lead to severe consequences, including grounding of the aircraft and potential enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The implications of such non-compliance could result in significant financial penalties and legal repercussions for the aircraft operators.