AD/B767/82 Amdt 1 - Ram Air Turbine Pressure Transfer Tube

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, was enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. Part 39 of these Regulations specifically addresses Airworthiness Directives (ADs), which are legally binding requirements to ensure the ongoing airworthiness of aircraft. AD/B767/82 Amendment 1, introduced in 1995, was established to address a critical safety issue identified with Boeing 767 series aeroplanes, particularly concerning the ram air turbine (RAT) pressure transfer tube. This amendment was necessitated by incidents where the RAT hydraulic pressure transfer tube cracked during flight tests, potentially leading to a catastrophic loss of hydraulic power to the primary flight controls. The policy objective behind this amendment is to mandate compliance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-29A0077 Revision 1, ensuring that the identified flaw is rectified to prevent future occurrences and maintain the highest safety standards for the operation of Boeing 767 aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to all Boeing 767 series aeroplanes with line numbers ranging from 1 to 564. This regulation mandates adherence to Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-29A0077 Revision 1, which addresses critical safety concerns related to the ram air turbine (RAT) hydraulic pressure transfer tube. The directive was prompted by incidents where the RAT hydraulic pressure transfer tube cracked during flight tests, potentially leading to catastrophic loss of hydraulic power to primary flight controls. Compliance with this airworthiness directive is crucial to ensure the integrity and safety of the aircraft's hydraulic systems. The regulation does not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, thereby implying a broad application to all specified Boeing 767 aircraft. The scope of this directive extends through subordinate instruments as necessary to maintain and enhance aviation safety standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in PART 39 - 105, govern the safety directives for Boeing 767 series aircraft. Section AD/B767/82 Amendment 1 mandates action concerning the ram air turbine (RAT) pressure transfer tube, which is crucial for ensuring the safe operation of the aircraft. According to this section, Boeing 767 series aircraft with line numbers 1 through 564 inclusive must adhere to Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-29A0077 Revision 1. This requirement aims to address the reported incidents of the RAT hydraulic pressure transfer tube cracking, which could potentially lead to a loss of centre system hydraulic power, thereby affecting the primary flight controls. The obligations imposed by this regulation are stringent, demanding full compliance with the specifications outlined in Boeing Service Bulletin 767-29A0077 Revision 1. Operators of the affected Boeing 767 series aircraft must ensure that the necessary corrective actions are implemented without delay. This includes following the detailed instructions provided by Boeing and Sundstrand Corporation to prevent any further incidents related to the RAT hydraulic pressure transfer tube. Failure to comply with the safety directive could result in severe consequences. While the specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the provided text, breaches of Civil Aviation Regulations can generally lead to significant penalties. Such penalties may include fines, suspension or revocation of air operator certificates, and potential legal actions. The severity of these penalties underscores the importance of adhering to the mandated safety directives to ensure the highest standards of aviation safety.