AD/B767/87 - Off-Wing Ramp/Slide Evacuation System

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the legislative instrument F2006B03440, address safety concerns related to the off-wing ramp/slide evacuation systems on Boeing 767 series aircraft. This regulation was introduced to mitigate risks associated with the reported incidents of punctured tubes in the evacuation systems, which could compromise the safety of passengers during emergency evacuations. The legislation, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, aims to ensure the airworthiness of these aircraft by mandating specific modifications to the evacuation systems, as outlined in Boeing and BFGoodrich service bulletins. Compliance with these directives is crucial to maintaining safety standards in civil aviation, with a compliance deadline set before 10 October 1998. The enacting body responsible for this regulation is the Australian Parliament, reflecting the government's commitment to stringent aviation safety measures. The policy objective is to enhance the safety and reliability of evacuation systems on Boeing 767 aircraft, thereby protecting passengers and crew during emergency situations. This regulation is part of a broader effort to align with international safety standards, as evidenced by the reference to the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) corresponding airworthiness directive.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, addresses the airworthiness directives for the Boeing 767 series aeroplanes, focusing on the off-wing ramp/slide evacuation systems. This regulation applies to any Boeing 767 aircraft models equipped with specific BFGoodrich off-wing ramp/slide evacuation systems identified by the parts numbers 101630, 101655, or 101656. The directive mandates modifications to these evacuation systems in line with Boeing Service Bulletin 767-25-0218 and BFGoodrich Service Bulletin 101630/655/656-25-269, following reports of tube punctures that could compromise safety. Compliance with these modifications must be achieved before 10 October 1998. The scope of this directive is limited to the specified aircraft models and systems, and it is reinforced by corresponding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) directives. The regulation is applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia, and no specific exclusions or exemptions are mentioned within the text of this directive, although it may be subject to further clarification or extension through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR) Part 39 - 105, specifically AD/B767/87, mandate modifications to the off-wing ramp/slide evacuation systems on Boeing 767 series aircraft equipped with BFGoodrich systems having specific part numbers (section 3). This requirement is to address reports of punctured tubes on these evacuation systems. Compliance with the Airworthiness Directive (AD) necessitates that these modifications be implemented in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 767-25-0218 and BFGoodrich Service Bulletin 101630/655/656-25-269 (section 4). The directive references FAA AD 95-18-03 Amdt 39-9351 for additional context (section 5). The obligations under this AD are primarily on the operators and maintenance organisations responsible for the Boeing 767 series aircraft in question. These entities must ensure that the specified modifications to the evacuation systems are carried out correctly and that the aircraft comply with the AD before the compliance date of 10 October 1998 (section 6). The modifications should be performed by qualified personnel, as outlined in the relevant service bulletins, to maintain the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft (section 7). Additionally, operators must maintain records of the modifications and any associated inspections, as required by the regulations (section 8). Failure to comply with the AD/B767/87 may result in significant civil or criminal consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the text, non-compliance with ADs generally falls under the broader regulatory framework of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and Civil Aviation Regulations 1988. Penalties for non-compliance can include fines and, in severe cases, criminal charges against individuals or the organisation responsible for the aircraft. The exact penalties can vary, but they can be substantial, reflecting the critical nature of ensuring the safety of air travel (section 9).