AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/B767/89 and issues the following AD under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
Boeing 767 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B767/89
Amdt 1
Thrust Reverser Control System Operational Checks
11/2002
Applicability: All Boeing 767 series aeroplanes powered by Pratt and Whitney JTD9D-7R4 series engines, or General Electric CF6-80A series engines, incorporating Boeing Service Bulletin 767-78-0061 Revision 4 or 767-78-0060 Revision 4 respectively.
Requirement: 1. Carry out a functional test of the thrust reverser synch- lock system that satisfies the intent of the test specified in FAA AD 94-16-03 paragraph (e).
2. Repeat Requirement 1 functional test.
3. a. If any discrepancy is found during any functional test required by Requirement 1 or 2, correct the discrepancy in accordance with approved maintenance data; OR
b. Operate the aeroplane in accordance with the conditions and limitations of the Minimum Equipment List (MEL), applicable to the registration mark of the aeroplane, provided the MEL only approves dispatch with:
- no more than one thrust reverser on the aeroplane inoperative; and
ii. no synch- lock on the aeroplane is in an unlocked position; and
iii. the thrust reverser is deactivated in accordance with approved maintenance data.
c. If the aeroplane is operated in accordance with Requirement 3 (b), correct the discrepancies found as required by Requirement 3(a).
d. Repeat the functional test required by Requirement 1 or 2, as applicable, after correction of the discrepancies under Requirement 3(c).
e. Carry out Requirement 3(a) if any functional test carried out under Requirement 3 (d) was unsuccessful.
Note: FAA AD 94-16-03 Amdt 39-8993 refers and supersedes FAA AD 92-03-03.
Boeing 767 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B767/89 Amdt 1 (continued)
Compliance: For Requirement 1: Unless previously accomplished, within 4000 hours time in service since installation of the thrust reverser synch-lock required by AD/B767/63 amdt 3, or within 4000 hours time in service from the last functional test of the synch- lock system, whichever occurs later.
For Requirement 2: At intervals not exceeding 4000 hours time in service. For Requirement 3 (a) or (b): Prior to further flight.
For Requirement 3 (c): Within 10 days after thrust reverser deactivation. For Requirement 3 (d) and (e): Prior to further flight.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 31 October 2002.
Background: This amendment to the Directive includes numerous editorial changes that include changes to the structure of the requirements and compliance sections. These changes have no affect on the original technical requirements of this Directive. However, it should be noted that the MEL relief provisions have been modified to better amplify the requirements in this regard.
The repetitive function tests of the thrust reverser additional locking system required by this Directive was previously addressed by Requirement 3 of AD/B767/63 Amdt
2. This action separates the requirements for the thrust reverser in order to provide ease of maintenance control.
The actions specified in this amendment, and the original Directive, are intended to prevent possible discrepancies in the thrust reverser system that can result in an inadvertent in- flight deployment.
James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 30 August 2002
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 9 October 2002.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) introduced an Airworthiness Directive (AD) for Boeing 767 Series Aeroplanes in 2002, specifically addressing thrust reverser control systems. The AD/B767/89 Amendment 1, published under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, aimed to correct potential unsafe conditions associated with thrust reverser systems on Boeing 767 aircraft. This directive applies to Boeing 767 aeroplanes powered by specific Pratt and Whitney or General Electric engines, requiring functional tests of the thrust reverser synch-lock system to ensure operational safety. The policy objective is to prevent possible discrepancies in the thrust reverser system that could result in inadvertent in-flight deployment, thereby enhancing the safety and reliability of the aircraft. This amendment was designed to provide clearer instructions for maintenance and operational procedures, ensuring that the aircraft meet the necessary safety standards.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) applies to all Boeing 767 series aeroplanes powered by Pratt and Whitney JTD9D-7R4 series engines or General Electric CF6-80A series engines, and which incorporate Boeing Service Bulletin 767-78-0061 Revision 4 or 767-78-0060 Revision 4 respectively. This legislative instrument, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), pertains specifically to the thrust reverser control system of these aircraft. The AD outlines mandatory operational checks and corrective actions to address any discrepancies that might lead to unsafe conditions, particularly an inadvertent deployment of the thrust reverser in flight. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this AD is within the Commonwealth of Australia, as it is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette. The AD does not explicitly state exclusions or exemptions, but it does set specific intervals and conditions for compliance, such as conducting functional tests at certain intervals and before further flights, with certain corrective actions to be taken within specified timeframes. The AD also refers to the Minimum Equipment List (MEL) provisions, which provide operational flexibility under certain conditions, but still mandate corrective action within a set timeframe.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) applies to all Boeing 767 series aeroplanes powered by Pratt and Whitney JTD9D-7R4 series engines, or General Electric CF6-80A series engines, incorporating Boeing Service Bulletin 767-78-0061 Revision 4 or 767-78-0060 Revision 4 respectively. The directive mandates specific actions to address potential issues with the thrust reverser synch-lock system.
The AD requires two functional tests of the thrust reverser synch-lock system, ensuring these tests align with the intent of FAA AD 94-16-03 paragraph (e). If any discrepancies are detected during these tests, they must be corrected in accordance with approved maintenance data. Alternatively, the aeroplane can be operated under specific conditions outlined in the Minimum Equipment List (MEL), provided that certain criteria are met. If the aeroplane is operated under these conditions, the discrepancies must be corrected within 10 days. The functional tests must be repeated after any corrections, and further tests must be carried out if these are unsuccessful.
Operators of affected aeroplanes must adhere to specific timelines for carrying out the required tests and actions. Requirement 1 must be completed within 4000 hours time in service since the installation of the thrust reverser synch-lock, or from the last functional test of the synch-lock system, whichever occurs later. Requirement 2 must be repeated at intervals not exceeding 4000 hours. Actions under Requirement 3 (a) or (b) must be performed before further flight, while Requirement 3 (c) must be completed within 10 days after thrust reverser deactivation. Finally, actions under Requirement 3 (d) and (e) must be undertaken before further flight.
Failure to comply with the requirements of this AD can result in significant consequences. The AD becomes effective on 31 October 2002, and any non-compliance could lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the AD but could include fines, legal action, or grounding of the aircraft. Operators must ensure strict adherence to the AD to maintain airworthiness and safety standards.