AD/B767/9 Amdt 1 - Smoke Detection System

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, include a schedule of airworthiness directives designed to ensure the safety and compliance of aircraft operating within Australian airspace. One such directive, AD/B767/9 Amendment 1, pertains to the Boeing 767 Series Aeroplanes, addressing the need for a reliable smoke detection system in cargo compartments. This directive was enacted to address a critical safety concern identified by the equipment manufacturer, Autronics Corporation, which found that incorrect lamps were being fitted to smoke detectors returned for repair, potentially rendering the smoke detection system inoperative. The policy objective is to mandate corrective actions in accordance with the Autronics Service Bulletin 2156204-26-01 dated 14 April 1986, ensuring that only specified lamps are used, and compliance must be achieved within 30 days after 31 July 1986. This legislative instrument was enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, specifically through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), to ensure that all Boeing 767 models equipped with Autronics Corporation Model 2156-204 cargo compartment smoke detectors adhere to stringent safety standards. The directive aims to prevent the risk of fire in cargo compartments by enforcing the use of the correct lamp specifications, thereby maintaining the integrity and functionality of the smoke detection system. CASA’s role is pivotal in enforcing these safety measures to protect the travelling public and aircraft crew.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all Boeing 767 series aeroplanes equipped with Autronics Corporation Model 2156-204 cargo compartment smoke detectors. This regulation is designed to ensure the airworthiness of the aircraft by mandating corrective actions in relation to the smoke detection system. The directive applies to the Commonwealth of Australia and aligns with the standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as referenced in FAA AD 86-07-09 R1 Amdt 39-5309. The requirement is to comply with Autronics Service Bulletin 2156-204-26-01 dated 14 April 1986, which mandates the fitting of specific lamps, namely General Instrument Corporation P/No CM 382 AS10 or CM 382 AS15, to ensure the smoke detectors function correctly. The directive stipulates that locally produced decals with identical data to those specified in the referenced Service Bulletin are acceptable. Non-compliance must be addressed within 30 days after 31 July 1986 to maintain the aircraft's airworthiness status.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes an Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning Boeing 767 Series aeroplanes equipped with Autronics Corporation Model 2156-204 cargo compartment smoke detectors (AD/B767/9 Amdt 1). This directive mandates actions in accordance with Autronics Service Bulletin (S.B.) 2156-204-26-01 dated 14 April 1986. It is important to note that locally produced decals that contain identical data as detailed in the referenced Service Bulletin Page 4 will be acceptable. Furthermore, this AD aligns with FAA AD 86-07-09 R1 Amdt 39-5309. The directive imposes clear obligations on the parties involved. Operators of Boeing 767 aeroplanes equipped with the specified smoke detectors must comply with the requirements within 30 days after 31 July 1986. The directive necessitates that the smoke detectors are fitted with the correct lamps, specifically General Instrument Corporation P/No CM 382 AS10 or CM 382 AS15. This requirement is crucial as incorrect lamps, such as 28-volt lamps that are physically interchangeable with the correct lamp, will render the smoke detector inoperative. Failure to comply with the AD may result in civil or criminal consequences. The regulations do not explicitly state the maximum penalties for non-compliance, but it is reasonable to infer that significant penalties could be imposed due to the safety-critical nature of the directive. Non-compliance could potentially lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which could include fines, operational restrictions, or more severe measures if the non-compliance is deemed to pose a significant risk to aviation safety.