COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Boeing 767 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B767/91 Fuel Transfer Tube Leakage Modification 12/96
Applicability: All Boeing 767 series aircraft, line position 1 - 329 (incl) equipped with Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7R4 series engines. The Airplane Variable Number, Line Number, and Serial Number Data are as shown in Boeing Service Bulletin 767-71A0082 dated Jul 6/95.
Requirement: To prevent chafing of the number 18 fuel nozzle, two clamps are installed between the pylon drain tube and the ECS controller tube in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-71A0082.
Note: FAA Airworthiness Directive 96-14-02 refers.
Compliance: Within six months of the effective date of this Directive.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 7 November 1996.
Background: Two operators have reported chafing of the number 18 fuel nozzle secondary transfer fuel tube, resulting in "heavy" fuel leakage in one case and an engine fire in another. In one case (the fire), chafing was due to an installation of the wrong engine fuel manifold. In the other case the chafing was due to an improperly installed or loose pylon drain tube which contacted the number 18 fuel nozzle. The fuel tube chafing can be prevented by the installation of clamps on the ECS controller tube and the pylon drain tube as shown in the Boeing Service Bulletin. This Directive requires a one off inspection of the clearance between the engine fuel manifold and pylon drain line and the fitment of clamps to prevent chafing between the two pipes.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, play a crucial role in regulating the safety and operation of civil aviation within Australia. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 of these regulations outlines the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which are designed to address specific safety concerns identified in civil aircraft. One such directive, AD/B767/91, pertains to Boeing 767 series aeroplanes and mandates modifications to prevent fuel transfer tube leakage. This directive was introduced to address incidents of fuel leakage and chafing of the number 18 fuel nozzle, which had previously resulted in heavy fuel leakage and an engine fire. The policy objective behind this directive is to enhance the safety and reliability of Boeing 767 series aircraft by ensuring that potential sources of fuel leakage are mitigated through specified modifications.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, pertains to the Boeing 767 Series Aeroplanes and mandates a modification to address fuel transfer tube leakage. This Airworthiness Directive applies to all Boeing 767 series aircraft within line positions 1 to 329 (inclusive) that are equipped with Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7R4 series engines. The applicability of this directive is delineated by the Airplane Variable Number, Line Number, and Serial Number data as specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 767-71A0082 dated July 6, 1995. The requirement outlined in this directive is to prevent chafing of the number 18 fuel nozzle by installing two clamps between the pylon drain tube and the ECS controller tube, as detailed in the Boeing Alert Service Bulletin. Compliance with this directive must be achieved within six months of its effective date, which is November 7, 1996. The directive was prompted by reported instances of fuel leakage due to chafing of the fuel nozzle secondary transfer tube, with one case resulting in an engine fire. This legislative instrument ensures safety by mandating specific modifications to prevent such incidents.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 105, details the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, focusing on Boeing 767 series aeroplanes. This particular directive, AD/B767/91, pertains to fuel transfer tube leakage and applies to all Boeing 767 series aircraft with specific line positions (1 to 329 inclusive) and equipped with Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7R4 series engines. The directive references Boeing Service Bulletin 767-71A0082 dated July 6, 1995, for detailed airplane data.
The main requirement of this directive, as outlined in Section 105, is to prevent chafing of the number 18 fuel nozzle. This is to be achieved by installing two clamps between the pylon drain tube and the ECS controller tube, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-71A0082. The directive notes that FAA Airworthiness Directive 96-14-02 is also relevant. The compliance period for these modifications is set within six months from the effective date of the directive, which is November 7, 1996.
Under this directive, the obligations imposed on the operators of Boeing 767 series aircraft are clear. They must ensure that their aircraft comply with the specified modifications to prevent fuel nozzle chafing. This involves a one-time inspection to verify the clearance between the engine fuel manifold and the pylon drain line, followed by the installation of clamps as directed to prevent any future chafing. This inspection and modification must be completed within the stipulated timeframe to remain compliant with civil aviation safety standards.
Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/B767/91 may result in serious consequences. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the directive, non-compliance with CASA directives generally can lead to enforcement actions. These can include fines, suspension of airworthiness certificates, and other administrative or legal actions. The potential for civil and criminal penalties underscores the importance of adhering to these safety directives to ensure the safe operation of aircraft.