AD/B767/92 - Main Battery Shunt and Ground Stud

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, was enacted to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft in Australia. This particular directive, AD/B767/92, addresses an identified safety issue with Boeing 767 series aeroplanes, specifically concerning the main battery shunt and ground stud. The directive was introduced following reports of electrical power interruptions during flights, which led to the loss of battery power to the hot battery bus, a critical component for standby power. This issue was found to be caused by improper assembly of fasteners on the studs, cracked shunts, corroded or contaminated fasteners, or improper torque of the fasteners. The directive mandates specific inspections and rectifications to mitigate these risks and ensure continued safety in air travel. The compliance dates outlined ensure that the necessary actions are undertaken in a timely manner to prevent potential hazards.

Scope and Application

This legislative instrument, part of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically targets Boeing 767 series aeroplanes and applies to the main battery shunt and ground stud as detailed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 767-24A0112 Revision 1 dated 8 August 1996. The directive mandates a thorough inspection of both the main battery shunt and the main battery ground stud in accordance with the specified bulletin. Any discrepancies detected during these inspections must be rectified following the procedures outlined in the ASB. The directive is enforceable under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and applies nationally across Australia, affecting all operators of Boeing 767 series aeroplanes. Compliance with the requirements is mandatory and must be achieved by specific dates: inspections must be completed prior to 16 November 1996 unless already performed, and any necessary rectifications must be executed before further flight. This directive was enacted to address safety concerns stemming from reported interruptions in electrical power during flight, which could lead to loss of standby power, thereby affecting multiple aircraft systems.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes detailed directives aimed at ensuring the airworthiness of certain aircraft models, such as the Boeing 767 series aeroplanes. The particular focus in this instance is on the AD/B767/92 Main Battery Shunt and Ground Stud directive, which applies to Model 767 aeroplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 767-24A0112 Revision 1 dated 8 August 1996. This directive mandates thorough inspections and corrective actions to address potential safety issues. The main requirements outlined in this directive (AD/B767/92) necessitate inspections of the main battery shunt and the main battery ground stud in accordance with the specified ASB. The inspections must be performed meticulously to detect any discrepancies such as improper assembly of fasteners, cracked shunts, corroded or contaminated fasteners, or improper torque of the fasteners. Additionally, any issues identified during these inspections must be rectified following the procedures detailed in the ASB, ensuring that the aeroplanes maintain their airworthiness. Compliance with this directive is stringent. Operators must complete the inspections of the main battery shunt and ground stud prior to 16 November 1996, unless these inspections have already been performed. Furthermore, any necessary rectifications must be carried out before further flight. This directive became effective on 9 October 1996, underscoring the urgency and importance of adhering to these safety protocols. Failure to comply with the requirements and timelines specified in this Airworthiness Directive can lead to significant safety risks. These risks include potential interruptions in electrical power during flight, which can result in the loss of standby power, affecting critical aircraft systems. Such non-compliance can have severe consequences, including potential grounding of the aircraft until the required inspections and rectifications are completed. In extreme cases, there could be severe operational disruptions or even safety hazards that could escalate to criminal liability or heavy fines.