COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Boeing 767 Series Aeroplanes
AD/B767/94 Thrust Management Computer Replacement 4/97
Applicability: All 767 aircraft line positions 001 to 556, 558 to 587 and 589 to 615 inclusive. Requirement: Replace the thrust management computer in accordance with Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 767-22A0097 dated 30 May 1996.
Note: FAA AD 97-02-19 Amdt 39-9904 refers.
Compliance: Unless previously carried out, replace the thrust management computer before 26 October 1998.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 27 March 1997.
Background: Boeing has had reported instances of uncommanded throttle advancement apparently due to a high impedance connection to the excitation phase of the servo motor. The actions mandated by this Airworthiness Directive are intended to prevent uncommanded runaway of the autothrottle during flight or ground operations as a result of the problems associated with the thrust management computer.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), specifically Part 39, includes Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to ensure the safety of aircraft operations. One such AD, AD/B767/94, mandates the replacement of the thrust management computer in Boeing 767 series aeroplanes to address issues of uncommanded throttle advancement. This problem, identified by Boeing, poses a significant risk of autothrottle runaway during flight or ground operations. The AD was introduced to mitigate these risks, ensuring that all affected aircraft meet safety standards before a specified compliance date. The objective is to enhance aviation safety by implementing necessary modifications as directed by Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-22A0097 dated 30 May 1996. This directive, effective from 27 March 1997, requires compliance by 26 October 1998, reinforcing the commitment to maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, apply to all Boeing 767 aircraft within specified line positions, namely 001 to 556, 558 to 587, and 589 to 615 inclusive. This directive mandates the replacement of the thrust management computer to address instances of uncommanded throttle advancement, a safety concern identified by Boeing and reported to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The replacement must adhere to Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-22A0097 dated 30 May 1996, and compliance is required before 26 October 1998. This Airworthiness Directive became effective on 27 March 1997, with the purpose of preventing uncommanded runaway of the autothrottle during flight or ground operations due to issues with the thrust management computer. The directive is issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and applies across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring a consistent approach to maintaining airworthiness standards within the national jurisdiction.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, includes Airworthiness Directive AD/B767/94 concerning the replacement of the thrust management computer in Boeing 767 series aeroplanes. This directive (section 39 - 105) applies to all 767 aircraft in specific line positions, from 001 to 556, 558 to 587, and 589 to 615 inclusive. The requirement is to replace the thrust management computer in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-22A0097 dated 30 May 1996, as referenced by FAA AD 97-02-19 Amdt 39-9904. Compliance with this directive mandates that unless the replacement has already been carried out, it must be completed before 26 October 1998. The directive became effective on 27 March 1997, aimed at addressing issues of uncommanded throttle advancements caused by high impedance connections to the servo motor's excitation phase, which could result in runaway autothrottles during flight or ground operations.
Operators and owners of Boeing 767 series aeroplanes covered by this directive are required to ensure the thrust management computer is replaced as specified. The directive demands that the replacement be completed by the stated deadline to maintain compliance with aviation safety standards. Failure to comply with this Airworthiness Directive could result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, which could lead to operational restrictions or prohibitions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The mandate is clear and leaves no room for interpretation regarding the necessity and timeliness of the required actions.
Breaching the requirements set forth in AD/B767/94 could lead to significant legal and operational consequences. If an operator fails to replace the thrust management computer by the specified deadline, CASA could impose penalties or sanctions. Although the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not specify maximum penalties within this particular directive, general provisions under Australian aviation law provide for substantial fines and potential prosecution for non-compliance with safety directives. In severe cases, CASA may revoke the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness, grounding the aeroplane until the required modifications are completed. This underscores the critical importance of adhering to the timelines and specifications outlined in the directive to avoid severe repercussions.