AD/EMY/33 Amdt 1 - Emergency Evacuation Slide/Raft

Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) introduced the Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/EMY/33 Amdt 1 in 2004, addressing safety concerns regarding the Emergency Evacuation Slide/Raft System part number 62774, used in aircraft such as the Boeing 777-200 and -300 series. This directive was issued in response to reports of the lower aspirator separating during deployments, which could potentially hinder emergency evacuations. The AD was enacted to ensure that slide/raft systems are repacked according to specific instructions to prevent such failures, thereby enhancing the safety of passengers during emergencies. This directive serves to mandate corrective actions to ensure the airworthiness of affected aircraft and comply with international aviation safety standards.

Scope and Application

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) pertains specifically to the Emergency Evacuation Slide/Raft System part number 62774, all dash numbers, installed on certain aircraft, including the Boeing 777-200 and -300 series. The AD applies to slide/raft systems identified by specific serial numbers, as outlined in the applicability section, and mandates repacking of these systems to prevent failure during deployment, which could compromise passenger safety in an emergency. The requirement for repacking applies to both installed and uninstalled slide/raft systems, with a timeline for compliance that mandates repacking within two months after the AD's effective date of 15 April 2004 or before installation if the system is not already installed. For installed systems, repacking must also occur at the next scheduled maintenance check but no later than 18 months from the AD's effective date. This AD extends across the Commonwealth of Australia and is issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, with the possibility of further details and amendments being communicated through subordinate instruments as necessary.

Key Provisions

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR) mandates specific actions to ensure the safety of certain aircraft emergency evacuation slide/raft systems. AD/EMY/33 Amdt 1, issued on 15 April 2004, pertains to the Air Cruisers Company Emergency Evacuation Slide/Raft System part number 62774, with specific serial numbers identified in Table 1 of FAA AD 2004-03-01. This directive applies to slide/raft systems currently installed on aircraft, as well as those that are not yet installed. The directive requires that slide/raft systems identified by serial number in the applicability section, or those covered under Requirement 2, be repacked following specific instructions from the Air Cruisers Company Service Bulletin 777-107-25-06, dated 19 February 1999, and the applicable Air Cruisers Company Folding Procedure P-12054 or P-12064, both dated 1 February 2002. For systems with serial numbers 0558 and lower, repacking must follow the applicable Air Cruisers Company Folding Procedure P-12054 or P-12064. Systems already repacked in accordance with certain previous procedures or directives are considered compliant with the new requirements. The obligations imposed by this AD include ensuring that slide/raft systems are repacked by the specified dates and following the detailed instructions provided. For slide/raft systems already installed on aircraft, repacking must be completed within two months from the directive's effective date, 15 April 2004. For uninstalled systems, repacking must occur before installation. Additionally, slide/raft systems must be repacked during the next required normal maintenance schedule, but no later than 18 months from the directive's effective date. Operators and owners of affected aircraft must adhere to these repacking requirements to maintain compliance with airworthiness standards. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in this AD may result in serious safety implications, as the directive is issued in response to reports of slide/raft system failures during emergency deployments. Although the AD does not explicitly state specific penalties or consequences for non-compliance, failure to adhere to airworthiness directives can lead to significant regulatory actions under the CASR. These may include fines, aircraft grounding, or other enforcement measures deemed necessary by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure compliance and maintain aviation safety standards. The severity of penalties can vary based on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, as well as any resulting safety risks.