COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 107 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Oxygen Systems
AD/OXY/9 Du Pont Pels Crewmember Protective
Breathing Equipment
7/92
Applicability: E.I. Du Pont de Nemours & Co PELS Crewmember Protective Breathing Equipment (PBE) Model 4566M37B-042N with serial numbers below V9100000.
Requirement: Action in accordance with the Procedure Instructions in E.I. Du Pont de Nemours PELS PBE Service Bulletin No 002 dated 5 February 1991.
Note: FAA AD 91-15-15 Amendment 39-7079 refers.
Compliance: Prior to 10 August 1992.
Background: The issue of this Directive is prompted by reports received by the FAA indicating that the Velcro strips affixed to the PBE barrier pouch become excessively attached to the Nomex felt liner bracket rendering the pouch difficult to remove from the bracket.
This condition, if not corrected, could result in the failure of a crewmember to remove the pouch from the bracket in case of fire.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 107, incorporates the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes AD/OXY/9 concerning Du Pont Pels Crewmember Protective Breathing Equipment. This legislation was enacted to address safety concerns related to the PBE Model 4566M37B-042N breathing equipment, particularly those with serial numbers below V9100000. The problem this legislation aimed to resolve was the excessive attachment of Velcro strips on the PBE barrier pouch, which could hinder the removal of the pouch from the Nomex felt liner bracket, posing a risk of crewmember injury in the event of a fire. The policy objective behind this directive is to ensure the safety of crewmembers by mandating adherence to the procedure instructions outlined in E.I. Du Pont de Nemours PELS PBE Service Bulletin No 002 dated 5 February 1991. The directive also references FAA AD 91-15-15 Amendment 39-7079, which further supports the need for compliance to mitigate identified safety risks. The directive mandates that corrective actions be taken prior to 10 August 1992 to address these safety issues effectively.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 107, governs the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes AD/OXY/9 concerning Du Pont Pels Crewmember Protective Breathing Equipment. This regulation applies to E.I. Du Pont de Nemours & Co PELS Crewmember Protective Breathing Equipment (PBE) Model 4566M37B-042N with serial numbers below V9100000. The directive mandates actions as outlined in the Procedure Instructions in E.I. Du Pont de Nemours PBE Service Bulletin No 002 dated 5 February 1991, referencing FAA AD 91-15-15 Amendment 39-7079. Compliance with these directives is required prior to 10 August 1992. This regulation ensures that the specified equipment meets airworthiness standards, particularly addressing the issue where Velcro strips on the PBE barrier pouch may become excessively attached to the Nomex felt liner bracket, potentially hindering a crewmember's ability to remove the pouch during an emergency.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39, specifically section 107, outlines the requirements and procedures for ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft, with a particular focus on oxygen systems. One such directive, AD/OXY/9, pertains to the Du Pont PELS Crewmember Protective Breathing Equipment, specifically Model 4566M37B-042N with serial numbers below V9100000. This directive was issued to address a critical safety concern related to the Velcro strips on the PBE barrier pouch becoming overly adhered to the Nomex felt liner bracket, potentially impeding the crewmember's ability to remove the pouch in case of an emergency, such as a fire. Compliance with this directive is mandatory for the specified equipment and requires adherence to the procedure instructions outlined in Du Pont's Service Bulletin No 002 dated 5 February 1991.
The obligations imposed by this directive on the parties involved, primarily the operators of the affected aircraft, are stringent. Operators must ensure that the Velcro strips on the PBE barrier pouches are not excessively attached to the Nomex felt liner brackets. This involves inspecting the equipment as per the instructions in the referenced service bulletin and taking corrective action if necessary. Such actions may include the replacement or adjustment of the Velcro strips to prevent any impediment to the removal of the pouch. Operators must also ensure that all such modifications and inspections are documented and maintained in the aircraft's maintenance records to demonstrate compliance with the directive.
Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/OXY/9 may result in serious safety hazards and potential legal consequences. While the specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the provided text, regulatory breaches under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can lead to substantial civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties may include fines, while criminal penalties could range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach and its impact on aviation safety. The exact penalties would be determined in accordance with the broader provisions of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. Therefore, adherence to the directive is crucial not only for the safety of the aircraft's crew and passengers but also to avoid legal repercussions.