{"id":"F2006B02611","name":"AD/B717/10 - Main Spoiler Actuators Support Fitting Assemblies","slug":"ad-b717-10-main-spoiler-actuators-support-fitting-assemblies","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":41927,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006B02611-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-01","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"AD/B717/10 - Main Spoiler Actuators Support Fitting Assemblies","content":"COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998), PART 39 \\- 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY\n\nSCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES\n\n![](image.001.png)  \n\nAIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE\n\n![](image.001.png)  \n\nFor the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CASR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.\n\n![](image.001.png)  \n\nBoeing 717 Series Aeroplanes\n\nAD/B717/10 Main Spoiler Actuators Support Fitting\n\nAssemblies\n\n  \n10/2003\n\nApplicability: All Model 717-200 series aircraft.\n\nRequirement: Inspect in accordance with the technical requirements of FAA AD 2003-14-05 Amdt 39-13224.\n\nNote: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717-57A0016 refers.\n\nCompliance: As specified in the Requirement document, with a revised effective date of 2 October 2003.\n\nThis Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 2 October 2003.\n\nBackground: Since the issue of FAA AD 2003-04-24 (AD/B717/7), the FAA has received new reports indicating cracking in one of the four spoiler main actuator support fitting assemblies. At least one cracked support fitting has been reported at each of the four locations. Boeing is still investigating the cause(s) of the cracking. This Directive requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the support fitting assemblies and stop pads of the main spoiler actuators, and follow-up actions.\n\n![](image.002.png)  \n\nDavid Villiers\n\nDelegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 12 August 2003\n\n![](image.001.png)\n\nThe above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 10 September 2003.\n\n  \n\nPage 1 of 1","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"This AD expands and updates the scope of previous action. The Background notes new reports of cracking since an earlier FAA AD and replaces/adopts the requirements of FAA AD 2003-14-05, requiring repetitive inspections of all four spoiler actuator support fitting assemblies and associated stop pads and follow-up actions. Compared with the earlier referenced AD (AD/B717/7 / FAA AD 2003-04-24), this AD broadens the inspection regime in response to additional cracking reports and delegates the detailed inspection and corrective procedures to the FAA AD and a Boeing Alert Service Bulletin. The practical effect is a broader, recurring inspection and corrective-action obligation on all 717-200 operators (see Requirement, Background and Compliance sections)."},"complexity_factors":["Short, single-subject AD (one aircraft type and narrow technical issue)","Direct cross-reference to external FAA AD 2003-14-05 for all technical procedures (creates dependency on another document)","Reference to Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717-57A0016 (additional external technical document)","Repetitive inspections and unspecified follow-up actions are contained in the referenced FAA AD rather than explicitly set out here (conditional logic delegated externally)","Minimal statutory drafting — few defined terms and no nested exceptions within the Australian text"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this instrument does (mechanics)**\n\n- It requires all operators of Boeing 717-200 aeroplanes to carry out inspections of the main spoiler actuator support fitting assemblies and their stop pads.\n- The inspections must be done in accordance with the technical instructions contained in FAA Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2003-14-05 (and associated Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717-57A0016 as referenced).\n- The inspections are repetitive and include specified follow-up actions if cracking or other defects are found.\n- The AD takes effect on 2 October 2003 and is issued under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (subregulation 39.1(1)).\n\n**Who this affects**\n\n- The direct affected parties are operators/owners of all Model 717-200 aircraft registered in Australia (airlines, leasing companies, private owners) and their maintenance organisations.\n- Indirectly affected parties include parts suppliers, maintenance contractors and, where repairs require replacement parts or structural work, the manufacturers / overhaul organisations (for parts supply and engineering support).\n\n**Why it matters (stated purpose and practical implications)**\n\n- The stated reason (Background) is that the FAA received reports of cracking in one or more of the four main spoiler actuator support fitting assemblies on the 717-200; at least one cracked fitting was reported at each of the four locations. Boeing is investigating causes.\n- The instrument’s explicit safety mechanism is to detect cracking early through repetitive inspections and to require corrective actions when cracking is found. That is intended to reduce the risk of in-service failure of a spoiler actuator support fitting.\n\n**Costs, incentives and trade-offs (practical testing of the stated purpose)**\n\n- Who pays: aircraft operators bear the direct costs (labour, inspection time, potential parts and repair costs) and indirect costs (aircraft out-of-service time). Maintenance organisations will collect fees for inspection and repairs.\n- Behaviour changes required: operators must schedule and perform the mandated inspections at the intervals in the FAA AD, and must carry out required corrective actions (repairs or part replacement) if cracking is found. This may accelerate maintenance activity compared with normal schedules.\n- Opportunity costs: aircraft may be out of service for inspection or repair, reducing available flight hours and revenue until the work is completed.\n- Compliance burden and bureaucracy: the AD delegates the technical inspection procedure to the FAA AD and the Boeing Alert Service Bulletin, so local regulators and operators must follow those external documents. This reduces rule text here but increases dependence on an external technical document.\n- Implementation risk: if inspections are not done correctly, or if operators delay necessary repairs due to cost or scheduling pressure, the intended safety benefit is reduced. Conversely, conservative interpretation (removing aircraft from service pending repair) increases operational cost.\n- Effects on competition and private choice: the AD imposes the same inspection obligation on every operator of the affected type. Smaller operators with thinner maintenance resources may face a larger relative cost burden than large operators that can absorb or schedule inspections more easily.\n- Substitution effects: operators may elect to replace suspect fittings proactively, change maintenance schedules, or cannibalise spare parts stocks to avoid downtime.\n\n**Where to find the technical details**\n\n- The AD requires compliance with FAA AD 2003-14-05 (this Australian AD points operators to that FAA AD for the technical inspection procedures and required actions). The Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717-57A0016 is also referred to as a source of technical detail.\n\n(Sections relied on: Applicability; Requirement; Note; Compliance; Background; Effective date.)"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This AD maintains its original narrow scope: addressing a specific structural cracking issue in spoiler actuator fittings on one aircraft type. It does not expand beyond this safety-critical maintenance requirement."},"complexity_factors":["Short, single-page document with straightforward structure","Only 1 defined applicability (Model 717-200 series)","Single requirement that cross-references an external FAA document rather than spelling out technical details","No nested exceptions or conditional logic — compliance is mandatory with clear deadline","Background section provides plain-language explanation of safety risk"],"plain_english_summary":"This CASA Airworthiness Directive requires operators of Boeing 717-200 aircraft in Australia to perform repetitive inspections for cracks in the main spoiler actuator support fitting assemblies, following FAA AD 2003-14-05 and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717-57A0016. Cracked fittings could compromise spoiler function during landing, so inspections must begin by 2 October 2003 and continue until Boeing determines the root cause."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-b717-10-main-spoiler-actuators-support-fitting-assemblies","history":"/api/acts/ad-b717-10-main-spoiler-actuators-support-fitting-assemblies/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-b717-10-main-spoiler-actuators-support-fitting-assemblies/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-b717-10-main-spoiler-actuators-support-fitting-assemblies/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-b717-10-main-spoiler-actuators-support-fitting-assemblies/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-b717-10-main-spoiler-actuators-support-fitting-assemblies/documents"}}