CASA Media Release - Thursday, February 1, 2001
Ansett changes ordered
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is to require amendments to procedures within Ansett Australia as a result of problems discovered in the airline's maintenance area.
CASA's action follows early findings from a special investigation into Ansett's missed 767-200 aircraft inspections.
Ansett will be required to record in detail its handling of recommendations issued by aircraft manufacturers for changes to maintenance and inspection procedures.
Details will be required when manufacturers' recommendations are acted upon and a full technical justification recorded when they are not. Until now only those recommendations that have been adopted have been fully documented.
This new reporting regime will ensure Ansett's actions are transparent and accountable.
The regime will also allow CASA to carry out essential safety audits more effectively.
CASA's initial investigations have revealed shortcomings in Ansett's maintenance systems in a number of areas. Work is continuing on identifying any other problem areas.
CASA's has also uncovered concerns about the relationship and communications between aircraft manufacturers and airlines.
It is clear that there may be room for improvements in the way manufacturers communicate important changes to maintenance procedures and inspections.
CASA will take an international lead on this issue by raising it in a number of aviation forums in coming months with overseas regulators such as the US Federal Aviation Administration.
As CASA's investigation progresses a plan for further changes to Ansett's maintenance systems will be produced. This is being done with the full cooperation of the airline.
A major audit of Ansett's maintenance area will then be carried out by CASA in early March, which will include a review of all the changes.
The successful completion of this audit will finalise CASA's investigations into these issues. It must be noted that Ansett's 767-200s have completed all inspection requirements.
Media contact
Peter Gibson
ph 02 6217 1015
mobile 0419 296 446
Ref: MR0103