AD/AL 250/16 - Ceco Fuel Control and Governor External Plug and Lever - Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), were enacted to ensure the safety of civil aviation within Australia, addressing the need for consistent and stringent regulatory standards to protect public safety and property. These regulations form part of a broader legislative framework aimed at maintaining the highest standards of safety and efficiency in Australia's civil aviation sector. Among these regulations, PART 39 - 106 pertains specifically to the issuance of Airworthiness Directives, which are regulatory measures designed to mandate corrective actions to maintain the airworthiness of aircraft. The policy objective behind these directives is to ensure that all civil aviation operations within Australia adhere to safety standards that mitigate risks and prevent accidents. The specific directive AD/AL 250/16, which addresses the replacement of the Ceco Fuel Control and Governor External Plug and Lever in Allison Turbine Engines - 250 Series, exemplifies the regulatory body's commitment to proactive safety management by identifying and rectifying potential hazards before they can compromise flight safety.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, addresses the authority and scope of airworthiness directives concerning Allison Turbine Engines of the 250 Series. These directives are applicable to all 250-C20 series engines equipped with designated fuel control and governor accessories. The regulation mandates the replacement of the Ceco fuel control and governor external plug and lever for specific serial numbers of these parts, as detailed in the Allison CEB No. 250 CEB-1002 document. This directive is effective from 29 October 1971 and applies under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia. The regulation's reach encompasses all entities operating such engines within the Australian airspace, ensuring compliance with safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The legislation does not explicitly mention exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, and its application may be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments as deemed necessary by the relevant authorities.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 106, contain a schedule of airworthiness directives that pertain to various aircraft components, including the Allison Turbine Engines - 250 Series (section 106). One such directive is AD/AL 250/16, which pertains to the Ceco Fuel Control and Governor External Plug and Lever. This directive mandates the replacement of specific components in the fuel control and governor systems of the 250-C20 series engines (section 106.1). The directive applies to engines with specific serial numbers, including those with fuel control part numbers 6875653 (Ceco 104000A1) and power turbine governor part numbers 6875654 (Ceco 104100A1) (section 106.2). The directive requires that the specified components be replaced in accordance with Allison CEB No. 250 CEB-1002, which outlines the technical details and procedures for making these replacements (section 106.3). It is imperative that these changes are implemented by the specified effective date of 29 October 1971 (section 106.4). Non-compliance with these directives can result in serious safety implications and may lead to the aircraft being deemed unairworthy. Entities governed by these regulations must ensure that all applicable aircraft comply with the directives in a timely manner. This includes maintaining records of compliance and ensuring that any replacements are carried out by authorised personnel. Failure to adhere to these requirements can result in significant consequences, including potential grounding of the aircraft, financial penalties, and other regulatory actions (section 106.5). In terms of legal consequences, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. These penalties may include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the breach (section 106.6). The maximum penalties can be severe, reflecting the critical nature of ensuring air safety. For instance, failure to comply with an airworthiness directive can result in substantial fines, and in cases of gross negligence or willful disregard, imprisonment may be imposed (section 106.7). The specific penalties are outlined in other sections of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and associated regulations, which provide a framework for enforcement and compliance (section 106.8).