AD/AL 250/19 - Fuel System - Power Turbine Governor to Control Fuel Tube Clamp - Installation

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by the Legislative instrument F2006B02240, aim to ensure the safety and reliability of civil aviation operations by addressing specific issues in aircraft maintenance and operations. This legislative instrument was enacted to fill gaps in the regulatory framework that govern the airworthiness of aircraft, particularly focusing on the maintenance of Allison Turbine Engines in the 250 Series. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, as the enforcing body, is responsible for ensuring compliance with these regulations, which are designed to mitigate risks associated with engine failures due to inadequate fuel system controls. The policy objective of this specific legislative amendment is to mandate the installation of a power turbine governor to control the fuel tube clamp in Allison 250-C20 CECO-controlled engine assemblies, enhancing the safety and operational efficiency of these engines.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 106, outlines the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which encompasses detailed directives aimed at ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft engines. This particular directive, AD/AL 250/19, applies to all 250-C20 CECO-Controlled Engine Assemblies that were produced prior to serial number CAE 820908. The directive mandates compliance with the installation of a fuel tube clamp on the power turbine governor to mitigate potential risks associated with the fuel system. Compliance must be achieved within 50 hours of time in service after the directive's issuance date of 28 September 1973, as referenced in Allison 250 CEB No. 1040, Rev. 1. The geographic reach of this regulation extends across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that all aircraft operators within its jurisdiction adhere to these safety standards. The directive does not specify exclusions or exemptions but is intended to apply universally to the specified engine assemblies to maintain consistent safety standards throughout the aviation industry.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 106 (subsection AD/AL 250/19), focus on ensuring the airworthiness of Allison Turbine Engines - 250 Series. Section (1) identifies the applicability of this directive to all 250-C20 CECO-Controlled Engine Assemblies prior to Serial Number CAE 820908. The regulation mandates the installation of a power turbine governor to control the fuel tube clamp, referencing Allison 250 CEB No. 1040, Revision 1, as the applicable document. This directive became effective from 28 September 1973, and compliance is required within 50 hours’ time in service after this date. The obligations imposed by this regulation are clear and specific. Engine manufacturers and operators must ensure that all applicable Allison Turbine Engines - 250 Series undergo the necessary modifications to install the power turbine governor to control the fuel tube clamp. This installation must be carried out according to the instructions detailed in Allison 250 CEB No. 1040, Revision 1. Failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe of 50 hours’ time in service post-28 September 1973 would result in non-compliance with the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. In terms of consequences, the regulations do not explicitly state civil or criminal penalties within the text provided. However, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to severe consequences under the broader Civil Aviation Act 1988. Such non-compliance could result in fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the breach and its impact on aviation safety. The exact penalties would be determined in the context of the broader legislative framework and any relevant case law. The seriousness of airworthiness directives underscores the critical importance of adhering to these regulations to ensure the safety and reliability of aircraft operations.