AD/AL 250/20 Amdt 1 - Fuel Pump Drive Shaft - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which were enacted to establish and maintain high standards of safety in civil aviation, were updated with the introduction of Part 39 - 106. This part addresses Airworthiness Directives (AD) and includes specific requirements for ensuring the safety of certain aircraft engines, such as the Allison Turbine Engines - 250 Series. The AD/AL 250/20 Amendment 1 mandates a comprehensive inspection regime for the fuel pump drive shaft of specified Allison 250-C18, C20, and C20B series engines, which are equipped with particular dual element fuel pumps. The aim is to ensure these engines remain airworthy by adhering to strict compliance timelines. The amendment was enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, the body responsible for enforcing the regulations, to address identified safety risks associated with the fuel pump drive shaft of these engines. The policy objective is to prevent potential engine failures that could lead to catastrophic outcomes by requiring regular inspections and timely modifications. This proactive measure aims to enhance the overall safety and reliability of the affected aircraft, thereby protecting passengers, crew, and the public.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 106, specifically pertain to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which include the Allison Turbine Engines - 250 Series. This regulation applies to all 250-C18, C20, and C20B series engines equipped with dual element fuel pumps identified by the specified part numbers. The directive is applicable to these engines irrespective of the geographic location within the Commonwealth of Australia, thereby extending its jurisdictional reach across all states and territories. The directive mandates compliance with the inspection requirements outlined within 100 hours’ time in service following 30 September 1978, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 200 hours’ time in service until the engines are modified as per the specifications provided in Allison 250-C18 CEB-161 or 250-C20/C20B CEB-1051. This regulation is integral to maintaining the safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and is enforceable through subordinate instruments that may further detail the compliance processes and enforcement mechanisms.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, focus on the Airworthiness Directives for Allison Turbine Engines, particularly the 250 Series (AD/AL 250/20Amdt 1). This directive mandates a detailed inspection of the fuel pump drive shaft for Allison 250-C18, C20, and C20B series engines equipped with specific dual element fuel pumps (section 9/78). The directive applies to engines with certain part numbers: 6854292, 6857548, 6877719, 6856250, and 68763803. The compliance requirements necessitate an inspection within 100 hours’ time in service after 30 September 1978, followed by inspections at intervals not exceeding 200 hours’ time in service until modifications are made in accordance with Allison 250-C18 CEB-161 or 250-C20/C20B CEB-1051. The Act imposes several obligations and requirements on the parties and entities governed by this legislation. Operators of the specified Allison turbine engines must ensure that the fuel pump drive shaft is inspected as per the directive. This includes adhering to the stipulated timeframes for the initial and subsequent inspections. The compliance must be verified against the referenced documentation, specifically Allison 250-C18 CSL-61, Rev. 3, or Allison 250-C20/C20B CSL-1007, Rev. 3. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the engine being deemed non-airworthy, thereby affecting the safety and operational status of the aircraft. In terms of offences and penalties for non-compliance, the Act outlines specific consequences for breaches. Non-compliance with the Airworthiness Directives can lead to severe penalties. Although the exact penalties are not detailed in the provided text, it is known that non-compliance with civil aviation regulations can result in significant fines and potential criminal charges. The severity of the penalties may vary based on the degree of non-compliance and the impact on aviation safety. Operators and individuals found in breach of these directives may face both civil and criminal liabilities, including fines and imprisonment, depending on the jurisdiction and the specific nature of the violation.