AD/AL 250/30 - Fuel System - Fuel Pump to Control and Fuel Control to Pump By-Pass Tube Clamps - Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as part of the legislative framework overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, was enacted to establish a national scheme for the regulation of civil aviation, ensuring safety and efficiency in the industry. One of the key components of this regulation is Part 39, which focuses on Airworthiness Directives (ADs). These directives are issued to address specific safety concerns or deficiencies in aircraft design, construction, or maintenance. The AD/AL 250/30, concerning Allison Turbine Engines - 250 Series, specifically targets the fuel system of certain aircraft models by requiring the replacement of fuel pump to control and fuel control to pump by-pass tube clamps. This directive applies to specific models of the C18, B17, C20, C20B, and B17B series, with varying serial number cut-offs, to mitigate identified safety risks. The policy objective of these regulations is to ensure that all civil aviation activities within Australia adhere to the highest safety standards, protecting both the public and aviation personnel. The enactment of these regulations by the Australian Government, through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, reflects a commitment to maintaining rigorous safety standards in the aviation sector. The specific focus on Allison Turbine Engines - 250 Series highlights the regulatory body's proactive approach to identifying and addressing potential safety issues proactively. By mandating the replacement of specific components within the fuel system, the AD/AL 250/30 aims to prevent failures that could lead to catastrophic outcomes, thereby safeguarding the integrity of civil aviation operations in Australia. The continuous updating and enforcement of such directives underscore the importance of vigilance and precision in aviation safety management.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, applies to all entities and persons involved in the operation and maintenance of civil aircraft powered by Allison Turbine Engines 250 Series, including airlines, aircraft maintenance companies, and individual aircraft owners. The scope of this legislation is to ensure the airworthiness of these engines through the application of Airworthiness Directives (ADs). The geographic reach of these regulations is national, as they are governed by the Commonwealth of Australia and apply across all states and territories. The ADs outlined in the Schedule specifically target certain models of the Allison 250 Series engines installed in various aircraft types, such as the C18, B17, C20, C20B, and B17B, with particular serial number cut-offs for certain models to determine applicability. The legislation does not specify exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds but mandates compliance with the detailed requirements as set out in the referenced Allison engine manuals or requirement documents. The authority to enforce these regulations may be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 106, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes provisions for ensuring the continued airworthiness of certain Allison turbine engines. Section AD/AL 250/30 mandates the replacement of fuel system components, namely the fuel pump to control and fuel control to pump by-pass tube clamps, in specific models of Allison 250 series engines. These requirements apply to C18 models in their entirety, B17 models in their entirety, C20 models prior to serial number CAE 823105, C20B models prior to serial number CAE 830187, and B17B models prior to serial number CAE 880176. Compliance with this directive is to be achieved as detailed in the requirement document provided by Allison, which can be either the Allison 250-C20/C20B CEB-1042, the Allison 250-C18 CEB-182, or the Allison 250-B17/B17B TP CEB-1059. The Act imposes several obligations on the parties governed by this directive. Primarily, it requires the owners or operators of aircraft equipped with the specified Allison 250 series engines to ensure that the replacement of the fuel system components is carried out in accordance with the detailed requirements in the specified requirement documents. This involves not only the physical replacement of parts but also ensuring that any work performed meets the standards set out in the CASA documentation. Additionally, operators must maintain records of compliance with these airworthiness directives, as CASA may require verification of such compliance during inspections or audits. Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in Section AD/AL 250/30 can result in significant consequences. While the specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the extract provided, non-compliance with CASA directives generally can lead to enforcement actions. These actions may include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and other regulatory penalties. In severe cases, continued operation of a non-compliant aircraft may result in criminal charges, particularly if the non-compliance leads to an incident or accident. The exact penalties for breaches would be determined based on the specific nature and impact of the non-compliance, but they can be substantial under Australian aviation law.