AD/AL 250/6 Amdt 1 - Power Turbine Governor - Modification

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. Part 39, which includes Airworthiness Directives, is designed to address specific safety issues that may arise with aircraft engines and other components. One such directive, AD/AL 250/6 Amendment 1, pertains to Allison Turbine Engines of the 250 Series, specifically targeting the power turbine governor. This directive was introduced to address a known issue with the power turbine governor in certain models of Allison engines, which were manufactured before 1 July 1970 and are identified by particular part numbers. The overarching policy objective of these regulations is to maintain the highest standards of airworthiness, thereby protecting the safety of passengers, crew, and the general public.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 – 106, which includes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, mandates the modification of power turbine governors in Allison 250 Series turbine engines. This applies to all models 250-C18 and 250-C18A engines equipped with specific power turbine governor parts numbers 6856291, 6858482, or 6870546, and which were compliant with either Allison CEB No. 250 CEB-22 or Allison CEB No. 250 CEB-77 before 1 July 1970. This regulation is applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia and enforces safety standards on aviation entities and operators within the national jurisdiction. There are no exclusions or exemptions stated within the directive, and compliance is mandatory for the specified engine models to ensure continued airworthiness and safety standards are upheld. Any further specifications or amendments to the application of this directive may be provided through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 106, specifically addressing Allison Turbine Engines - 250 Series, are outlined in AD/AL 250/6 Amendment 1. This amendment pertains to the power turbine governor of the Allison 250 Series engines, particularly those identified by specific part numbers (PNs) 6856291, 6858482, or 6870546. The amendment applies to all models 250-C18 and 250-C18A engines manufactured before 1 July 1970, as indicated in Allison CEB No. 250 CEB-22 or CEB-77. Compliance with this directive requires adherence to the specified technical standards and modifications to ensure the continued airworthiness of the affected engines. The Act imposes specific obligations on the parties or entities governed by these provisions. Engine manufacturers, operators, and maintenance providers must ensure that the power turbine governors of the affected Allison 250 Series engines are either modified according to the specifications outlined in Allison CEB No. 250 CEB-22 or CEB-77 or replaced with a compliant version. This includes conducting thorough inspections, documenting the modifications or replacements, and maintaining accurate records of compliance to demonstrate adherence to the safety directives. The ultimate goal is to maintain the airworthiness of the engines and ensure safe aviation operations. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directives set forth in the Civil Aviation Regulations can result in significant legal consequences. Breaches of these provisions may lead to civil or criminal penalties, depending on the severity of the non-compliance. For instance, if an operator continues to use a non-compliant engine, they could face enforcement actions, including fines and potential grounding of the aircraft. The maximum penalties for non-compliance can vary, but they are designed to enforce stringent safety standards and ensure the highest level of aviation safety. The regulatory framework underscores the importance of adhering to these directives to protect both the public and aviation personnel.