AD/AL 250/65 - Engine Power and Accessory Gearbox - New Magnetic Plug Introduction

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), were enacted to regulate aviation safety in Australia, ensuring compliance with international standards and addressing specific safety concerns. Part 39 - 106, which includes Airworthiness Directives, was introduced to manage and mitigate risks associated with specific aircraft components. One such directive, AD/AL 250/65, was introduced to address a specific issue with the Allison Turbine Engines - 250 Series, particularly the Model 250-C30 and C30S engines and their power and accessory gearboxes used in S-76 Helicopters. The directive mandates the replacement of magnetic plug P/N 23001915 with the new magnetic plug P/N 6871534 to enhance early detection of oil system contamination. This change aims to improve safety by ensuring that any contamination in the engine or gearbox oil is promptly identified, thereby preventing potential failures and ensuring the continued airworthiness of the aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, applies to the Allison Turbine Engines - 250 Series, more precisely the model 250-C30 and C30S engines, as well as their power and accessory gearboxes, installed in or intended for installation in S-76 Helicopters. The regulation mandates the replacement of the existing magnetic plug P/N 23001915 with the new magnetic plug P/N 6871534. For engines and gearboxes already installed, this compliance must be achieved before the next maintenance release following 30 April 1985. For uninstalled engines and their associated components, the new magnetic plug must be fitted before installation in an aircraft. This directive aims to enhance the detection of oil system contamination by replacing the less effective auto fuzz burn off plug with a more reliable one, as per CEB-A-72-3098 Revision 1. The scope of this legislation extends to the entire Commonwealth of Australia, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The application is narrowly focused on the specified engine models and their installations in S-76 Helicopters, without any exclusions or exemptions outlined in the directive. The regulation does not explicitly mention any extensions or restrictions through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, as amended by the Legislative Instrument F2006B02276, focus on the Allison Turbine Engines - 250 Series, particularly addressing AD/AL 250/65 (section 1). This section pertains to the replacement of magnetic plugs in the engine power and accessory gearbox. The directive applies to model 250-C30 and C30S engines and their associated gearboxes installed in or intended for installation in S-76 Helicopters, specifically those that incorporate the magnetic plug with part number 23001915 (section 2). The primary requirement is to fit new magnetic plugs with part number 6871534 in place of the old plugs with part number 23001915 (section 3). This directive is based on the Allison 250-C30, C30S CEB-A-72-3098 Revision 1 document, which mandates compliance with these specifications. The obligations and requirements imposed by this legislation are clear and specific. For installed engine/gearbox assemblies, compliance must be achieved prior to the issuance of the next Maintenance Release following 30 April 1985 (section 4). In the case of uninstalled engines, power and accessory gearboxes, housings, and covers, the replacement of the magnetic plugs must be completed before the components are installed in an aircraft (section 5). The directive aims to ensure that the new magnetic plugs, which are part of the 6871534 series, are used to maintain the reliability and effectiveness of the oil contamination detection system. The consequences for non-compliance with this directive are significant. Failure to adhere to the requirements outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 could result in serious safety implications for the aircraft involved. Although specific penalties are not detailed within the provided text, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations generally carries substantial penalties, including fines and potential criminal charges. These penalties can vary widely depending on the severity of the breach and its impact on aviation safety. The seriousness of these potential outcomes underscores the importance of adhering to the specified requirements to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.