AD/AL 250/66 Amdt 2 - Second Stage Turbine Wheel

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the Legislative instrument F2006B02277, were enacted to address issues pertaining to the airworthiness of aircraft engines, particularly the Allison model 250 series. This regulation was introduced to ensure the safety of civil aviation by specifying directives for maintaining engine airworthiness. The objective of this legislation is to mandate compliance with safety standards to prevent incidents arising from engine failures. The policy objective is to ensure that all applicable aircraft engines meet the required safety standards, thus enhancing the overall safety of civil aviation. The Australian Parliament enacted these regulations to provide a comprehensive framework for the safety oversight of aircraft engines, ensuring that they are maintained to the highest safety standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued the Allison Turbine Engines - 250 Series AD/AL 250/66 Amendment 2, which applies to all Allison model 250-C30, C30L, C30M, C30P, C30S engines. This legislative instrument is part of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which have a national jurisdictional reach across Australia. The requirement is to install a second stage turbine wheel P/N 23032280 in compliance with the specified Allison Alert Service Bulletins. This directive should be implemented alongside CAO 106 AD/AL 250/64 Amendment 3 and references FAA AD 86-19-12. The directive's applicability has been extended to all C30 series engines irrespective of the type of helicopter they are fitted to, ensuring broader safety coverage. Compliance with this directive is essential for maintaining airworthiness standards as detailed in the requirement document.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39, focus on ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft and their components, as exemplified by AD/AL 250/66 Amendment 2. This directive pertains to Allison model 250-C30, C30L, C30M, C30P, and C30S engines, mandating the installation of a specific second stage turbine wheel (section 1). The requirement is to install the second stage turbine wheel part number 23032280 in accordance with either Allison Alert Service Bulletin CEB-A-72-3132 or CEB-A-72-3137 Rev.2, as applicable (section 2). It is important to conduct this installation in conjunction with CAO 106 AD/AL 250/64 Amendment 3, and it is noted that FAA AD 86-19-12 refers to this directive (section 3). Compliance with these requirements is to be detailed in the accompanying requirement document. The obligations imposed by this regulation are clear and specific. Operators of Allison model 250-C30, C30L, C30M, C30P, and C30S engines must ensure that the specified second stage turbine wheel is installed as per the instructions provided in the Allison Alert Service Bulletins mentioned. This installation must be carried out meticulously, following the guidance in CAO 106 AD/AL 250/64 Amendment 3. Operators must also ensure that any modifications or inspections are documented and maintained in accordance with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) requirements. This ensures that the airworthiness of the aircraft remains uncompromised. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directives set out in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can lead to significant consequences. Under section 97 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance may result in civil penalties, including fines. The maximum penalty for each infringement can be substantial, reflecting the serious nature of ensuring aircraft safety. Additionally, continued operation of an aircraft that does not meet the airworthiness standards could lead to criminal charges, with potential imprisonment for those responsible. Such outcomes underscore the importance of adhering to the regulations to maintain the highest safety standards in civil aviation.