Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, provide a comprehensive framework for the regulation of civil aviation within Australia. These regulations are administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and aim to ensure the safety and efficiency of the nation's airspace. One specific aspect of these regulations, outlined in Part 39, involves Airworthiness Directives (ADs). The AD/AL 250/9, for example, targets Allison Turbine Engines - 250 Series, specifically addressing engine operating restrictions to reduce torque-meter shaftgear stress. This directive was introduced to address safety concerns related to the 250-C18 Series engines equipped with particular torque-meter shaftgears (P/N 6854147 or P/N 6871186). The policy objective is to mitigate risks associated with the stress on these components, ensuring the continued airworthiness and safety of the affected aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, addresses the safety of aviation operations through Airworthiness Directives (AD). One such directive, AD/AL 250/9, pertains to Allison Turbine Engines of the 250 Series, more specifically the 250-C18 Series engines fitted with particular torque-meter shaftgears (P/N 6854147 or P/N 6871186). The directive is issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and mandates compliance with engine operating restrictions designed to mitigate stress on the torque-meter shaftgears. The directive applies to all aircraft operators who use the specified engine types within the Australian aviation industry. The geographic reach of this regulation is nationwide, impacting all operators within Australia. There are no exclusions or exemptions specified in the directive itself, though certain conditions or operational limitations may be addressed in subordinate instruments or further CASA guidance. The directive is clear on the timing of compliance, with certain requirements needing immediate action and others to be met at the next daily or overnight inspection following a specified date.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), specifically under PART 39 - 106 and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes provisions for Allison Turbine Engines, particularly the 250 Series (AD/AL 250/9). This directive mandates engine operating restrictions designed to reduce torque-meter shaftgear stress for the 250-C18 Series engines equipped with certain parts numbers, namely P/N 6854147 or P/N 6871186 (Section 3). The directive refers to Allison 250 CSL No. 34.9/69 for compliance details. These regulations impose specific obligations on the parties involved. For instance, compliance with paragraph 1 of the directive requires adherence to the next daily or overnight inspection after 5 September 1969 (Section 3). Paragraph 2 demands immediate action upon issuance of the directive (Section 3). The directive underscores the importance of ensuring that the specified engine components are operated within the prescribed parameters to avoid undue stress on the torque-meter shaftgears, which could lead to operational failures or safety hazards. The legislation also outlines potential consequences for non-compliance. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the provided excerpt, the overarching regulatory framework suggests that failure to comply with Airworthiness Directives can lead to significant civil and criminal consequences. Such breaches may result in fines, operational restrictions, or even criminal charges, depending on the severity of the violation and its impact on aviation safety. The penalties for non-compliance can be severe, reinforcing the importance of adhering to the stipulated operational restrictions.