AD/ALF/3 - Compressor Housing Support Assembly 2-103-070-07 - Inspection and Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) enacted the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which include specific airworthiness directives addressing various safety concerns in aviation. One such directive, AD/ALF/3, was introduced to address an issue identified with the AlliedSignal (Lycoming) Turbine Engines - ALF 502 and LF 507 Series. The problem arose from the improper assembly of the rear engine mount in certain engines, which could lead to excessive stress on the compressor housing support assembly mounting lugs. This potential stress could result in cracks, posing a significant safety risk. The directive aims to ensure that the affected engines are inspected and, where necessary, the compressor housing support assemblies are replaced to mitigate this risk. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, requiring immediate inspection upon receipt of the directive and further inspections after every 100 hours of engine operation until the affected parts are replaced. The policy objective of this airworthiness directive is to ensure the safety and reliability of the specified turbine engines by mandating regular inspections and timely replacement of defective components. CASA’s proactive approach through such directives underscores its commitment to maintaining high safety standards in the aviation industry. By addressing specific mechanical issues identified by engine manufacturers, CASA aims to prevent potential failures that could compromise flight safety. This directive is part of a broader regulatory framework designed to safeguard public safety and maintain the integrity of civil aviation operations in Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, mandates that certain Lycoming model ALF 502L-2 turbofan engines, identified by specific serial numbers, adhere to Airworthiness Directives concerning the inspection and replacement of the compressor housing support assembly. These regulations apply directly to the identified serial numbers of the engines, which must undergo immediate inspection upon receipt of this directive and following each 100 hours of engine operation until the affected assemblies are replaced. The directive mandates that affected compressor housing support assemblies must be replaced not later than 800 hours or 600 cycles of time in service, whichever comes first. The geographic reach of these regulations is national, applying across Australia in accordance with the Civil Aviation Act 1988, and they extend to any aircraft operator utilising the specified engines within the Commonwealth of Australia. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the scope of this directive, and compliance is mandatory for the specified engines.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, includes detailed provisions related to airworthiness directives. One such directive, AD/ALF/3, pertains to the inspection and replacement of compressor housing support assemblies for AlliedSignal (Lycoming) Turbine Engines - ALF502 and LF507 Series (section 1). The directive applies to Lycoming model ALF 502L-2 turbofan engines with specific serial numbers (section 2). The directive mandates that inspections and replacements must be carried out immediately upon receipt of the directive and after every 100 hours of engine operation until the affected support assemblies are replaced (section 3). Furthermore, the affected compressor housing support assemblies must be replaced within 800 hours or 600 cycles, whichever occurs first (section 4). Under this directive, the obligations placed on the parties involved are clear. Operators of the specified engines must ensure that inspections are conducted without delay and that any necessary replacements are carried out within the prescribed timeframe. This involves adhering to the guidelines set out in Lycoming SB No. ALF 502-72-0014 or AD/LYC-T/20 (section 5). These obligations are crucial to maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensuring safety during operation. Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in this directive can lead to serious consequences. The regulations establish that non-compliance with airworthiness directives can result in various civil and criminal penalties. The maximum penalties for breaches of airworthiness requirements are detailed in the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and can include substantial fines and imprisonment for serious violations. It is imperative that all stakeholders adhere to these directives to avoid any legal repercussions.