AD/ARTOUSTE/6 - Fuel Shutoff Valve - Control

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which were enacted in 1998, form the foundational legislative framework governing civil aviation in Australia. Among the various parts of these regulations, Part 39 - 106 pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, ensuring that aircraft and components meet safety standards. Specifically, AD/ARTOUSTE/6 targets the Artouste series of Turbomeca turbine engines, addressing issues related to the fuel shutoff valve control that has been observed to partially close, causing engine power loss. This directive mandates compliance with Turbomeca Service Bulletin Artouste 80-218-0083 (Modification TU 153) by 31 December 1987, thereby aiming to mitigate the risk of in-flight power loss due to valve malfunctions. The regulation was enacted by the Parliament of Australia, with the policy objective of enhancing aviation safety by enforcing strict adherence to specified maintenance and operational standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, mandates Airworthiness Directives for ensuring the safety and reliability of aircraft operations. Under this legislative framework, AD/ARTOUSTE/6 pertains to the Turbomeca Turbine Engines of the Artouste Series, particularly those models identified as Artouste III B-B1-BF & BF1. This directive is applicable to all aircraft equipped with these engines and requires compliance with the specified modification outlined in Turbomeca Service Bulletin Artouste 80-218-0083 (Modification TU 153) before the deadline of 31 December 1987. The directive arises from reports of the fuel shutoff valve partially closing, leading to potential engine power loss, thereby necessitating corrective action to maintain airworthiness standards. This regulation applies nationally, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, and extends its reach across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring a uniform approach to aviation safety across all states and territories.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, encompasses the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (ADs). Within this framework, AD/ARTOUSTE/6 focuses on the Artouste Series turbomeca turbine engines, particularly addressing the control of the fuel shutoff valve (section 9/87). This AD applies to all Artouste III B-B1-BF & BF1 engines. The requirement outlined in this directive mandates compliance with Turbomeca Service Bulletin Artouste 80-218-0083 (Modification TU 153) by a specified date, before 31 December 1987. The obligations imposed by AD/ARTOUSTE/6 are clear and specific. Owners and operators of aircraft equipped with the affected Artouste III B-B1-BF & BF1 engines must ensure that the fuel shutoff valve modification outlined in Turbomeca Service Bulletin 80-218-0083 is completed before the deadline. This modification is essential to address a known issue where the fuel shutoff valve can partially close, leading to engine power loss, which poses a significant safety risk. Failure to comply with these directives may result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, thereby preventing its operation until the required modifications are completed. In terms of enforcement and consequences, failure to comply with the requirements of AD/ARTOUSTE/6 can result in substantial penalties. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, non-compliance with ADs generally results in the aircraft being considered non-airworthy, which can lead to grounding of the aircraft and potential enforcement actions by CASA. Operators who neglect to adhere to the mandated modifications risk not only operational disruptions but also potential legal repercussions, including fines and other regulatory sanctions. The overarching goal of these provisions is to ensure that all aircraft meet stringent safety standards, thereby safeguarding the public and maintaining the integrity of the aviation industry.