AD/CF6/12 Amdt 2 - Turbine Mid Frame Aft Circumferential Weld

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which form part of the legislative framework governing civil aviation in Australia, include specific provisions under Part 39, addressing the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs). One such AD, AD/CF6/12 Amendment 2, pertains to General Electric Turbine Engines of the CF6 Series, specifically targeting the Turbine Mid Frame Aft Circumferential Weld. Enacted to address safety concerns related to potential in-flight incidents caused by weld failures, this AD mandates compliance with the technical requirements set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in FAA AD 90-23-15 Amendment 39-6754. The AD aims to ensure that operators of affected engines adhere to updated inspection protocols as outlined in the relevant Service Bulletin (SB) issued by the manufacturer. This legislative instrument was introduced by the Australian Government through the Civil Aviation Authority to enhance the safety standards in civil aviation, thereby protecting both the aviation industry and the public from potential hazards associated with turbine engine failures.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, under the jurisdiction of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, specifically targets the maintenance and operational standards of civil aircraft engines, including the CF6 series produced by General Electric. This particular directive applies to all aircraft operators who utilise CF6-50/-45 series engines, necessitating compliance with the technical requirements outlined in FAA AD 90-23-15, as updated and referenced in GE SB 72-957 Rev. 2. The directive mandates inspections to prevent conditions that could lead to the release of hot air into the core cowl cavity, a problem that has previously resulted in aborted take-offs due to fire warnings. The scope of this legislation is national, affecting all commercial and potentially private aviation operations within Australia, ensuring safety standards are uniformly enforced across the industry. The applicability is extended to all aircraft registered in Australia, regardless of whether the operations are domestic or international. No exclusions or exemptions are specified in the directive, indicating that all applicable aircraft must adhere to the prescribed inspection intervals as determined by service experience and manufacturer’s recommendations.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, include the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which governs the maintenance and operation of various aircraft components. One such directive, AD/CF6/12Amdt 2, pertains to the Turbine Mid Frame Aft Circumferential Weld for General Electric Turbine Engines of the CF6 Series (sections 39-106(1)-(3)). This directive applies to engines of the CF6-50/-45 series (section 39-106(4)). The directive mandates compliance with the technical requirements outlined in FAA AD 90-23-15 (Amdt 39-6754) and refers to GE Service Bulletin 72-957 Rev. 2 for detailed instructions (section 39-106(5)). Compliance with the directive is to be carried out as specified in the Requirement Document (section 39-106(6)). The obligations imposed by this directive require relevant parties, such as aircraft operators and maintenance organisations, to adhere strictly to the inspection and maintenance schedules outlined in the FAA AD and GE SB. This involves ensuring that inspections are conducted to prevent conditions that could lead to the release of hot air into the core cowl cavity, which has previously caused take-off aborts due to fire warnings (section 39-106(7)-(8)). Operators and maintainers must implement the updated inspection intervals as specified in the amendment to the directive, reflecting the latest service experience and manufacturer recommendations (section 39-106(9)). Failure to comply with the provisions of this directive can result in significant consequences. Non-compliance may lead to the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, potentially resulting in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The potential penalties for breach of these regulations include fines and other civil or criminal sanctions as stipulated by the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and related regulations (section 39-106(10)). The maximum penalties for such breaches can be substantial, reflecting the importance of adhering to airworthiness directives to ensure public safety in aviation.