AD/CF6/32 - Oil Quantity and Flame Arrestor Plug

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, were enacted to ensure the safety of aviation operations within Australia. Specifically, Part 39, which includes the Airworthiness Directive AD/CF6/32, targets the maintenance and operational standards of aircraft engines to mitigate risks of uncontained engine failures. This directive applies to CF6-80C2 engines and was introduced in response to reports of three instances of uncontained engine failure caused by fire from fuel contamination in the oil systems, leading to the separation of fan mid-shafts. The policy objective is to ensure the safe operation of aircraft by mandating repetitive oil quantity checks and the installation of a flame arrestor plug, thereby preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future. Compliance with these directives is critical for maintaining the airworthiness of the affected aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s schedule of airworthiness directives, including the regulation AD/CF6/32 concerning General Electric Turbine Engines of the CF6 series. This regulation applies to the CF6-80C2 engines and mandates adherence to the technical requirements outlined in FAA AD 94-20-06. It is imperative for entities operating these engines to comply with the regulation, which became effective from 2 February 1995, ensuring repetitive oil quantity checks after engine start-up before taxi and the installation of a flame arrestor plug in the aft end of the centre vent tube. These measures are crucial following reports of uncontained engine failures due to fire from fuel contamination in the oil systems, which resulted in the separation of fan mid-shafts. The regulation’s reach extends to all entities operating within the Commonwealth of Australia, enforcing stringent safety measures to prevent similar incidents. The scope of this regulation encompasses the CF6-80C2 engines used in civil aviation within Australia, with a focus on preventing uncontained engine failures through specified technical actions. The regulation is a direct implementation of FAA directives, ensuring consistency in safety standards across international aviation. The directive’s application is enforced nationwide, binding all operators of the specified engine type to comply with the outlined safety measures. While the primary directive is clear, the application and enforcement may be extended or clarified through subordinate instruments, ensuring comprehensive compliance and safety in civil aviation operations.

Key Provisions

The key sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, establish the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which are legally binding instructions issued to ensure the safe operation of aircraft. Section 39-106(1) identifies the applicability of the directive to CF6-80C2 engines, while Section 39-106(2) mandates compliance with the technical requirements outlined in FAA AD 94-20-06. This directive references General Electric Service Bulletin 72-648 Revision 1, dated 11 January 1993, as a source of further information. Compliance with the directive is required as per the effective date of 2 February 1995. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and specific, requiring repetitive oil quantity checks to be performed after engine start-up and before taxiing. This is a safety measure designed to ensure the engine is operating correctly and that there are no leaks or issues with the oil system. Additionally, the directive mandates the installation of a flame arrestor plug in the aft end of the centre vent tube as a terminating action to the repetitive oil quantity checks. This plug is intended to prevent the spread of fire in the event of fuel contamination in the oil systems, which has been identified as a cause of uncontained engine failure. The directive arises from reports of uncontained engine failures due to fire from fuel contamination in the oil systems, which caused the separation of fan mid-shafts. These failures highlight the critical nature of the measures required by the directive. The penalties for non-compliance are not explicitly stated in the text, but under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, failure to comply with an airworthiness directive can result in significant civil or criminal penalties. The severity of these penalties reflects the importance of adhering to the directive to ensure the safety of aircraft operations. Given the potential for catastrophic consequences from non-compliance, it is imperative that all parties governed by this directive, including airlines and maintenance providers, adhere strictly to the requirements. The directive is designed to prevent incidents that could result in severe damage to the aircraft and potential loss of life. Therefore, understanding and implementing the provisions of this directive are crucial for maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety.