AD/CON/51 - Turbocharger Check Valve and Hose Clamps

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, were enacted to ensure the safety of civil aviation in Australia. Among the various safety directives, PART 39 - 106 addresses specific airworthiness directives for different aircraft components. The legislative instrument F2006B08633 focuses on Teledyne Continental Motors piston engines, particularly concerning turbocharger check valve and hose clamps. This directive was introduced to address the issue of premature deterioration of rubber cushioning in clamps, which can lead to chafing and subsequent failure of the check valves or hoses, potentially causing oil exhaustion and safety risks. The policy objective is to mandate regular inspection and replacement of deteriorated clamps to maintain the integrity and safety of the engine components. Compliance with this directive is required prior to the issue of the next maintenance release following 31 October 1987, and at each subsequent maintenance release.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, with this particular directive focusing on Teledyne Continental Motors piston engines. This regulation applies to specific models of Teledyne Continental Motors, namely TSIO-360GB, TSIO-360LB (both new and rebuilt) and TSIO-360MB, with serial numbers falling within specified ranges. The directive mandates that these engines must undergo inspections of the clamps retaining turbocharger check valves and hoses for any signs of rubber cushion deterioration. If deterioration is detected, the clamps must be replaced, and further inspection of the check valve or hose is required to check for any chafing caused by the metal band of the clamp. If any chafing is found, the affected valves or hoses must also be replaced. Compliance with these directives is required before the next maintenance release following 31 October 1987 and at each subsequent maintenance release. Notably, the replacement of clamps with black cushions with those featuring yellow cushions is stipulated in TCM Service Bulletin No. M87-14 and constitutes the necessary action to meet regulatory requirements.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, incorporates the Airworthiness Directives (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Section AD/CON/51 pertains to Teledyne Continental Motors piston engines, particularly models TSIO-360GB, TSIO-360LB (new and rebuilt), and TSIO-360MB. This directive mandates the inspection and replacement of clamps that retain turbocharger check valves and hoses to prevent premature deterioration and potential oil exhaustion. Section 1 of the directive requires that the rubber cushioning of the clamps be inspected for any signs of deterioration. If deterioration is observed, the clamps must be replaced. Additionally, if the clamp metal band is found to have caused chafing on the check valve or hose, those components must also be replaced. Compliance with these requirements is crucial and must be achieved before the issuance of the next maintenance release after 31 October 1987 and subsequently at each new maintenance release. The obligations imposed by this Act on the parties or entities it governs are clear and specific. Aircraft operators and maintenance personnel must adhere to the requirements outlined in AD/CON/51. This includes conducting thorough inspections of the turbocharger check valve and hose clamps for any signs of deterioration and replacing them if necessary. Furthermore, if chafing is detected on the check valves or hoses due to clamp metal band wear, those components must be replaced as well. This ensures the continued airworthiness of the aircraft and prevents potential engine failures. Compliance with these obligations is mandatory and must be documented in the aircraft's maintenance records. Breaching the provisions of this Airworthiness Directive can lead to significant consequences. While specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the directive, non-compliance with CASA regulations can result in severe civil and criminal penalties. The potential civil penalties include fines and sanctions imposed by CASA, which can be substantial. Additionally, criminal liability may apply if non-compliance is found to have caused an accident or incident, leading to potential imprisonment for the responsible parties. The severity of the penalties underscores the importance of adhering to the requirements set forth in AD/CON/51 to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.