Overview

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) F2006B08676 was enacted in 2004 to address a safety concern associated with fuel leakage in General Electric CT58 series turbine engines, specifically those with certain fuel flow divider assemblies. This directive was issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), aiming to mitigate the risk of engine fire and in-flight engine shutdown. The directive applies to specific CT58 engines with particular serial numbers of their fuel flow divider assemblies. The requirement is to either remove these assemblies from service or refrain from installing new ones if they match the serial numbers listed in the directive. The directive mandates compliance within a certain timeframe to ensure that affected engines are addressed promptly to maintain airworthiness standards.

Scope and Application

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 applies specifically to General Electric (GE) CT58 Series turbine engines that meet the criteria outlined in the applicability section of the directive. This includes certain models of CT58-100-2, CT58-140-1, -140-2, and T58-GE-1,-3, -5, -8E, -8F, -10, -100, and -402 turboshaft engines equipped with fuel flow divider assemblies bearing specific part numbers and temperature control assemblies with particular serial numbers as listed. The directive mandates that if the serial number of the temperature control assembly falls within the specified list or cannot be determined, the fuel flow divider assembly must be removed from service immediately. Additionally, no fuel flow divider assembly with a temperature control assembly bearing a serial number listed in the directive should be installed. The directive sets a compliance timeframe, requiring the specified actions to be undertaken within 120 flight hours from the effective date of the directive, which is 8 July 2004. This AD extends its jurisdictional reach across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that all entities and individuals operating affected aircraft or aeronautical products adhere to the outlined safety measures.

Key Provisions

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/CT58/18 pertains specifically to certain General Electric (GE) CT58 Series turboshaft engines. Section 1.A.(3) of GE Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. CT58 S/B 73-A0081, Revision 2, dated August 7, 2003, identifies the serial numbers (SNs) of the affected fuel flow divider assemblies with temperature control assemblies P/N 4050T82G02 or 4067T04G02, and temperature control assemblies P/N 5040T77G02 or 5040T87G02. The directive mandates that if the serial number of the temperature control assembly cannot be determined, the fuel flow divider assembly must be removed from service. Additionally, no fuel flow divider assembly with a temperature control assembly bearing a serial number listed in section 1.A.(3) of the bulletin should be installed. These actions are required to prevent potential fuel leakage, which could lead to engine fire and subsequent forced landing. The AD imposes specific obligations on aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance personnel. They must locate the temperature control assembly mounted on the fuel flow divider assembly, read its serial number, and compare it against the list provided in section 1.A.(3) of GE ASB No. CT58 S/B 73-A0081. If the serial number matches or cannot be determined, the fuel flow divider assembly must be removed from service within 120 flight hours of the directive's effective date. Furthermore, any new fuel flow divider assemblies with temperature control assemblies listed in section 1.A.(3) should not be installed. Compliance with these directives ensures the continued airworthiness and safety of the affected aircraft. Failure to comply with the AD could result in serious safety risks, including fuel leakage, engine fire, and forced landing. Although the AD itself does not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance, regulatory oversight by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) can lead to enforcement actions. Potential consequences may include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and legal action under relevant aviation regulations. The severity of the penalties depends on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, and could result in significant financial and operational repercussions for the parties involved.