AD/CT58/7 - Power Turbine Wheel

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, were enacted to regulate civil aviation safety within Australia and ensure compliance with international standards. One specific regulation, AD/CT58/7, pertains to General Electric CT58 series turbine engines and was introduced to address the safety concerns associated with power turbine wheel defects in these engines. This legislative instrument was created by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The primary policy objective of this directive is to mitigate the risk of catastrophic engine failure by mandating the inspection and, if necessary, the replacement of power turbine wheels in CT58 series engines following a major overhaul. The AD/CT58/7 directive applies to all CT5B-100-1, -100-2, -110-2, -140-1, and -140-2 engines and requires compliance before the engines are installed in an aircraft following their next light-overhaul or complete overhaul after 23 March 1970, whichever comes first. This measure aims to ensure that all affected engines meet stringent safety standards, thereby reducing the likelihood of in-flight incidents due to turbine wheel failure.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/CT58/7, pertains to General Electric CT58 series turbine engines, including CT5B-100-1, -100-2, -110-2, -140-1, and -140-2 engines. This directive applies to any of these engines that undergo a light-overhaul or complete overhaul after 23 March 1970. The requirement is that the specified power turbine wheel modification must be implemented before the engine is reinstalled in an aircraft. This legislative instrument falls under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia and is administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The directive ensures that the specified engines meet certain safety standards following major maintenance activities, thereby enhancing the overall safety and reliability of civil aviation operations.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, establish the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which include critical directives such as AD/CT58/7. This directive pertains to the power turbine wheel of General Electric CT58 series engines, specifically CT5B-100-1, -100-2, -110-2, -140-1, and -140-2 engines. According to Section 9/85, the directive mandates compliance with General Electric Service Bulletin (SB) (CT58) 72-127 (CEB No. 208) or AD/GE-T/16. It requires that these engines undergo a specific compliance procedure before installation in an aircraft following the next light-overhaul or complete overhaul after 23 March 1970, whichever comes first. The obligations imposed by this directive are primarily centred around ensuring the airworthiness of the CT58 series engines. Owners and operators of aircraft equipped with these engines must ensure that any overhauls performed post-23 March 1970 adhere to the specifications outlined in the General Electric SB (CT58) 72-127 or AD/GE-T/16. This includes detailed inspections, replacements, or repairs as specified by the Service Bulletin or the Airworthiness Directive. These obligations are crucial in maintaining the safety and operational standards of the aircraft, as the CT58 series engines are integral to the performance and safety of the aircraft. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/CT58/7 could lead to serious consequences, both civil and criminal. Under Section 9 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with airworthiness directives is an offence. This could result in significant penalties, including fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach. The exact penalties are not specified in the text but generally, such offences can result in fines up to several thousand Australian dollars and imprisonment for up to two years. Additionally, non-compliance could lead to the grounding of aircraft, resulting in operational disruptions and potential safety hazards.