AD/CT58/8 - Detuner Hose Assembly

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, form a comprehensive framework governing civil aviation operations within Australia. One such regulation, found in Part 39, specifically addresses the safety of turbine engines used in aviation. The regulation introduced in 1998 was designed to fill a critical gap in ensuring the safety and reliability of aircraft operations by providing detailed directives on the airworthiness of various aircraft components, including the General Electric CT58 Series turbine engines. The objective of this legislative instrument, as stated, is to maintain the highest standards of safety in the civil aviation sector by ensuring that all aircraft and their components comply with stringent airworthiness directives. This particular regulation, AD/CT58/8, applies to all CT58-140-1 and -140-2 engines equipped with a detuner hose assembly with specific part numbers and serial numbers. The directive, effective from 31 December 1970, mandates adherence to the instructions detailed in General Electric Service Bulletin (SB) (CT58) 73-63 or AD/GE-T/17 to maintain the airworthiness of these engines. The regulation is overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which is responsible for ensuring that all aircraft and components meet the required safety standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, concerns the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which mandates the compliance of certain aircraft components and systems to ensure air safety. One such directive is AD/CT58/8, which applies to General Electric CT58 Series turbine engines, specifically models CT58-140-1 and -140-2 that are equipped with a detuner hose assembly bearing part number 4006T86P01. This directive requires adherence to the specifications outlined in General Electric Service Bulletin (SB) CT58 73-63 or Airworthiness Directive GE-T/17. The applicability of this directive extends to all such engines regardless of the aircraft they are installed on, thereby affecting a range of aviation entities and industries that operate these engines within Australia. The directive is enforced nationally, ensuring compliance across all states and territories under the jurisdiction of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The scope of AD/CT58/8 is clear and specific, targeting only the mentioned engine models with the specified detuner hose assembly serial numbers up to and including 10741. This directive does not extend to engines without the specified detuner hose assembly or those with higher serial numbers. The directive has been effective since 31 December 1970, making it a longstanding safety requirement. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, and failure to adhere to it can result in significant penalties or grounding of the affected aircraft. The regulations are enforced through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which has the authority to issue directives and oversee their implementation.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 – 106, establish the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes the AD/CT58/8 for General Electric Turbine Engines CT58 Series (section 106). This directive concerns the detuner hose assembly for specific CT58-140-1 and -140-2 engines. The directive applies to engines with the detuner hose GE P/N 4006T86P01, (V/1/N S379), and serial numbers 10741 and below (section 106.9). The directive references General Electric Service Bulletin (SB) (CT58) 73-63 and AD/GE-T/17, and it has been effective since 31 December 1970. The obligations and requirements imposed by this directive pertain to the maintenance and inspection of the detuner hose assembly. Operators of the specified engines must ensure that the detuner hose is inspected and maintained according to the procedures outlined in the referenced service bulletins and airworthiness directives. This involves regular checks and maintenance to prevent any potential failure of the detuner hose, which could compromise the engine's operation and safety. These procedures must be carried out in accordance with the standards and practices prescribed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in AD/CT58/8 may result in civil and criminal consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to enforcement actions by CASA. The potential penalties for breaching these regulations can include fines and, in more severe cases, the grounding of the aircraft until the required maintenance is performed. The maximum penalties for such offences can be substantial, reflecting the importance of adhering to airworthiness directives to ensure the safety and reliability of aviation operations. It is crucial for operators and maintenance personnel to be fully aware of and comply with these directives to avoid any legal repercussions.