AD/DART/12 - Control Box Mounting Bolts - Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 106, addresses the need for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to issue safety directives that ensure the airworthiness of aircraft and engines. This legislation was enacted by the Parliament of Australia to regulate civil aviation safety, ensuring that all aircraft and their components meet stringent safety standards. The policy objective behind this regulation is to maintain and enhance the safety of civil aviation through the enforcement of airworthiness directives, which are legally enforceable instructions that compel aircraft owners and operators to address identified safety deficiencies. One particular legislative instrument under this regulation is the AD/DART/12 which pertains to the Rolls Royce Turbine Engines - Dart Series. This directive mandates the replacement of control box mounting bolts to mitigate identified safety risks. The directive applies to all Dart RDa-6, RDa-7 series engines incorporating Mod. 1525, and requires compliance with either Rolls Royce Service Bulletin Da 76-16 or AD/RRT/26. This directive is effective immediately, highlighting the urgency and importance of addressing the specified safety issue in the operation of these aircraft engines.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, applies to all Dart RDa-6, RDa-7 series engines incorporating Mod. 1525, targeting Rolls Royce turbine engines. This regulation mandates the replacement of control box mounting bolts as per Rolls Royce Service Bulletin SB Da 76-16 or AD/RRT/26, with the directive taking effect immediately. The regulation is a Commonwealth instrument, thus it applies across the entire nation, ensuring uniform safety standards in civil aviation. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions specified within the directive, meaning all applicable engines must comply without exception. The application of this directive may be further detailed or extended through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, contain provisions related to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which in this instance focuses on Rolls Royce Turbine Engines - Dart Series (sections 1 to 11/87). The primary requirement of this directive is the replacement of control box mounting bolts on all Dart RDa-6 and RDa-7 series engines that incorporate Mod. 1525. This requirement can be fulfilled either by following the actions outlined in Rolls Royce Service Bulletin (SB) Da 76-16 or by adhering to the provisions of AD/RRT/26 (section 1). The directive takes effect immediately upon issuance (section 11/87). This directive is a reissue of AD/RRT/26, underscoring the importance of the issue at hand. The obligations imposed by this directive on the parties and entities it governs are stringent and clear. Owners and operators of the affected Dart series engines must ensure that the control box mounting bolts are replaced as per the specified Rolls Royce SB Da 76-16 or AD/RRT/26 directives. This mandate is non-negotiable and must be adhered to without delay, reflecting the critical nature of the issue related to the potential failure of these bolts (sections 1 to 11/87). CASA's role is to oversee and ensure compliance with these safety directives to maintain the airworthiness of the engines in question. Failure to comply with the provisions of this Airworthiness Directive can result in significant legal consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with CASA's directives can lead to enforcement actions, including fines and potential criminal charges for individuals and corporations found guilty of failing to meet these critical safety standards. The exact penalties for breach of these regulations are outlined in the Act and can include substantial monetary penalties as well as imprisonment, depending on the severity and intent of the non-compliance. The directive's immediate effectivity highlights the urgency and importance of adhering to these safety requirements to prevent any potential hazards that could arise from the failure of the control box mounting bolts (sections 1 to 11/87).