AD/DART/13 - Low Pressure Impeller Hub Shim

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, are a pivotal piece of Australian legislation governing the safety and operation of aircraft within Australian airspace. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia and administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), these regulations were introduced to address the need for a robust framework that ensures the safety, efficiency, and uniformity of civil aviation operations. A key aspect of these regulations is Part 39, which pertains to the airworthiness of aircraft and engines, including specific directives aimed at maintaining high safety standards. The legislation reflects a policy objective to protect the public and enhance the safety of civil aviation by mandating stringent compliance with airworthiness directives, such as AD/DART/13 concerning Rolls Royce Turbine Engines - Dart Series, ensuring that all aircraft engines meet prescribed safety standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, governs the application of Airworthiness Directives for the maintenance and operation of aircraft and their components within Australia. This legislation applies to all entities and persons involved in the operation, maintenance, and repair of aircraft engines, including Rolls Royce Turbine Engines of the Dart series, particularly the RDa-6 and RDa-7 series engines. The scope of the regulations is national, extending across the Commonwealth of Australia, and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The directive mandates compliance with either Rolls Royce Service Bulletin SB Da 72-430 Rev 2 or AD/RRT/23 to ensure the airworthiness of the specified engines. There are no exclusions or exemptions stated within this specific directive; however, the broader regulations may include provisions that allow for deviations under certain conditions, which would be detailed in subordinate instruments. This legislation thus sets a clear and mandatory requirement for all entities and persons to adhere to the specified standards for the continued safe operation of the aircraft engines in question.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39, Section 106, establishes specific Airworthiness Directives for ensuring the safety and reliability of aircraft engines. One such directive, AD/DART/13, pertains to Rolls Royce Turbine Engines of the Dart series. This directive applies to all Dart RDa-6 and RDa-7 series engines (106.01). The directive requires the implementation of actions detailed in either Rolls Royce Service Bulletin SB Da 72-430 Rev 2 or AD/RRT/23, to address issues related to the low pressure impeller hub shim (106.02). Compliance with AD/DART/13 necessitates that the specified actions be carried out as detailed in the Requirement Document. The directive essentially mandates that any modifications or inspections must adhere to the procedures outlined by Rolls Royce or the referenced directive, AD/RRT/23 (106.03). Operators and maintainers of aircraft equipped with these engines must ensure that the low pressure impeller hub shim is addressed according to the specified documentation, thereby maintaining the airworthiness of the engines. The Act imposes several obligations on parties governed by this directive. Primarily, operators and maintainers must ensure that their actions align with the detailed requirements of either Rolls Royce SB Da 72-430 Rev 2 or AD/RRT/23. This includes conducting necessary inspections, modifications, or replacements as specified (106.04). Failure to comply with these directives can result in non-compliance with airworthiness standards, potentially leading to aircraft being grounded until the necessary actions are taken. There are significant consequences for non-compliance with the AD/DART/13 directive. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations, breaches can result in both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties may include fines, while criminal penalties can encompass imprisonment, reflecting the serious nature of ensuring air safety. The exact penalties can vary based on the severity of the breach and any resultant harm, but they are designed to enforce strict compliance with airworthiness directives to protect public safety (106.05).