COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 106 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Rolls Royce Turbine Engines - Dart Series
AD/DART/26 Low Torque Switch 6/97
Applicability: All Rolls Royce Dart series engines.
Requirement: To ensure unapproved low torque switches are removed from service, inspect installed and spare low torque switches in accordance with Rolls Royce Service Bulletin Da61-13.
Note: CAA (UK) AD 002-12-96 also refers.
Compliance: Unless previously accomplished, no later than 30/6/97.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 22 May 1997.
Background: The manufacturer has advised that unapproved low torque switches have been found in service. These switches may give rise to difficulties during activation of the autofeathering system.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, include specific directives to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft, particularly in relation to engine components. One such directive is AD/DART/26, which addresses the issue of unapproved low torque switches in Rolls Royce Dart series engines. This directive was introduced to mitigate the risk of operational difficulties, particularly during the activation of the autofeathering system, that may arise from the use of these unapproved components. The policy objective behind this directive is to ensure that all aircraft maintain a high standard of safety by adhering to specific maintenance and inspection protocols as outlined by the manufacturer, Rolls Royce, and referenced by the Civil Aviation Authority of the United Kingdom.
The directive, effective from 22 May 1997, mandates that all unapproved low torque switches be removed from service and that a thorough inspection of installed and spare switches be conducted in accordance with Rolls Royce Service Bulletin Da61-13. Compliance with these requirements is necessary by 30 June 1997 for all applicable aircraft. This regulatory measure underscores the commitment to maintaining stringent safety standards within the Australian civil aviation sector, ensuring that all aircraft operations align with the highest safety benchmarks.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, includes an Airworthiness Directive pertaining to Rolls Royce Turbine Engines of the Dart series. This directive, identified as AD/DART/26, mandates the removal of any unapproved low torque switches from service and requires inspections of installed and spare low torque switches in accordance with Rolls Royce Service Bulletin Da61-13. This directive applies to all Rolls Royce Dart series engines and is intended to ensure safety and proper functionality of these engines. The directive is effective from 22 May 1997, with compliance required by 30 June 1997 unless the specified actions have already been completed. The directive is complemented by the UK Civil Aviation Authority's AD 002-12-96, which also addresses similar concerns. This regulation applies nationally within Australia and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, involve the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) that mandate actions to ensure the continued safety of aircraft operations. Section AD/DART/26 pertains to the requirement for the removal of unapproved low torque switches from all Rolls Royce Dart series engines and the inspection of both installed and spare low torque switches in accordance with Rolls Royce Service Bulletin Da61-13. This directive is to be completed no later than 30 June 1997 and became effective on 22 May 1997. The directive references the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) AD 002-12-96 for further context and details.
The obligations imposed on the parties governed by this directive include the removal of any unapproved low torque switches from service. This means that aircraft operators must identify and ensure that any low torque switches installed in their Rolls Royce Dart series engines are approved and meet the specifications set out in Rolls Royce Service Bulletin Da61-13. Additionally, operators must inspect both installed and spare low torque switches to verify their compliance with the required standards. These inspections must be carried out meticulously to avoid any potential difficulties during the activation of the autofeathering system, which could compromise the safety of the aircraft.
Failure to comply with the requirements set out in this Airworthiness Directive can result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce compliance through various means, including the imposition of fines and other penalties. Although the exact penalties are not detailed in the directive, non-compliance with ADs can lead to significant civil or criminal consequences, potentially resulting in the grounding of aircraft until the required actions are taken. The gravity of these consequences underscores the importance of adhering to the directive to maintain the highest safety standards in aviation operations.