AD/DART/5 - Reduction Gear Oil Seal

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which were enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, address the need for stringent safety standards in civil aviation. The regulations form part of a broader framework designed to ensure the safety and reliability of aircraft operations, and are enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The specific legislative instrument F2006B08718 pertains to the Rolls Royce Turbine Engines of the Dart Series, particularly AD/DART/5 concerning the reduction gear oil seal. This directive applies to Dart RDa-6 and RDa-7 series engines and is aimed at ensuring that these engines meet specific safety standards to prevent mechanical failure and ensure the continued airworthiness of the aircraft. The policy objective underlying this regulation is to maintain high safety standards within the Australian civil aviation sector, ensuring that all aircraft and their components adhere to internationally recognised safety protocols.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 106 and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, pertain to Rolls Royce Turbine Engines, notably the Dart series. This legislative instrument applies to the Dart RDa-6 and RDa-7 series engines, necessitating compliance with specific actions detailed in either Rolls Royce SB Da 72-360 Revision 1 or AD/RRT/14. The legislation mandates compliance as outlined in the respective requirement documents, ensuring the maintenance and airworthiness of these engines in accordance with the stipulated safety standards. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this legislation is national, governed by the Commonwealth of Australia, thus it applies across all states and territories uniformly. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds within the provided text, and any further application or restrictions are typically detailed in subordinate instruments or additional documentation.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, establish the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD) concerning Rolls Royce Turbine Engines - Dart Series. AD/DART/5, dated 11/87, pertains to the reduction gear oil seal for Dart RDa-6 and RDa-7 series engines. The directive requires compliance with either Rolls Royce Service Bulletin (SB) Da 72-360 Rev 1 or AD/RRT/14, with specific actions as outlined in the relevant Requirement Document (section 1). This directive effectively mandates that operators of affected engines must follow the procedures set forth in the referenced documents to ensure airworthiness. Operators of Dart RDa-6 and RDa-7 series engines are obligated to adhere to the specific maintenance and operational procedures as detailed in Rolls Royce SB Da 72-360 Rev 1 or AD/RRT/14. These obligations include conducting regular inspections and maintenance tasks to verify the integrity of the reduction gear oil seal. Operators must also maintain records of all actions taken to comply with these directives to demonstrate adherence to CASA's safety standards. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the engine being deemed unairworthy, which could lead to grounding of the aircraft until the necessary actions are completed. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/DART/5 may result in significant legal and operational consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with ADs can lead to civil penalties, including fines of up to $210,000 for corporations and $42,000 for individuals. In addition to financial penalties, non-compliance may also result in criminal charges, where an individual could face imprisonment for up to two years. Furthermore, continued operation of an aircraft with non-compliant components risks compromising safety, leading to potential accidents and further legal repercussions.