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/6
Amdt 1
Reduction Gear 5/98
Applicability: All Dart series engines listed in Part 1A of Rolls Royce Service Bulletin Da72-348 Revision 12 dated November 1997.
Requirement: Modify the Reduction Gear Assembly in accordance with Rolls Royce Service Bulletin Da72-348 Revision 12 dated November 1997.
Note 1: Rolls Royce Service Bulletin Da72-348 Revision 12 dated November 1997 is re-issued to re-classify the Modification as Mandatory and extend the applicability.
Note 2: CAA AD 1935 also refers.
Compliance: As specified in Rolls Royce Service Bulletin Da72-348 Revision 12 dated November 1997.
This amendment becomes effective on 23 April 1998.
Background: The manufacturer has advised that a failed annulus gear resulted in the malfunctioning of an engine in service. Manual feathering was initiated but the propeller failed to feather, decoupling of the propeller occurred, followed by over speeding of the propeller to bursting point causing extensive damage to the adjacent engine and the aircraft fuselage.
The original issue of this airworthiness directive became effective on 31 October 1987.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by AD/DART/6Amdt 1, addresses critical safety concerns associated with the Rolls Royce Dart Series turbine engines. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), this legislation was introduced to mitigate the risk of engine failure due to a malfunctioning reduction gear assembly. The problem stemmed from a reported incident where a failed annulus gear led to severe consequences, including propeller decoupling and overspeeding, resulting in significant damage to both the engine and the aircraft fuselage. The policy objective is to ensure the airworthiness of the specified engines by mandating modifications as outlined in Rolls Royce Service Bulletin Da72-348 Revision 12, thereby enhancing safety standards within the aviation industry. This amendment was made effective on 23 April 1998 to promptly address the identified safety issue.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 106, governs the application of airworthiness directives, including those pertaining to Rolls Royce Turbine Engines - Dart Series. This legislative instrument targets all Dart series engines that are listed in Part 1A of Rolls Royce Service Bulletin Da72-348 Revision 12 dated November 1997. The requirement outlined in this regulation mandates the modification of the Reduction Gear Assembly in compliance with the specifications detailed in the aforementioned service bulletin. The regulation extends to all entities and industries involved in the operation, maintenance, and management of these engines, ensuring that all modifications are carried out as specified to maintain airworthiness standards. The regulation applies nationally across the Commonwealth of Australia, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. There are no exclusions or exemptions specified in this particular directive, and compliance is mandatory for all affected engines. The authority to extend or restrict the application of this directive may be exercised through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, include a Schedule of Airworthiness Directives which governs the maintenance and operational standards of aviation equipment. Under this part, AD/DART/6 Amendment 1 addresses modifications required for Rolls Royce Turbine Engines of the Dart Series (sections referenced here are part of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998). The directive mandates the modification of the Reduction Gear Assembly for all Dart series engines listed in Part 1A of Rolls Royce Service Bulletin Da72-348 Revision 12 dated November 1997. This revision reclassifies the modification as mandatory and extends its applicability to all specified engines.
Entities governed by this Act must adhere to the compliance specifications outlined in Rolls Royce Service Bulletin Da72-348 Revision 12 dated November 1997. Compliance involves modifying the Reduction Gear Assembly to meet the new standards set by this directive. It is critical that these modifications are executed meticulously to ensure airworthiness and safety. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in serious safety risks, as evidenced by a previous incident where a failed annulus gear led to extensive damage and potential catastrophic outcomes.
The directive imposes stringent obligations on aircraft operators and maintenance personnel to ensure that the modifications are carried out correctly and within the stipulated timeframe. This involves not only the technical modification of the engine components but also maintaining detailed records of the modifications performed. This record-keeping is essential for regulatory audits and inspections to verify compliance with airworthiness directives.
Failure to comply with the requirements of this directive can result in severe consequences. Non-compliance may lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, violations can attract significant penalties. The maximum penalties for non-compliance can include fines and, in severe cases, criminal charges. These measures underscore the importance of adhering to the airworthiness directives to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety.