AD/DART/9 - Aeroquip Fuel Pipes

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 106, addresses the issue of ensuring the airworthiness of Rolls Royce Turbine Engines, particularly the Dart Series, by issuing Airworthiness Directives (AD). This legislative instrument was enacted to address the identified need for specific maintenance and modification requirements for these engines to ensure they meet safety standards. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), under the authority of the Commonwealth of Australia, issued this directive to ensure that all Dart RDa-6, RDa-7 series engines comply with the specified requirements, thereby mitigating any risks associated with the use of these engines. The policy objective behind this AD is to enhance aviation safety by enforcing adherence to specific maintenance procedures as outlined by Rolls Royce. The Rolls Royce Turbine Engines - Dart Series Airworthiness Directive, AD/DART/9, applies to all Dart RDa-6, RDa-7 series engines and mandates actions as per Rolls Royce Service Bulletin SB Da 73-A76 or AD/RRT/34. This directive, effective forthwith, was reissued to ensure continued compliance with safety standards. CASA's role in issuing this directive underscores the commitment to maintaining high safety standards within the aviation industry, ensuring that all stakeholders are aware of and comply with the necessary measures to prevent potential hazards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39, Section 106, applies the Airworthiness Directives (AD) to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft engines, including the Rolls Royce Turbine Engines of the Dart series. The directive AD/DART/9 pertains to Aeroquip fuel pipes and mandates that all Dart RDa-6, RDa-7 series engines comply with either the action outlined in Rolls Royce Service Bulletin (SB) Da 73-A76 or the directive AD/RRT/34. This requirement is effective immediately, demanding adherence forthwith. This regulatory directive is integral to maintaining safety standards and is a reissue of AD/RRT/34, highlighting its ongoing importance in aviation safety protocols. The scope of this legislation extends to all Dart RDa-6 and RDa-7 series engines, ensuring they meet the specified safety requirements. The directive applies to entities and individuals who own, operate, or maintain these engines within the Commonwealth of Australia, thereby establishing a national standard for airworthiness. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the directive itself; however, the specifics of compliance may be further defined through subordinate instruments issued by CASA. This ensures that the safety and operational standards remain consistent and are rigorously enforced across the aviation industry within Australia.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, section 106, mandates Airworthiness Directives (AD) for ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft and their components. One such AD is AD/DART/9, which pertains to Rolls Royce Turbine Engines of the Dart Series and the Aeroquip fuel pipes (106(1)). This directive applies to all Dart RDa-6 and RDa-7 series engines (106(2)). The requirement under this directive is that either action must be taken in accordance with Rolls Royce Service Bulletin (SB) Da 73-A76, or the requirements of AD/RRT/34 must be fulfilled (106(3)). The directive takes effect immediately upon issuance (106(4)). The AD/DART/9 places obligations on the operators and maintainers of Dart RDa-6 and RDa-7 series engines to ensure compliance with the specified actions. These obligations include following the guidance provided in Rolls Royce SB Da 73-A76 or adhering to the requirements set out in AD/RRT/34 (106(3)). This ensures that the fuel pipes on these engines are maintained to a standard that ensures the safe operation of the aircraft. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/DART/9 could result in serious safety implications, as non-compliance may lead to the failure of the fuel pipes, potentially causing engine failure in flight. While the Civil Aviation Regulations do not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance with ADs, non-compliance can lead to severe civil and criminal consequences under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. Such consequences may include fines and imprisonment for breaches that result in significant harm or endangerment of safety in aviation. In summary, AD/DART/9 is a critical directive for the safety of aircraft equipped with Dart RDa-6 and RDa-7 series engines. It mandates that specific actions must be taken to maintain the airworthiness of these engines' fuel pipes. Failure to comply with this directive can result in severe civil and criminal penalties, reflecting the high importance of adhering to such safety regulations.