AD/FK-P/5 - Engine/Propeller Oil Transfer Plug - Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by F2006B09950, were enacted to ensure the safety and regulation of civil aviation in Australia. This particular legislative instrument was introduced by the Commonwealth of Australia to address issues related to airworthiness and safety directives, specifically targeting the replacement of engine/propeller oil transfer plugs in certain models of Franklin piston engines. The policy objective is to mitigate risks associated with engine operation by ensuring that critical safety components are maintained or replaced as necessary. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority oversees the enforcement of these regulations to ensure compliance, thereby enhancing the overall safety of civil aviation operations within Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, mandates the application of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives concerning the replacement of engine/propeller oil transfer plugs in Franklin piston engines. This legislation applies to all models 6A-350-C1, -C2, 6A-335-B, -B1, -B1A, 6AS-250-A and -A1, with the exclusion of engines fitted with oil transfer plug part number 21685, identifiable by a letter "A" stamped on the face of the plug. The directive requires compliance with Franklin Service Bulletin No 117, which mandates the replacement of the oil transfer plug either at the next propeller removal or the next engine reconditioning, whichever comes first. The regulation is enforced under the Commonwealth of Australia and applies nationally, ensuring safety and compliance across all states and territories. While the primary directive is clear, the scope and specifics of its application can be further detailed or extended through subordinate instruments issued by CASA.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, sets forth detailed requirements for the airworthiness of certain aircraft components. In this instance, AD/FK-P/5 pertains to the replacement of the engine/propeller oil transfer plug for specified Franklin piston engines (section 1). The directive applies to all models 6A-350-C1, -C2, 6A-335-B, -B1, -B1A, 6AS-250-A, and -A1, excluding those engines equipped with oil transfer plug part number 21685 marked with a letter “A” stamped on the face of the plug. These regulations mandate compliance with Franklin Service Bulletin No. 117, which outlines the specific requirements for replacing the engine/propeller oil transfer plug (section 2). The compliance must occur at the next propeller removal or at the next engine reconditioning, whichever event takes place first (section 3). This ensures that the aircraft maintain the necessary safety standards and operational integrity. Entities governed by these regulations, such as aircraft operators and maintenance providers, must adhere to the outlined requirements meticulously. They are obligated to ensure that the specified engines are inspected and maintained according to the stipulated compliance schedule, thus ensuring that the aircraft remain airworthy and compliant with safety standards. This includes documenting the replacement process and maintaining records to demonstrate compliance with the directive (section 4). Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive can lead to significant legal and safety consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has the authority to enforce these regulations, and non-compliance may result in civil or criminal penalties. The specific consequences can include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and potential criminal charges for serious breaches. The maximum penalties for non-compliance are determined by the severity of the breach and the regulatory framework governing aviation safety (section 5).