COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 107 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Fuel Supply and Metering Equipment
AD/FSM/28 Hamilton Standard JFC118 Fuel Leak Inspection 13/90 TX
Applicability: Hamilton Standard hydro-mechanical units (HMU) fitted to Pratt and Whitney Canada PW115, PW118, PW118A, PW120, PW120A, PW121 and JT15D-4C
engines, as listed in Hamilton Standard Service Bulletins: JFC118-10-73-14 R1,
JFC118-11-73-15 R1, JFC118-12-73-16 R1, JFC118-30-73-15 R1, JFC118-31-73-14 R1.
Requirement: 1. Inspect the HMU for evidence of fuel leakage as detailed in the applicable engine Maintenance Manual, or Overhaul Manual, or visually inspect the HMU for fuel leakage within 30 minutes of engine shutdown.
2. Replace HMU with a HMU which has been inspected or repaired by Hamilton Standard and identified with MSO ?90-001?, or a once only internal inspection of the applicable HMU, and if required, replacement of torque motor transfer tube packing and back up retainer ring in accordance with the applicable Service Bulletin.
Note: Transport Canada AD CF90-24 R1 refers.
Compliance: Effective 30 October 1990:
- Within 10 flight hours, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 flight hours until compliance with Requirement 2.
2. At next engine shop visit.
Background: This Directive has been issued to require inspection of certain Hamilton Standard HMUs as fitted to certain PW100 and JT15D series engines. The Requirement follows advice that incorrect assembly of an internal seal may result in fuel leakage from the HMU.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39, establish a framework for the regulation of civil aviation in Australia, including the maintenance and safety standards for aircraft. The Act was enacted to ensure the safety of civil aviation and to harmonise Australian aviation safety regulations with international standards. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the body responsible for enforcing these regulations, with a policy objective of maintaining and enhancing the safety of civil aviation. The specific legislative instrument F2006B09971 pertains to Airworthiness Directives concerning fuel supply and metering equipment, aiming to address issues related to the safety of fuel systems in aircraft. This instrument, among others, targets the inspection and rectification of potential fuel leaks in Hamilton Standard hydro-mechanical units installed on certain Pratt and Whitney Canada engines, ensuring that any discrepancies are identified and corrected to prevent operational hazards.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39, mandates the application of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to ensure the safety of aircraft operations across Australia. The specific AD/FSM/28 concerning the Hamilton Standard JFC118 Fuel Leak Inspection applies to aircraft equipped with Hamilton Standard hydro-mechanical units (HMU) installed on specified Pratt and Whitney Canada engines, including PW115, PW118, PW118A, PW120, PW120A, PW121 and JT15D-4C. This directive applies to all aircraft operators within Australia, thereby ensuring that any aircraft utilising the specified engine and HMU combinations must adhere to the outlined inspection and maintenance requirements. The directive mandates inspections for evidence of fuel leakage, either by referencing the engine's Maintenance or Overhaul Manuals or through visual inspection within 30 minutes post-shutdown. Additionally, the HMU must either be replaced with an inspected or repaired unit identified with MSO?90-001? or undergo an internal inspection and necessary repairs, as per the applicable service bulletin. The AD requires compliance within 10 flight hours and then at intervals not exceeding 10 flight hours until the next engine shop visit. This regulation is an essential measure to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft and prevent potential safety hazards associated with fuel leakage.
Key Provisions
The key operative sections of this Airworthiness Directive (AD) are sections 1 and 2, which outline the requirements and compliance timelines. Section 1 states that the Hamilton Standard hydro-mechanical units (HMU) fitted to specific Pratt and Whitney Canada engines must be inspected for evidence of fuel leakage as detailed in the applicable engine Maintenance Manual, Overhaul Manual, or by a visual inspection within 30 minutes of engine shutdown. Section 2 requires that if fuel leakage is detected, the HMU must be replaced with one inspected or repaired by Hamilton Standard and identified with a specific marking, or that a once-only internal inspection be performed, along with any necessary replacement of torque motor transfer tube packing and back-up retainer ring in accordance with the applicable Service Bulletin.
The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act are primarily directed towards the maintenance and inspection of the specified HMUs. Operators must ensure that inspections are conducted as detailed in the Maintenance or Overhaul Manuals, or visually within 30 minutes after engine shutdown. If any signs of fuel leakage are identified, the HMU must be replaced with a unit inspected or repaired by Hamilton Standard, or an internal inspection must be performed along with the replacement of any necessary components. Compliance with these requirements is crucial to maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.
Under the Civil Aviation Regulations, non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive can lead to serious consequences. The Act does not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance with this specific AD; however, general provisions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can be applied. Offences under these Acts can result in civil penalties, including fines and imprisonment, as well as criminal penalties for serious breaches. The severity of the penalties depends on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, with maximum penalties potentially including substantial fines and imprisonment terms. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce these regulations and can impose penalties for any breaches.