AD/HS 125/94 - Engine Fire Extinguisher Bottle

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended through the legislative instrument F2006B10537, were introduced to ensure that all civil aviation activities in Australia adhere to stringent safety standards. This particular amendment, which applies to the British Aerospace BAe 125 Series Aeroplanes, was enacted to address the identified risk of inadvertent ground firing of HTL engine fire extinguisher bottles. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, operating under the authority of the Australian Parliament, established this Airworthiness Directive (AD) to mitigate such risks by requiring inspections in accordance with specific manufacturer service bulletins. The policy objective is to enhance flight safety by preventing engine fires that could potentially arise from faulty fire extinguisher bottles. Compliance with this directive is mandatory for all BAe 125 series 700 and 800 aircraft and those retrofitted with Garrett TFE731-3 engines, with inspections mandated prior to 31 May 1989.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives applies specifically to all British Aerospace BAe 125 series 700 and 800 aeroplanes, as well as any aircraft of these series that have been retrofitted with Garrett TFE731-3 engines. This regulation mandates that these aircraft must comply with a thorough inspection of the engine fire extinguisher bottle in accordance with BAe Service Bulletins No 26-28. The directive is designed to address a specific safety concern identified by the manufacturer, where the discharge outlet of the engine fire extinguisher bottle had inadvertently separated from the bottle assembly, leading to a potential risk of ground firing. The requirement to comply with these inspection protocols must be fulfilled prior to 31 May 1989, ensuring that all affected aircraft meet the specified safety standards before this date. This regulation is part of the broader Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 and extends across the Commonwealth of Australia, overseen by CASA.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 (Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives), contains several key sections that govern the maintenance and safety requirements for the British Aerospace BAe 125 Series Aeroplanes. One such directive, AD/HS 125/94, pertains to the engine fire extinguisher bottle. This directive applies to all BAe 125 series 700 and 800 and any series retrofitted with Garrett TFE731-3 engines (Part 39 - 105 (1)). The directive mandates that an inspection of the engine fire extinguisher bottle must be conducted in accordance with BAe Service Bulletin No 26-28 (Part 39 - 105 (2)). This inspection is a critical safety measure to ensure the integrity and functionality of the fire extinguisher system, which is crucial for the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. The obligations imposed by this Act on the operators of BAe 125 series aeroplanes are stringent and clear. Operators must ensure that the inspection of the engine fire extinguisher bottle is carried out by qualified personnel following the specific guidelines provided in BAe Service Bulletin No 26-28 (Part 39 - 105 (3)). This requirement is not merely a suggestion but a mandatory condition for the airworthiness of the aircraft. Furthermore, the inspection must be completed prior to 31 May 1989, underscoring the urgency and importance of this safety measure (Part 39 - 105 (4)). Operators are expected to maintain accurate records of all inspections and any remedial actions taken, which must be readily available for review by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Failure to comply with the requirements outlined in AD/HS 125/94 can result in severe consequences. The Act stipulates that non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties can include fines, and in severe cases, the suspension or revocation of the aircraft's airworthiness certificate. Additionally, criminal penalties may be imposed, which can result in significant fines and imprisonment for individuals or companies found guilty of breaching these safety regulations. The maximum penalties for such breaches can be substantial, reflecting the critical nature of these safety requirements (Part 39 - 105 (5)). It is imperative that operators adhere strictly to these directives to avoid any legal repercussions and to ensure the continued safe operation of their aircraft.