AD/JT8D/10 - Eighth Stage Compressor Disc P/N 496908 - Removal from Service

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by the legislative instrument F2006B10973, were enacted to address the need for stringent safety measures in the aviation industry, particularly concerning the airworthiness of aircraft engines. This amendment pertains to Pratt and Whitney JT8D series turbine engines and specifically targets the eighth stage compressor disc, P/N 496908, which must be removed from service to prevent potential safety hazards. The legislation was introduced by the Commonwealth of Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority, aiming to ensure the safe operation of civil aircraft by enforcing directives that maintain high safety standards. The overarching policy objective is to mitigate risks associated with engine failures by mandating timely compliance with airworthiness directives, thereby safeguarding the integrity of civil aviation operations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39, mandates compliance with Airworthiness Directives (AD) such as AD/JT8D/10 concerning Pratt and Whitney Turbine Engines of the JT8D Series. This particular directive applies to engines of the JT8D series, namely JT8D-1, -1A, -1B, -7, -7A, -7B, -9, -9A, and -11, which contain an eighth stage compressor disc identified by the part number 496908. Operators of aircraft equipped with these engines must adhere to the directive, which requires the removal of the specified compressor disc from service. The directive mandates compliance prior to the engine reaching 6000 cycles in service or by June 30, 1977, whichever is later. This legislation ensures that the safety and operational standards of these engines are maintained, thereby safeguarding the integrity and reliability of civil aviation operations across Australia. The directive is derived from FAA AD 76-24-01 Amendment 39-2775 or AD/PW-T/40, and any subordinate instruments or amendments will extend or refine the application of this regulation.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39, contain Airworthiness Directives (ADs) that govern the maintenance and operation of aircraft engines. Section 106, which deals with the Pratt and Whitney Turbine Engines of the JT8D series, mandates the removal from service of specific eighth stage compressor discs. This particular directive, known as AD/JT8D/10, targets eighth stage compressor discs with the part number 496908, which must be removed from service by a specified deadline (Section 106). The directive applies to JT8D-1, -1A, -1B, -7, -7A, -7B, -9, -9A, and -11 engines containing this specific part number (Section 106). The compliance requirements are outlined in two documents: FAA AD 76-24-01, Amendment 39-2775, and AD/PW-T/40, both of which detail the procedures and specifications that must be adhered to (Section 106). The obligations imposed by this AD are stringent and clear. Operators of the specified engines must ensure that the eighth stage compressor disc P/N 496908 is removed from service before the engine reaches 6000 cycles, or by June 30, 1977, whichever occurs later (Section 106). This directive requires detailed record-keeping and verification to demonstrate compliance. Operators must maintain records of engine cycles and the status of the compressor disc, ensuring that any engine reaching the 6000 cycle threshold or the specified date has the problematic disc removed and replaced or disposed of as directed (Section 106). Failure to comply with this directive can result in serious consequences. The regulations impose both civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance. Civil penalties may include fines and the potential grounding of the affected aircraft until compliance is achieved. Criminal penalties can also be imposed, which may involve imprisonment for officers of the entity responsible for the non-compliance. The specific maximum penalties are not detailed in the extract but are typically outlined in the broader Civil Aviation Regulations or related enforcement guidelines (Section 106). Operators must take this directive seriously to avoid any legal repercussions and ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of their aircraft.