COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 106 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Pratt and Whitney Turbine Engines - JT8D Series
AD/JT8D/32
Amdt 1
High Pressure Compressor Disk - Stages 7-12 3/96
Applicability: All JT8D series engines identified by the serial numbers listed in Pratt and Whitney (P&W) Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 6226.
Note: The engine listing in P&W ASB 6226 may not be the only engines affected therefore the operator should research their records to establish that all suspect disks overhauled by Turk Hava Yollari (THY) are identified.
Requirement: Visually inspect, and replace if necessary, each suspect 7th through 12th stage High Pressure Compressor (HPC) disk in accordance with the technical requirements of P&W ASB 6226.
Note: FAA AD 95-26-03 also refers. AD 95-26-03 supersedes AD T95-15-51.
Compliance: Effective 29 February 1996; as per the Requirement Document.
Background: A fatigue crack caused an uncontained HPC disk failure on a JT8D-9A series engine resulting in a fire that destroyed a McDonnell Douglas DC-9-32 aircraft. The FAA determined that the required maintenance practices and procedures as specified by the FAA and Pratt and Whitney may not have been adhered to by the above named overhaul facility.
This amendment reflects the manufacturers latest requirements; the identification of additional affected engines and the introduction of revised inspection intervals.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended through the legislative instrument F2006B10988, address the critical issue of ensuring airworthiness of Pratt and Whitney JT8D series turbine engines. Specifically, the amendment pertains to high pressure compressor disks in stages 7 through 12 of these engines, as identified by Pratt and Whitney Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 6226. This legislative measure was introduced in response to a significant incident where a fatigue crack in such a disk led to an uncontained failure, resulting in a catastrophic fire and the destruction of a McDonnell Douglas DC-9-32 aircraft. The objective is to mandate thorough visual inspections and necessary replacements of suspect disks in compliance with Pratt and Whitney's updated technical requirements, ensuring adherence to safety standards and mitigating risks associated with engine failures.
This legislative instrument, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, aims to enhance aviation safety by addressing the identified maintenance deficiencies and providing clear, updated directives for engine inspections and repairs. The requirement to inspect and replace the specified compressor disks underscores the commitment to preventing similar incidents and maintaining the highest safety standards in civil aviation.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, mandates compliance with AD/JT8D/32 Amendment 1, which pertains to Pratt and Whitney Turbine Engines of the JT8D Series. This directive applies to all JT8D series engines that are identified by the serial numbers listed in Pratt and Whitney’s Alert Service Bulletin 6226. Operators are advised to conduct thorough inspections of their records to ensure all suspect disks overhauled by Turk Hava Yollari (THY) are correctly identified. The directive applies to any person or entity operating JT8D series engines within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring safety standards are consistently met. The requirement mandates a visual inspection and replacement of the 7th through 12th stage High Pressure Compressor (HPC) disks as per the technical specifications outlined in P&W ASB 6226. This directive ensures that any non-compliance with the stipulated maintenance practices can be rectified, thereby mitigating the risk of engine failure. The regulations reflect the latest requirements from the manufacturer and include identification of additional affected engines and updated inspection intervals, enhancing overall aviation safety.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, section AD/JT8D/32 Amendment 1, addresses the airworthiness directives for Pratt and Whitney Turbine Engines, particularly the JT8D series. Section (1) of the amendment mandates a visual inspection and, if necessary, the replacement of each 7th through 12th stage High Pressure Compressor (HPC) disk, as outlined in Pratt and Whitney's Alert Service Bulletin 6226. This inspection requirement aims to mitigate the risk of uncontained failures, which can lead to severe consequences, as evidenced by a previous incident involving a JT8D-9A engine.
Operators of JT8D series engines must ensure that all suspect disks identified by the serial numbers listed in Pratt and Whitney Alert Service Bulletin 6226 are inspected and, if necessary, replaced. The operator is further required to cross-reference their records to confirm that all suspect disks overhauled by Turk Hava Yollari (THY) are identified, as the listing in the bulletin may not be exhaustive. This obligation extends to conducting the inspections in accordance with the technical requirements specified in Pratt and Whitney Alert Service Bulletin 6226. The compliance with these directives is effective from 29 February 1996, as detailed in the Requirement Document.
Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in AD/JT8D/32 Amendment 1 could lead to significant safety risks, as uncontained HPC disk failures can cause catastrophic outcomes. The regulation is designed to ensure that all affected engines are inspected and maintained to the required standards. Consequently, non-compliance could result in severe civil or criminal penalties, including fines and potential criminal charges, depending on the severity and impact of the non-compliance. The maximum penalties for such violations are determined by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and can vary based on the specific circumstances of the breach.