COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 106 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Pratt and Whitney Turbine Engines - JT9D Series
AD/JT9D/23 First Stage High Pressure Turbine Airseal 2/91
Applicability: JT9D-7R4D, -7R4D1, -7R4E, -7R4E1, -7R4E4, -7R4H1, -7R4G2, engines fitted with P/N 797576, 797576P48, 793707, 793707P48 first stage turbine airseals.
Requirement: 1. Replace first stage high pressure turbine airseals as listed by serial number in PWA SB No JT9D-7R4-72-393 Rev 1, Para 2, Part A.
2. Inspect, first stage high pressure turbine airseals not listed by serial in PWA SB No JT9D-7R4-72-393 Rev 1, Para 2, Part A, in accordance with PWA SB No JT9D- 7R4-72-393 Rev 1, Para 2, Part B.
Note: FAA AD 90-23-19 refers.
Compliance: 1. At next engine shop visit regardless of planned maintenance action or reason for engine removal.
2. At next access to affected parts.
Background: This Directive reflects advice of an uncontained JT9D-7R4H1 engine failure event.
The failure was attributed to cracking of an Inconel-718 material airseal. Certain lower rated JT9D models may also be fitted with the same part number airseal. This Directive requires replacement or inspection of those airseals.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, was enacted to establish and maintain standards of airworthiness for civil aviation in Australia. This legislation was introduced to address the need for consistent and stringent regulations to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation operations. The regulations were enacted by the Australian Parliament and are overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which is responsible for implementing and enforcing these standards. The overarching policy objective of these regulations is to ensure that all civil aviation activities within Australia meet the highest possible safety standards, thereby protecting the public and maintaining the integrity of the national airspace. These regulations are critical in achieving the broader goal of ensuring safe, secure, and efficient air travel across the country.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, pertains to Pratt and Whitney Turbine Engines of the JT9D Series, particularly those models listed under AD/JT9D/23. This Act applies to JT9D-7R4D, -7R4D1, -7R4E, -7R4E1, -7R4E4, -7R4H1, and -7R4G2 engines that are equipped with specified first stage turbine airseals by serial numbers 797576, 797576P48, 793707, and 793707P48. The legislation mandates the replacement of these airseals as per Pratt and Whitney Aircraft Service Bulletin JT9D-7R4-72-393 Rev 1, Paragraph 2, Part A, or inspection of airseals not listed by serial number as per Paragraph 2, Part B of the same bulletin. The requirement is grounded in an uncontained engine failure event involving an airseal made of Inconel-718 material, prompting the directive to enhance safety measures. Compliance with these directives is to be achieved at the next engine shop visit or the next access to the affected parts. The regulation applies across the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, extending its reach to all relevant entities and industries involved in the maintenance and operation of the specified turbine engines.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, includes an Airworthiness Directive (AD) pertaining to Pratt and Whitney Turbine Engines of the JT9D series, which is identified as AD/JT9D/23. This directive applies to JT9D-7R4D, -7R4D1, -7R4E, -7R4E1, -7R4E4, -7R4H1, and -7R4G2 engines equipped with particular first stage turbine airseals, identified by the part numbers 797576, 797576P48, 793707, and 793707P48. The primary requirement of this directive is the replacement of the first stage high-pressure turbine airseals listed by serial number in Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Service Bulletin (PWA) No JT9D-7R4-72-393 Rev 1, Para 2, Part A. Additionally, airseals not listed by serial number in the same service bulletin must be inspected in accordance with the specified document and revision. The directive references a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airworthiness Directive (AD 90-23-19).
Compliance with AD/JT9D/23 is mandatory and must be achieved at the next engine shop visit, irrespective of the planned maintenance action or the reason for engine removal. Furthermore, compliance must be achieved at the next available opportunity to access the affected parts. This directive is issued in response to an uncontained engine failure event, where the failure was attributed to cracking of an Inconel-718 material airseal. The directive aims to mitigate the risk of similar failures by ensuring that either the affected airseals are replaced or inspected.
The obligations under this directive require engine operators to ensure that the specified airseals are replaced or inspected in line with the regulatory requirements. This involves adherence to the detailed instructions provided in the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Service Bulletin referenced in the directive. Engine operators must keep records of compliance and ensure that the maintenance actions are carried out by appropriately qualified personnel. Non-compliance with this directive may result in severe safety implications, including potential engine failure and consequent risks to flight safety.
The AD/JT9D/23 imposes significant obligations on engine operators to ensure airworthiness and safety. Failure to comply with the directive can lead to serious consequences. If an operator does not adhere to the requirements of the directive, they may be subject to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The potential consequences include the grounding of aircraft, enforcement notices, or even legal proceedings. In extreme cases, failure to comply with airworthiness directives can result in substantial penalties, including fines and other civil or criminal liabilities as prescribed by the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and related regulations. The specific penalties for non-compliance are determined by the severity of the breach and the regulatory framework governing aviation safety.