AD/LTS/2 - Inspection of Torque Applied to Number Ten Bearing Outer Race Nut 4-082-052-02

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, includes the AlliedSignal (Lycoming) Turbine Engines - LTS 101 Series, a regulation introduced to address the risk of insufficient torque on the No. 10 bearing outer races of certain LTS 101-650C-2 and -650C-3 gas turbine engines. This regulation was enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia and aims to ensure the airworthiness of these engines by requiring a mandatory torque inspection. Compliance with this directive is mandated by referencing Avco Lycoming Service Bulletin No. LTS 101C-72-0017 or AD/LYC-T/19 and necessitates the inspection to occur either during the next periodic (100 hours) inspection for installed engines or prior to installation for uninstalled engines or modules. The overarching policy objective is to enhance aviation safety by preventing potential failures that could arise from inadequate torque application.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, applies to all model LTS 101-650C-2 and -650C-3 gas turbine engines that were manufactured prior to Serial Number LE41146. This regulation is issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and is designed to ensure the safety of civil aviation by mandating specific maintenance actions on certain aircraft components. The primary focus of this directive is on the inspection of the torque applied to the No. 10 bearing outer race nut, a critical component in the engine assembly, to prevent potential failure due to insufficient torque. This applies to both installed engines, which must undergo this inspection no later than the next periodic inspection within 100 hours, and uninstalled engines or modules, which must be inspected before installation. The geographic reach of this legislation is national, as it applies to all aircraft within the Commonwealth of Australia. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the directive itself, but compliance is expected across the industry to maintain the safety standards required by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The regulation may also be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, but no such provisions are noted within the primary text of this directive.

Key Provisions

The key sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within PART 39, pertain to the safety of AlliedSignal (Lycoming) turbine engines of the LTS 101 series. In particular, AD/LTS/2 focuses on the inspection of torque applied to the No. 10 bearing outer race nut 4-082-052-021/86 (s.1). This section mandates the inspection of all model LTS 101-650C-2 and -650C-3 gas turbine engines that are prior to Serial Number LE41146 (s.2). Compliance with this directive can be evidenced by reference to either Avco Lycoming Service Bulletin No. LTS 101C-72-0017 or AD/LYC-T/19 (s.3). The inspection must be performed on installed engines no later than the next periodic (100 hours) inspection, and on uninstalled engines or modules before they are installed (s.4). The obligations imposed by these sections are clear and direct. Owners and operators of the affected LTS 101 series engines must ensure that the specified torque inspection is conducted. For engines already in operation, this inspection must occur at the next periodic inspection scheduled within 100 hours of operation. For engines that are not yet installed, the inspection must be completed before they are put into service. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in the engine not meeting the necessary safety standards, which could have serious implications for the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/LTS/2 could result in significant consequences. The primary offence under these regulations would be the operation of an aircraft with a non-compliant engine. The potential penalties for such an offence can be severe, including substantial fines and possible imprisonment for the individuals responsible for the oversight. Specifically, under Australian law, the maximum penalty for a serious breach of aviation safety regulations can include fines of up to $210,000 for a corporation and imprisonment for up to five years for an individual. Additionally, there are potential civil consequences, such as the grounding of the affected aircraft until the issue is resolved, which could lead to significant operational disruptions and financial losses.