AD/PT6A/20 - No. 2 Bearing Cover

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, was enacted to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating in Australia. The Pratt and Whitney Canada Turbine Engines - PT6A Series AD/PT6A/20 No. 2 Bearing Cover, which was introduced in 10/85, addresses an identified problem related to the bearing cover of certain Pratt and Whitney Canada turbine engines. The directive applies to PT6A-6, -6A, -6B, -20, -20A, -20B, -6/C20 and PT6B-9 engines with serial numbers prior to PC-E22659. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the enacting body responsible for issuing these regulations, with a clear policy objective of enhancing the safety of air travel by ensuring that engines meet specific airworthiness standards. Compliance with this directive is required at the next overhaul completed after 30 November 1978.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, applies to Pratt and Whitney Canada's PT6A Series turbine engines, including the models PT6A-6, -6A, -6B, -20, -20A, -20B, -6/C20 and PT6B-9, with serial numbers prior to PC-E22659. This regulation mandates compliance with specific airworthiness directives aimed at ensuring the safe operation of these engines. The requirement necessitates that any overhaul of these engines, completed after 30 November 1978, adhere to the directives detailed in Pratt & Whitney Aircraft of Canada Service Bulletin No. 1188, Revision 1, Transport Canada Airworthiness Directive No. CF-78-14, or AD/UAC-T/32. The regulation extends its applicability nationwide, covering all civil aviation activities within the Commonwealth of Australia, thus ensuring a uniform standard of engine maintenance and safety across the industry.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, includes detailed provisions concerning the airworthiness directives for Pratt and Whitney Canada Turbine Engines, notably the PT6A Series, under AD/PT6A/20. Section 106 mandates compliance with specified bearing cover directives for certain engine models, namely PT6A-6, -6A, -6B, -20, -20A, -20B, -6/C20, and PT6B-9, with serial numbers prior to PC-E22659. Compliance with these directives is required at the next overhaul completed after 30 November 1978. The directives reference Pratt & Whitney Aircraft of Canada Service Bulletin No. 1188, Rev. 1; Transport Canada Airworthiness Directive No. CF-78-14; and AD/UAC-T/32, ensuring that the modifications or inspections adhere to the standards set forth in these documents. Under this legislation, the obligations for the parties involved include ensuring that any Pratt and Whitney Canada Turbine Engines within the specified serial number range are inspected and modified as per the referenced directives. This entails a thorough examination and replacement or repair of the bearing cover components during the next scheduled overhaul. The responsibility falls on the aircraft operators, maintenance providers, and potentially the engine manufacturers to ensure that these directives are adhered to, maintaining the required safety standards for airworthiness. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directives stipulated in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can lead to significant consequences. Section 106 imposes penalties for non-compliance, which may include both civil and criminal repercussions. The specific penalties are not detailed in the excerpt provided but typically include fines, suspension or revocation of the aircraft's operating certificate, and potential criminal charges for individuals or entities found in breach of these safety regulations. These consequences underscore the importance of adhering to the specified airworthiness directives to ensure the safety and compliance of the aircraft and its operations.