COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 106 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Pratt and Whitney Canada Turbine Engines - PT6T Series
AD/PT6T/6 Fuel Pump Coupling - Replacement 10/85
Applicability: PT6T-3, -3B, -6; ST6T-75, -76.
Document: 1. Pratt and Whitney Aircraft of Canada SB No. 5184; or
2. AD/UAC-T/36.
Compliance: If not already accomplished the new drive coupling is to be fitted by 31 January 1981. Background: In Australia and overseas, fuel pump decouples have occurred on some models of
PT6 engines with similar fuel pump drive couplings. This Directive is issued in order to preclude pump decouples on twin PT6 engines by replacing the existing fuel pump drive coupling with a new coupling incorporating a flange to restrict axial movement.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted to regulate civil aviation safety within Australia, ensuring that aircraft operations meet certain standards to protect public safety and maintain the integrity of the aviation industry. The specific legislative instrument referenced here, F2006B06376, pertains to Airworthiness Directives concerning Pratt and Whitney Canada Turbine Engines of the PT6T Series, particularly addressing issues with the fuel pump coupling. This directive was introduced to address the problem of fuel pump decouples that had been occurring in certain PT6 engine models, both in Australia and internationally, by requiring the replacement of the existing fuel pump drive coupling with a new one that includes a flange to restrict axial movement. The policy objective of this directive is to enhance the safety of air travel by mitigating the risk of fuel pump decoupling incidents that could potentially lead to engine failure or other safety hazards. This instrument was enacted by the Australian Government, reflecting a commitment to stringent aviation safety standards.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 106, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes the Pratt and Whitney Canada Turbine Engines PT6T Series AD/PT6T/6. This directive applies to engines identified as PT6T-3, -3B, -6; ST6T-75, -76, and mandates the replacement of the fuel pump coupling to prevent fuel pump decouples, a safety concern identified in both Australian and overseas operations. This requirement is aimed at ensuring the continued airworthiness of these engines by enforcing the installation of a new drive coupling that incorporates a flange to restrict axial movement, thereby addressing a critical safety issue. The directive necessitates compliance by fitting the new drive coupling by 31 January 1981, and references Pratt and Whitney Aircraft of Canada SB No. 5184 or AD/UAC-T/36 for further technical details. This directive is binding and applies across Australia, overseen by CASA, and is intended to mitigate risks associated with the specified engine models.
Key Provisions
The key provision of this legislation, specifically Civil Aviation Regulation 1998 Part 39 - 106, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD/PT6T/6) concerning Pratt and Whitney Canada's PT6T series turbine engines. This directive applies to PT6T-3, -3B, -6 and ST6T-75, -76 engines (s. 1). The requirement is for these engines to have a new drive coupling fitted to replace the existing fuel pump drive coupling, which should be completed by 31 January 1981 (s. 2). The directive references Pratt and Whitney Aircraft of Canada Service Bulletin No. 5184 or AD/UAC-T/36 as the compliance documents (s. 1). This directive aims to prevent instances of fuel pump decoupling, which have occurred both in Australia and internationally, by incorporating a flange in the new coupling to restrict axial movement (s. 1).
The obligations imposed by this regulation are primarily on the owners or operators of aircraft equipped with the specified PT6T series engines. They must ensure that the new drive coupling is fitted to their engines in accordance with the compliance documents provided, namely Pratt and Whitney Aircraft of Canada SB No. 5184 or AD/UAC-T/36. The deadline for compliance is set at 31 January 1981, and failure to adhere to this requirement could result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy. Operators must also ensure that any maintenance or repair work is carried out by appropriately certified personnel and that all work is properly documented and recorded, as per the requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this directive can lead to serious consequences. The primary concern is the potential for fuel pump decoupling, which can lead to engine failure during flight, posing a significant safety risk. Regulatory authorities, including CASA, have the power to take enforcement action against non-compliant aircraft operators. This could include grounding the aircraft until the required modifications are made, imposing fines, or pursuing legal action against the operators or owners. The specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the directive itself, but under the broader Civil Aviation Act 1988, penalties can include fines of up to $22,200 for individuals and $111,000 for corporations, as well as potential criminal charges in cases of serious non-compliance. Furthermore, repeated or severe non-compliance can lead to the revocation of an operator's licence, effectively grounding all their aircraft and shutting down their operations.