COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 106 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Pratt and Whitney Piston Engines
AD/PW-P/19 Cylinder Head Inspection 8/99
Applicability: Pratt and Whitney R-1340 series piston engines.
Requirement: 1. Visually inspect cylinder heads for cracking in accordance with Pratt and Whitney Service Bulletin 1787 dated 7 September 1983, Part B.
2. Perform a fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) of cylinder heads for cracks in accordance with Pratt and Whitney Service Bulletin 1787 dated 7 September 1983, Part A.
Note: FAA AD 99-11-02 also refer.
Compliance: 1. a. For cowled and baffled installations, initially inspect within 125 hours time in service from the effective date of this directive, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 250 hours time in service since the last inspection.
- b. For all other installations, initially inspect within 50 hours time in service from the effective date of this directive, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours time in service since the last inspection.
2. At each cylinder overhaul after the effective date of this directive. This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 12 August 1999.
Background: This directive is prompted by reports of cylinder head cracking that has led to loss of engine power, forced landings and aircraft damage.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended through the Legislative instrument F2006B06407, address the problem of cylinder head cracking in Pratt and Whitney R-1340 series piston engines, which has previously resulted in loss of engine power, forced landings, and damage to aircraft. This amendment was introduced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to enhance aviation safety by mandating regular inspections of cylinder heads to detect and mitigate the risk of cracking. The policy objective is to ensure that all Pratt and Whitney R-1340 series piston engines are inspected and maintained in accordance with specified guidelines to prevent catastrophic engine failure. The directive specifies different inspection intervals depending on the type of installation, with a requirement for initial inspections within 125 or 50 hours from the directive's effective date, and subsequent inspections at intervals not exceeding 250 or 100 hours respectively.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, mandate inspections of Pratt and Whitney R-1340 series piston engines to ensure airworthiness. This requirement applies to all Pratt and Whitney R-1340 series piston engines irrespective of the aircraft they are installed in or the operator conducting the inspection. The directive applies across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring a uniform approach to engine maintenance and safety. The directive mandates visual and fluorescent penetrant inspection of cylinder heads for cracks, with specific intervals based on engine installation type, to mitigate risks such as engine failure, which could lead to forced landings and aircraft damage. Notably, this directive does not specify any exclusions or exemptions and must be adhered to by all relevant parties as stipulated. The regulation's scope is extended through subordinate instruments and guidance provided by Pratt and Whitney and the FAA.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under PART 39 - 106, provide specific provisions for ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft components. One such provision is found in the SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES, specifically AD/PW-P/19, which pertains to Pratt and Whitney piston engines. Section 1 of this directive mandates that the cylinder heads of Pratt and Whitney R-1340 series piston engines must be visually inspected for cracking in accordance with Pratt and Whitney Service Bulletin 1787 dated 7 September 1983, Part B. Additionally, a fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) must be performed on the cylinder heads to detect any cracks, in line with the same Service Bulletin, Part A. These requirements are crucial for maintaining the safety and operational integrity of the engines.
The obligations imposed by this directive on the parties and entities it governs are stringent and clear. Operators of aircraft equipped with Pratt and Whitney R-1340 series piston engines must adhere to the inspection intervals specified in the directive. For engines installed in cowled and baffled configurations, the initial inspection must occur within 125 hours of time in service from the effective date of the directive, with subsequent inspections occurring at intervals not exceeding 250 hours since the last inspection. For other engine installations, the initial inspection must take place within 50 hours of time in service from the effective date, with follow-up inspections conducted at intervals not exceeding 100 hours since the last inspection. Furthermore, each cylinder overhaul after the directive's effective date must also include these inspections.
Failure to comply with the Airworthiness Directive AD/PW-P/19 may result in significant legal consequences. The directive highlights that non-compliance can lead to severe safety issues, such as loss of engine power, forced landings, and aircraft damage. The regulations do not explicitly state civil or criminal penalties within the text provided, but non-compliance with airworthiness directives generally can result in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), including fines, suspension of airworthiness certificates, or other regulatory sanctions. The potential severity of these outcomes underscores the importance of adhering to the directive's requirements.