AD/PW100/6 Amdt 2 - Intercompressor Case Ventilation

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, address the safety and airworthiness standards of aircraft in Australia. This legislation was introduced to ensure the safe operation of aircraft within Australian airspace, thereby protecting the public and maintaining the integrity of the aviation industry. Specifically, Part 39 of the Regulations pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes detailed technical requirements and mandatory compliance for various aircraft components and systems. The Pratt and Whitney Canada Turbine Engines - PW100 Series Airworthiness Directive, identified as AD/PW100/6, is one such example within the regulations. This directive, as amended, mandates specific actions to prevent internal oil fires in the intercompressor case of certain PW100 series engines, thereby addressing a significant safety risk identified in prior incidents. The policy objective of these regulations is to enhance the safety of civil aviation through stringent airworthiness standards and continuous oversight by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, pertains to the Pratt and Whitney Canada Turbine Engines of the PW100 series, addressing the intercompressor case ventilation issue through Airworthiness Directive AD/PW100/6 Amendment 2. This legislation applies to aircraft equipped with PW118A, PW123, PW123AF, PW123B, PW124B, PW125B, PW126, and PW126A engines. The directive mandates actions in line with the technical requirements outlined in Transport Canada's Airworthiness Directive CF-92-03R2, with a reference to FAA AD 94-11-11. Compliance with this directive is necessary unless the specified actions have already been undertaken, as detailed in the requirement document. The directive's amendments, which became effective on 11 September 1997, aim to mitigate the risk of internal oil fires in the intercompressor case that can cause aircraft damage and in-flight shutdown. The fires in question are attributed to the spontaneous ignition of accumulated engine oil or air/oil mist that can reverse flow into the intercompressor case following a No 5 bearing failure. This legislative instrument is jurisdictional under the Commonwealth of Australia, with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority overseeing its enforcement and application.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106 concerning Pratt and Whitney Canada Turbine Engines - PW100 Series, mandate certain actions and compliance measures for engine types PW118A, PW123, PW123AF, PW123B, PW124B, PW125B, PW126, and PW126A. The specific requirement is detailed in AD/PW100/6 Amendment 2, which dictates that engines must be modified in accordance with the technical requirements of Transport Canada Airworthiness Directive CF-92-03R2 (section 106). This is a direct response to reported incidents of internal oil fires in the intercompressor case (ICC), which can cause significant damage and in-flight shutdown. Compliance with this directive is mandatory unless the required modifications have already been performed, as detailed in the requirement document. The obligations imposed on the parties governed by this legislation include ensuring that any PW100 series engines subject to this airworthiness directive are inspected, modified, or maintained to meet the specified technical requirements. Owners or operators of aircraft equipped with these engines must adhere to the modifications mandated by Transport Canada AD CF-92-03R2 to prevent ICC fires. This involves thorough inspections and, where necessary, the implementation of corrective actions to mitigate the risk of spontaneous ignition in the ICC, whether due to accumulated engine oil or air/oil mist resulting from a No 5 bearing failure. Failure to comply with the provisions of this airworthiness directive can result in significant civil or criminal consequences. While the specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the text provided, general aviation regulations often impose severe penalties for breaches of airworthiness directives. These penalties can include substantial fines, operational restrictions, or even the grounding of aircraft until compliance is achieved. The severity of these consequences underscores the importance of adhering to the mandated modifications to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. In summary, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 106, mandate specific technical requirements and modifications for Pratt and Whitney Canada PW100 series turbine engines to prevent internal oil fires in the intercompressor case. Compliance with these requirements is mandatory for the safety and operational legality of affected aircraft. Failure to comply can result in severe civil or criminal penalties, reinforcing the critical importance of adherence to these airworthiness directives.