AD/RB211/13 - Thrust Reverser Functional Test

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by the instrument F2006B06544, introduces an airworthiness directive concerning Rolls Royce RB211 Series turbine engines. Specifically, AD/RB211/13 mandates a thrust reverser functional test for all RB211-524G and 524H engines that do not meet the requirements outlined in Rolls Royce Service Bulletin RB211-78-9347. The requirement stipulates that an action must be taken in accordance with Rolls Royce Mandatory Service Bulletin RB211-78-9274, following any abandoned take-off where the thrust reversers have been deployed. This legislative measure aims to ensure that thrust reverser operation times, which may become extended following such incidents, are properly managed and compliant with safety standards. The directive is issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to address the identified problem of potential extended thrust reverser operation times after an abandoned take-off, thereby enhancing aviation safety.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 – 106, apply to all RB211-524G and 524H engines that do not incorporate the requirements of Rolls Royce Service Bulletin RB211-78-9347. The regulation mandates that a thrust reverser functional test must be performed following any abandoned take-off where the thrust reversers have been deployed. This applies to any aircraft powered by the specified engines and operating within the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia. The directive is intended to ensure the safety of air operations by addressing potential issues that may arise from extended thrust reverser operation times, which can exceed ten seconds following an abandoned take-off. Compliance with this requirement is to be achieved in accordance with the provisions outlined in Rolls Royce Mandatory Service Bulletin RB211-78-9274, with detailed instructions provided in the accompanying Requirement Document. This directive ensures that the relevant aviation authorities and operators are aware of the necessary safety measures and procedures to be followed in such scenarios.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, include an airworthiness directive for Rolls Royce Turbine Engines - RB211 Series, denoted as AD/RB211/13. This directive, concerning the thrust reverser functional test, applies to all RB211-524G and 524H engines not already incorporating the requirements of Rolls Royce Service Bulletin RB211-78-9347 (section 1). The directive mandates that a functional test must be performed in accordance with the specifications outlined in Rolls Royce Mandatory Service Bulletin RB211-78-9274 following any abandoned take-off where the thrust reversers have been deployed (section 2). The compliance with this directive is to be verified as detailed in the Requirement Document provided (section 3). The primary obligation under this directive is for operators of the specified Rolls Royce engines to ensure that a functional test of the thrust reversers is conducted after every abandoned take-off during which the thrust reversers have been activated (section 4). This requirement is crucial because it has been observed that the operation times of the thrust reversers may be extended, potentially to 10 seconds or more, following such an event (section 5). To meet this obligation, operators must strictly adhere to the procedures and guidelines stipulated in the Rolls Royce Mandatory Service Bulletin RB211-78-9274, ensuring that the thrust reversers are tested and confirmed to be in operational order before any further flights (section 6). Failure to comply with the thrust reverser functional test requirements can lead to serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with airworthiness directives is considered an offence (section 7). The potential penalties for breaching these regulations can include substantial fines and other civil or criminal sanctions, depending on the severity and frequency of the non-compliance. Although the specific maximum penalties are not detailed within this directive, they can be found in the overarching Civil Aviation Act 1988 and related regulations, which may include fines of up to several thousand Australian dollars and possible criminal charges for individuals found responsible for the non-compliance (section 8). It is imperative for operators to take these obligations seriously to avoid any legal repercussions.