AD/RB211/17 - Intermediate Pressure Compressor Stage 6-7 Rotor Shafts

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. This legislation, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, fills the need to regulate airworthiness standards and compliance, particularly concerning aircraft engine maintenance and operations. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 aim to safeguard public safety by setting stringent standards for aircraft and aviation personnel. The specific directive AD/RB211/17, which was cancelled and its requirements incorporated into the Rolls Royce RB211 Time Limits Manual and CAO 106, AD/ENG/7, was part of this overarching legislative framework designed to address issues related to the airworthiness of Rolls Royce RB211 turbine engines. This directive was a response to identified gaps in the maintenance and operational protocols for these engines, ensuring they meet the necessary safety standards before being deployed in commercial aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to Rolls Royce Turbine Engines of the RB211 series, more precisely to the intermediate pressure compressor stage 6-7 rotor shafts. This regulation governs the operational safety and maintenance standards for these components within the Australian aviation industry. The scope of the regulation is national, applying across the Commonwealth of Australia, and it impacts both commercial and private entities involved in the maintenance and operation of aircraft powered by the specified engines. The regulation aims to ensure that these engines meet specific safety standards and operational reliability as outlined in the Rolls Royce RB211 Time Limits Manual, chapter 5-10-01, and Civil Aviation Order 106. Although the directive in question has been cancelled, its requirements are now integrated into the aforementioned manuals and CAO 106, AD/ENG/7. These subordinate instruments extend the application of the regulation by providing detailed guidelines and specifications that must be adhered to by all relevant parties.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 106 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Rolls Royce Turbine Engines - RB211 Series (AD/RB211/17), pertain to the intermediate pressure compressor stage 6-7 rotor shafts as of 10/95. The directive, however, is now marked as "CANCELLED" (Section 106). The requirements of this directive are now incorporated within the Rolls Royce RB211 Time Limits Manual, chapter 5-10-01, and the Civil Aviation Order (CAO) 106, specifically referencing AD/ENG/7. The obligations and requirements imposed by this legislation on the parties and entities it governs revolve around ensuring that the intermediate pressure compressor stage 6-7 rotor shafts for the Rolls Royce RB211 turbine engines meet the specified airworthiness standards. These standards are now detailed in the aforementioned Rolls Royce RB211 Time Limits Manual and CAO 106. Operators and maintenance entities must adhere to these updated documents to ensure compliance with airworthiness directives. The transition from the specific AD/RB211/17 directive to the Rolls Royce RB211 Time Limits Manual and CAO 106 necessitates that all relevant stakeholders update their records and maintenance procedures to reflect the new standards. Regarding the consequences of non-compliance, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose significant penalties for breaches of airworthiness directives. While the specific AD/RB211/17 directive has been cancelled, the overarching regulations still apply, and failure to adhere to the updated Rolls Royce RB211 Time Limits Manual and CAO 106 can result in severe civil or criminal penalties. The specific penalties can include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity and impact of the non-compliance on aviation safety. The maximum penalties are not explicitly stated in the provided text but are typically determined by the nature of the breach and the regulatory framework governing civil aviation safety in Australia. It is crucial for operators and maintenance entities to ensure they are fully compliant with the latest airworthiness directives to avoid these serious repercussions.