AD/RB211/3 Amdt 2 - Speed and Temperature Governing System

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, were enacted to regulate the safety standards in civil aviation across Australia. This legislation plays a crucial role in ensuring that aircraft, air navigation facilities, and other components of the civil aviation system operate in a manner that safeguards the public and minimises risks. One specific legislative instrument under these regulations is the Rolls Royce Turbine Engines - RB211 Series AD/RB211/3 Amendment 2, which was introduced to address potential safety issues associated with the speed and temperature governing system of the RB211 engines. The objective of this amendment was to mandate maintenance tests to identify dormant failures that could prevent the governing system from responding to overspeed or over temperature conditions, thus enhancing the overall safety of the aircraft operations. This amendment to the Airworthiness Directive became effective on 7 October 1999, following a revision to the Rolls Royce Service Bulletin Number RB.211-73-4305 Revision 6, which was declared mandatory by the Civil Aviation Authority (UK). The requirement for compliance with this directive stipulates that the maintenance test must be conducted within 750 hours of time in service from the effective date and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 750 hours. This proactive approach ensures that any latent issues are identified and rectified, thereby maintaining the integrity and safety of the aircraft’s operation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, pertains to Rolls Royce Turbine Engines of the RB211 series. This directive applies to engines detailed in Rolls Royce Service Bulletin Number RB.211-73-4305 Revision 6, focusing on the speed and temperature governing system. It is applicable to aircraft operators, maintenance organisations, and other entities responsible for the maintenance and operation of the specified engines within Australia. The requirement is to identify potential dormant failures within the governing system that may hinder the system's response to overspeed conditions. Compliance involves conducting a maintenance test of the speed governing system as outlined in the Aircraft Maintenance Manual, Chapter 73-21-00, Adjustment/Test, and referencing Rolls Royce Service Bulletin Number RB.211-73-4305 Revision 6. The directive mandates these actions unless they have already been performed, within 750 hours from the effective date of the directive and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 750 hours. This directive applies across the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced by CASA, with the amendment becoming effective on 7 October 1999.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly AD/RB211/3Amdt 2, require the identification and testing of the speed and temperature governing system in Rolls Royce RB211 Series turbine engines. This mandate is aimed at ensuring the system's responsiveness to overspeed conditions. Specifically, Section 39-106 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 outlines the necessity for a maintenance test of the speed governing system as detailed in the Aircraft Maintenance Manual, Chapter 73-21-00, Adjustment/Test, referencing Rolls Royce Service Bulletin Number RB.211-73-4305 Revision 6. This requirement is intended to mitigate risks associated with potential dormant failures that could prevent the governing system from responding appropriately to overspeed situations. The directive applies to specific RB211 engines, as outlined in Rolls Royce Service Bulletin Number RB.211-73-4305 Revision 6, which has been declared mandatory by the UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The obligations imposed by this legislation require entities such as aircraft operators and maintenance providers to conduct the specified maintenance tests within 750 hours of time in service from the effective date of the directive and at intervals not exceeding 750 hours thereafter. This ensures ongoing compliance with the safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. Operators must ensure that the maintenance procedures are carried out meticulously according to the guidelines provided in the Aircraft Maintenance Manual and the referenced Rolls Royce service bulletin. Compliance with these directives is critical for maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew on board. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in AD/RB211/3Amdt 2 may result in serious safety and regulatory consequences. While the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly detail specific penalties or offences for non-compliance with this particular directive, general provisions within the broader regulatory framework provide for both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties can include fines and enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). In severe cases of non-compliance that result in accidents or significant safety risks, criminal penalties may apply, potentially involving imprisonment for responsible individuals or entities. Ensuring adherence to these maintenance requirements is thus essential not only for safety but also for legal compliance and avoiding severe penalties.