AD/RB211/6 Amdt 4 - Low Pressure Compressor Rotor (Fan) Axial Retention

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the legislative instrument F2006B06566, introduced a schedule of airworthiness directives aimed at ensuring the safety and reliability of aircraft in Australian airspace. Specifically, Part 39 - 106 of these regulations addresses the mandatory compliance with airworthiness directives, such as AD/RB211/6, which pertains to Rolls Royce turbine engines of the RB211 series. This amendment was enacted to address potential safety issues associated with low pressure compressor rotors in certain engine models, ensuring that these engines meet the stringent safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The policy objective behind this legislation is to mandate adherence to the most current manufacturer directives, thereby enhancing the overall safety and operational integrity of aircraft utilising these engines within Australian jurisdiction.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, governs the airworthiness of turbine engines, including the Rolls Royce RB211 Series engines. This legislation applies to the RB211-524 series engines and modules, as outlined in Rolls Royce SB RB211-72-6576 Rev 7. The directive mandates compliance with the requirements set forth in the Rolls Royce SB RB211-72-6576 Rev 7 document, which has been updated to reflect the latest revisions from the manufacturer. It is important to note that this Act extends to ensure the safe operation of these engines within the Australian aviation sector, aligning with international standards such as the FAA AD 82-12-05 Amdt 39-4398. Any amendments to this directive are made to incorporate the most current safety requirements, ensuring that the engines continue to meet the necessary airworthiness standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 106 and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, include detailed directives for ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft engines. One such directive is AD/RB211/6 Amendment 4, which pertains to Rolls Royce Turbine Engines of the RB211 series. This directive, particularly concerning the Low Pressure Compressor Rotor (Fan) Axial Retention (section 9/87), applies to the RB211-524 series engines and modules as listed in Rolls Royce Service Bulletin RB211-72-6576 Revision 7 (section Applicability). It mandates compliance with the Rolls Royce Service Bulletin RB211-72-6576 Revision 7 (section Requirement). Additionally, it references FAA AD 82-12-05 Amendment 39-4398 for further guidance and consistency with international standards (section Note). This amendment reflects the manufacturer's latest revisions to the Requirement Document, ensuring that the engine models and modules comply with the updated effectivity listing (section Background). The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose several obligations on the parties and entities governed by these directives. Primarily, operators and owners of aircraft equipped with RB211-524 series engines must adhere to the requirements set forth in Rolls Royce Service Bulletin RB211-72-6576 Revision 7. This includes performing necessary inspections, maintenance, or modifications to the Low Pressure Compressor Rotor (Fan) Axial Retention as specified. Additionally, operators must ensure that all modifications and maintenance are carried out by personnel who are appropriately certified and trained in accordance with the bulletin's guidelines. Failure to comply with these directives could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, thereby impacting its ability to operate legally and safely. Breaching the provisions outlined in AD/RB211/6 Amendment 4 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can lead to significant civil and criminal consequences. Specifically, non-compliance with these airworthiness directives can result in the issuance of enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). For individuals, this may include fines, while for corporations, penalties can be more severe. The exact penalties are not specified within the directive but can vary based on the severity and impact of the non-compliance. Additionally, the operator may face operational restrictions or grounding of the affected aircraft until the necessary compliance measures are undertaken. In extreme cases, continued non-compliance can lead to prosecution under aviation safety laws, potentially resulting in substantial fines and even imprisonment.