AD/RB211/9 - Fan Cowl Support Strut Stowage

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, introduced by the Commonwealth of Australia, were enacted to establish and maintain a comprehensive regulatory framework for civil aviation safety. This legislation is part of the broader legislative effort to ensure the safe operation of aircraft and to protect the public from the risks associated with aviation activities. A specific aspect of these regulations is detailed in Part 39 - 106, which includes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives. One such directive, AD/RB211/9, pertains to Rolls Royce Turbine Engines of the RB211 series, specifically requiring modifications to the fan cowl support strut to prevent potential mechanical failures that could lead to unsafe conditions. This directive was introduced to address a critical safety issue and is aimed at ensuring the continued airworthiness and safety of affected aircraft. The objective is to mandate specific maintenance actions to be completed by a specified date, ensuring compliance with safety standards and mitigating potential risks associated with the identified mechanical flaw.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 106, mandate the application of Airworthiness Directives for Rolls Royce Turbine Engines of the RB211 series. This directive, AD/RB211/9, applies to the RB211-524 series engines and requires a modification to the fan cowl support strut mechanism. The directive is designed to prevent an unrestrained cowl support from jamming the throttle control linkages, a safety concern identified in Rolls Royce S.B. RB 211-71-7254 Rev 1, as referenced in FAA AD 86-07-03 Amdt 39-5276. Compliance with this directive must be achieved prior to 31 July 1987, ensuring that all applicable aircraft operating within Australia and under Australian jurisdiction adhere to these safety standards. This directive encompasses all entities operating within the Commonwealth of Australia, including airlines, maintenance organisations, and aircraft operators that use the specified Rolls Royce engines. The directive does not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, and compliance is mandatory for all relevant entities and aircraft within its scope.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), specifically in Part 39 - 106, includes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which outlines specific requirements for maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft. Under this, AD/RB211/9 pertains to Rolls Royce Turbine Engines of the RB211 series, focusing on the fan cowl support strut stowage. Section 106.003(1) mandates that the fan cowl support strut mechanism for the RB211-524 series engines must be modified in line with Rolls Royce Service Bulletin RB 211-71-7254 Revision 1. This directive references FAA AD 86-07-03 Amendment 39-5276 to ensure alignment with international standards. Compliance with AD/RB211/9 is critical for maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. Operators and owners of aircraft equipped with the specified engines must ensure that the modifications are completed before 31 July 1987. This involves a detailed inspection and alteration of the left rear fan cowl door support stowage mechanism, aimed at preventing the risk of an unrestrained cowl support jamming the throttle control linkages. The directive underscores the importance of adhering to the specified modifications to avoid potential safety hazards. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in AD/RB211/9 can result in serious consequences. Non-compliance may lead to the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which can result in grounding and potential enforcement actions. According to Section 106.010, the Civil Aviation Regulations provide for penalties that may include fines and imprisonment for breaches of airworthiness directives. The specific penalties are not detailed in the directive but are covered under broader regulatory provisions that can impose significant financial and legal penalties for non-compliance. In addition to the criminal and civil penalties, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can also result in operational disruptions and safety risks. Operators may face scrutiny from regulatory bodies, and in severe cases, the revocation of operational licenses. The overarching aim of these provisions is to ensure that all aircraft meet stringent safety standards, thereby protecting passengers, crew, and the general public from potential aviation hazards.