AD/RRT-S/14 - LPT Stage 2 NGV Seal Support

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, was enacted to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft in Australian airspace. This legislative instrument aims to address specific technical and safety issues related to aircraft and engine components, ensuring that all commercial and general aviation aircraft meet the necessary safety standards. The enacting body responsible for these regulations is the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, with a clear policy objective of maintaining and enhancing aviation safety through stringent regulatory oversight. The regulation in question, AD/RRT-S/14, pertains to Rolls Royce Turbine Engines of the Spey Series, specifically addressing the issue of heavy rubbing between the LP turbine stage 2 nozzle guide vane support ring seal assembly and the LP turbine discs seals, which in extreme cases can lead to damage to the disc drive arms. This directive requires modifications to the affected engines to ensure continued safety and compliance with aviation standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, apply to the Airworthiness Directive concerning Rolls Royce Turbine Engines - Spey Series, focusing on the LPT Stage 2 NGV Seal Support. This directive applies to Rolls Royce Spey 555-15, -15/10, -15H, -15H/10, -15N, -15N/12, -15N/20, -15P, -15P/12, and -15P/20 engines, mandating the modification of the affected LPT Stage 2 NGV Seal Supports by incorporating Modification No 6421 as outlined in Rolls Royce Service Bulletin Sp72-1063. The directive is applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Compliance with this Airworthiness Directive must be achieved by no later than 30 June 2003, and it became effective on 7 October 1999. The directive references the CAA (UK) AD 007-05-99 for further context, ensuring that all relevant parties adhere to the specified modifications to mitigate risks such as heavy rubbing between the LP turbine stage 2 nozzle guide vane support ring seal assembly and the LP turbine discs seals, which can potentially lead to damage of the disc drive arms in extreme cases.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39, Section 106, mandates specific actions concerning the airworthiness of Rolls Royce Spey Series turbine engines. Section 106 focuses on the Airworthiness Directives (ADs) for the Rolls Royce Spey engines, specifically addressing the LPT Stage 2 NGV Seal Support (AD/RRT-S/14). According to the directive, the requirement is to modify the LPT Stage 2 NGV Seal Supports by incorporating Modification No 6421 as outlined in Rolls Royce Service Bulletin Sp72-1063. This directive applies to various models of the Rolls Royce Spey engine, including the Spey 555-15, -15/10, -15H, -15H/10, -15N, -15N/12, -15N/20, -15P, -15P/12, and -15P/20 engines. The modification must be completed by 30 June 2003. This Airworthiness Directive became effective on 7 October 1999. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear: all operators of the specified Rolls Royce Spey engines must ensure that the LPT Stage 2 NGV Seal Supports are modified according to the specifications provided in Modification No 6421. This requirement aims to prevent heavy rubbing between the LP turbine stage 2 nozzle guide vane support ring seal assembly and the LP turbine discs seals, which can lead to damage to the disc drive arms in extreme cases. By adhering to this directive, operators can maintain the airworthiness of their engines, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of their aircraft. Failure to comply with this directive can result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 outline potential penalties and consequences for non-compliance. Operators who do not adhere to the requirements of the AD/RRT-S/14 may face regulatory action, which can include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and other administrative penalties. The severity of these consequences underscores the importance of timely compliance with airworthiness directives to maintain safety standards in aviation. The specific penalties and enforcement actions are detailed within the broader framework of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 and may vary based on the nature and extent of the non-compliance.