Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended in 2006, were enacted to ensure the safety and regulation of civil aviation within Australia. This particular legislative instrument, PART 39 - 106, specifically addresses Airworthiness Directives, including those related to the AlliedSignal (Garrett/AiResearch) Turbine Engines - TPE 331 Series. The problem it addresses is the potential for cracks at the forward plenum chamber drain boss of the engine combustion section, which could compromise the safety of the aircraft. The policy objective of this directive is to mandate inspections of the affected engines to ensure they remain airworthy. This directive was enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, an entity established under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, to oversee and enforce aviation safety standards. The directive aims to mitigate the risk of engine failure by requiring regular inspections of the identified components to ensure compliance within a specified timeframe.

Scope and Application

The AlliedSignal (Garrett/AiResearch) Turbine Engines - TPE 331 Series Airworthiness Directive AD/TPE 331/29 pertains to the inspection of the forward drain boss of the combustion section plenum chamber, specifically for engines such as the TPE331-8-401S, 402S, 403S, and 404S. This directive applies to all operators of the specified engines that have accumulated 25 hours of time in service after 1 February 1983, as mandated by the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. It is a requirement under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and is intended to address the risk of cracks found at the forward plenum chamber drain boss, as notified by the engine manufacturer, Garrett Turbine Engine Company. The directive references Garrett Turbine Engine Company Service Bulletin No. TPE331-72-0373 or AD/AIR-T/45 for compliance purposes. The directive applies nationally across Australia and is not limited to a particular state, territory, or industry, but specifically targets the aforementioned engine models. The directive does not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds beyond the stipulated engine types and service hours.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 106, specifically concerning the AlliedSignal (Garrett/AiResearch) Turbine Engines - TPE 331 Series, are outlined in the Airworthiness Directive (AD/TPE 331/29). This directive mandates an inspection of the combustion section's forward drain boss for any cracks in engines designated as TPE331-8-401S, 402S, 403S, and 404S. Compliance with this directive is required within 25 hours of time in service after 1 February 1983 (section 3/86). The directive references Garrett Turbine Engine Company Service Bulletin No. TPE331-72-0373 or AD/AIR-T/45 as the document detailing the inspection requirements. The obligations imposed by this Act on the parties or entities it governs include ensuring that all applicable engines undergo the specified inspection within the stipulated timeframe. This involves identifying and examining the forward drain boss of the combustion section for any signs of cracks, which can compromise the engine's structural integrity and safety. The inspection must be thorough and conducted by appropriately qualified personnel, following the detailed procedures outlined in the referenced service bulletin or airworthiness directive. The responsible parties must also ensure that any detected issues are addressed promptly and in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations to maintain compliance and ensure continued airworthiness. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/TPE 331/29 may result in serious consequences. The act of not conducting the required inspection or not addressing detected issues can lead to significant civil or criminal penalties. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the text, it is known that non-compliance with airworthiness directives can result in severe sanctions, including hefty fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and potential criminal charges against the responsible individuals or entities. The severity of the penalties underscores the critical importance of adhering to these directives to ensure the safety and reliability of the aircraft and its operations.