COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 106 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
AlliedSignal (Garrett/AiResearch) Turbine Engines - TPE 331 Series
AD/TPE 331/33
Amdt 3
Second Stage Turbine Rotor/Seal Interference 10/87
TX
Applicability: TPE 331-25, -43, -47, -55 and -61 series engines as listed in the Requirement Document.
Requirement: 1. Accomplish interim rotational check in accordance with (IAW) GTEC SB TPE 331-A72-0522 Revision 2 Para 2.A.(1).
2. Radiographically inspect the second stage turbine rotor and seal plate assemblies in accordance with GTEC SB TPE 331-A72-0522, Rev 2 dated 1 July 1987.
Para 2. A(2)(3) and (4).
Note: FAA AD 86-08-06 Amdt 39-5275 refers to SB TPE 331-72-0522 Rev 1.
Compliance: For Item 1 above:
Within 25 operating hours after 3 August 1987 and thereafter at 25 hourly intervals until the initial radiographic inspection IAW Item 2 is completed.
Note: Initial radiographic inspection is completed when the radiographic film has been submitted and acceptable analysis results received from Garrett.
For Item 2 above:
Unless already accomplished, initially within 100 engine operating hours after 31 August 1986 or prior to achieving 500 engine operating hours since last engine overhaul whichever is the later, and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 300 hours of engine operation.
Background: This Directive is amended to reflect the manufacturers Alert Status of SB TPE 331- A72-0522 Rev 2 which also includes the TPE 331-61A engine in applicability. SB TPE 331-A72-0522 Rev 2 also makes reference to Alert SB TPE 331-A72-0560 which is the Requirement Document for new AD/TPE 331/35 which is issued concurrent with this Directive.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 106, address the critical issue of ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft engines, particularly the AlliedSignal (Garrett/AiResearch) Turbine Engines - TPE 331 Series. This legislative instrument was enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia and aims to enhance safety and reliability in civil aviation by setting forth mandatory directives for the maintenance and inspection of these engines. The policy objective is to prevent potential mechanical failures that could compromise flight safety, achieved by implementing stringent periodic checks and inspections. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) schedules these directives to ensure compliance with international safety standards and to respond promptly to any emerging issues identified by engine manufacturers or aviation authorities.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, concerns the maintenance and safety of AlliedSignal (Garrett/AiResearch) Turbine Engines, particularly the TPE 331 Series. This regulation applies to the TPE 331-25, -43, -47, -55, and -61 series engines, requiring compliance with specific maintenance protocols to ensure airworthiness. The regulation mandates an interim rotational check within 25 operating hours after 3 August 1987 and at 25-hourly intervals until the initial radiographic inspection is completed. Additionally, it requires a radiographic inspection of the second stage turbine rotor and seal plate assemblies within 100 engine operating hours after 31 August 1986 or prior to achieving 500 engine operating hours since the last overhaul, whichever is later, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 300 hours of engine operation. The geographic reach of this regulation is national, applying across the Commonwealth of Australia and ensuring adherence to the stipulated safety standards in the aviation industry. The regulation does not explicitly state exclusions or exemptions, but compliance thresholds and intervals are clearly defined to maintain the safety and operational standards of the specified turbine engines.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39, specifically in relation to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes detailed requirements for the maintenance and inspection of AlliedSignal (Garrett/AiResearch) Turbine Engines of the TPE 331 series. Section 106, AD/TPE 331/33 Amendment 3, focuses on the second stage turbine rotor/seal interference. This amendment applies to the TPE 331-25, -43, -47, -55 and -61 series engines (1). The directive requires two primary actions: first, an interim rotational check must be performed in accordance with GTEC Service Bulletin (SB) TPE 331-A72-0522 Revision 2, Paragraph 2.A(1). This check is to be completed within 25 operating hours after 3 August 1987 and then at every 25-hour interval until the initial radiographic inspection as per the second requirement is completed (1). The second requirement mandates a radiographic inspection of the second stage turbine rotor and seal plate assemblies in line with the same Service Bulletin, Paragraphs 2.A(2), (3), and (4). This inspection must occur within 100 engine operating hours after 31 August 1986 or before reaching 500 engine operating hours since the last engine overhaul, whichever is later, and then at intervals not exceeding 300 hours of engine operation (1).
Entities governed by this directive are required to ensure that the specified checks and inspections are performed in a timely and compliant manner. The interim rotational check and radiographic inspection must be conducted by appropriately qualified personnel using the specified methods and equipment. Records of these inspections must be maintained and made available for review by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority upon request. The directive also makes reference to the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Advisory Directive (AD) 86-08-06 Amendment 39-5275, which correlates with Service Bulletin TPE 331-A72-0522 Revision 1. The purpose of these requirements is to maintain the airworthiness of the specified turbine engines by addressing potential issues with the second stage turbine rotor and seal.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this Airworthiness Directive can result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39, does not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance with this specific directive, but general provisions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 may apply. Non-compliance could lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which may include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and potential criminal charges. The seriousness of the consequences underscores the importance of adhering to the stipulated inspection and maintenance protocols to ensure the safety and reliability of the aircraft operations.