AD/TPE 331/36 Amdt 2 - Third Stage Stator Radiographic Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, were enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia to ensure the safety of civil aviation within Australia. This legislation was introduced to address the need for comprehensive regulation and oversight of aviation operations, maintaining a high standard of safety and compliance across the industry. Within this framework, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issues Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to ensure that aircraft and their components meet required safety standards. One such directive, AD/TPE 331/36 Amendment 2, initially mandated radiographic inspection of the third stage stator for AlliedSignal (Garrett/AiResearch) Turbine Engines in the TPE 331 series, a measure aimed at ensuring the continued airworthiness of these engines. However, this requirement has since been incorporated into a different directive, AD/TPE 331/41 Amendment 1, rendering AD/TPE 331/36 Amendment 2 obsolete and cancelled as of 6/93.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia and administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), applies to all aircraft operators, maintenance providers, and other entities involved in the operation or maintenance of AlliedSignal (Garrett/AiResearch) Turbine Engines, specifically the TPE 331 Series. This regulation is part of a broader effort to ensure the safety and airworthiness of civil aircraft in Australia by specifying mandatory directives and amendments. These directives focus on maintaining the integrity of aircraft components, with a particular emphasis on the radiographic inspection of the third stage stator as outlined in the schedule of airworthiness directives. The regulations cover the entire national airspace of Australia and any aircraft registered under the Australian Civil Aviation Act, thereby extending its reach to all persons and entities involved in civil aviation activities within the country. While the specific directive referenced here has been cancelled and its requirements incorporated into another directive, it is essential to understand the current active directives and amendments for compliance purposes. Subordinate instruments may further refine or expand the application of these regulations, ensuring continuous alignment with evolving safety standards and technological advancements in the aviation sector.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Regulations), specifically Part 39 - 106 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, provides specific directives for the maintenance and inspection of AlliedSignal (Garrett/AiResearch) Turbine Engines, particularly the TPE 331 Series. The section AD/TPE 331/36 pertains to the Third Stage Stator Radiographic Inspection of these engines (section 39.106(1)). However, it is essential to note that this directive was amended by Amendment 2 issued in June 1993 and has subsequently been cancelled (section 39.106(2)). The updated requirements have been incorporated into AD/TPE 331/41 by Amendment 1 (section 39.106(3)). Entities and parties governed by these regulations must comply with the updated inspection procedures outlined in AD/TPE 331/41. This involves ensuring that all Third Stage Stator components of the TPE 331 Series engines undergo the necessary radiographic inspections to maintain airworthiness standards. Operators and maintenance providers must follow the detailed protocols specified in the current directive to ensure compliance and safety (section 39.106(4)). Failure to adhere to these requirements could result in the aircraft being grounded, as the inspections are critical for the safe operation of the engines. Breaching the obligations outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can result in severe consequences. Non-compliance with the airworthiness directives could lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Such actions may include fines, sanctions against the operators or maintenance providers, or even the suspension of airworthiness certificates (section 39.106(5)). The specific penalties can vary based on the severity and frequency of the breaches but can include substantial financial penalties and potential criminal charges for serious violations (section 39.106(6)). The aim of these measures is to enforce strict adherence to safety standards to protect public safety and maintain the integrity of the aviation industry.