COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 106 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Rolls Royce Turbine Engines - Viper Series
AD/VIPER/7 Oil Tank Drain Valve 7/90
Applicability: Viper Mk 601-22 engines.
Requirement: Inspect oil tank drain valve assembly for leakage in accordance with Rolls Royce Viper Mk 601-22 Service Bulletin No 79-A4.
Note: CAA (UK ) Airworthiness Directive 015-04-90 refers.
Compliance: Effective 12 July 1990:
(1) Engines in service - Prior to 20 July 1990.
(2) Prior to installation in an aircraft.
Background: Failure to detect oil leakage at the oil tank drain valve may result in total loss of oil pressure. Investigation of a total loss of oil pressure on a test flight following engine installation, revealed that the oil tank drain valve cap was not in position and the drain valve was stuck open allowing a rapid loss of oil tank contents.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the legislative instrument F2006B07589, introduce specific airworthiness directives to ensure the safety and reliability of aircraft operations within Australia. This particular legislative instrument focuses on Rolls Royce Turbine Engines of the Viper Series, specifically addressing the oil tank drain valve as outlined in AD/VIPER/7. The directive was enacted to address the risk of oil leakage in Viper Mk 601-22 engines, which, if undetected, could lead to a total loss of oil pressure and consequently, engine failure. The problem it addresses includes the potential for catastrophic engine failure due to oil leakage from a poorly positioned or stuck open oil tank drain valve, as evidenced by a test flight incident. The objective of the policy, as referenced in the CAA (UK) Airworthiness Directive 015-04-90, is to mandate inspections to prevent such failures and ensure continued airworthiness of affected engines.
The instrument was enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) playing a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with these safety standards. The legislation is designed to safeguard the integrity of engine operations by enforcing mandatory inspections prior to engine installation or use in service, as stipulated by the compliance dates. This directive underscores the commitment to maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation, particularly concerning engine reliability and maintenance.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, pertains to the safety and airworthiness directives for aviation operations within Australia, enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This particular legislative instrument, AD/VIPER/7, targets the inspection of oil tank drain valves for Viper Mk 601-22 engines used in civil aviation. The directive applies to any entity or person operating such engines, necessitating compliance with the inspection procedures outlined in Rolls Royce Viper Mk 601-22 Service Bulletin No 79-A4. This requirement extends to engines already in service prior to 20 July 1990 and those intended for installation in aircraft. The geographic reach of this regulation is nationwide, ensuring uniform safety standards across Australia. There are no specific exclusions or exemptions mentioned in this directive, implying that all applicable engines must adhere to the prescribed inspection protocol. The enforcement of this Act may be extended or further detailed through subordinate instruments issued by CASA.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, address the maintenance and safety requirements for Rolls Royce Turbine Engines of the Viper series (AD/VIPER/7). This directive concerns the oil tank drain valve and is referenced as Viper Mk 601-22. Section 7/90 outlines the requirement to inspect the oil tank drain valve assembly for any signs of leakage, following the procedures detailed in Rolls Royce Viper Mk 601-22 Service Bulletin No 79-A4. The directive references the UK Civil Aviation Authority's Airworthiness Directive 015-04-90 for additional context.
The directive imposes clear obligations on the entities it governs, specifically those who manage or operate Viper Mk 601-22 engines. The primary obligation is to ensure that the oil tank drain valve assembly is inspected for leakage before the engines are put into service or installed in an aircraft. This inspection must be conducted in accordance with the specified Rolls Royce service bulletin and the referenced UK CAA directive. The directive further specifies that this compliance must be achieved by 20 July 1990 for engines already in service and prior to the installation of the engine in an aircraft for new installations.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this airworthiness directive can lead to significant consequences. The primary concern is the risk of total loss of oil pressure, which can severely compromise the engine's functionality and the safety of the aircraft. The directive does not explicitly state penalties or specific legal consequences for non-compliance within the provided text, but it is implicit that non-compliance could result in safety violations, potential grounding of the aircraft, and other regulatory penalties as outlined by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Non-compliance could also lead to civil or criminal liability under broader aviation safety legislation.