Airworthiness Directives 2004 - Revocation and Remaking - CFM International Turbine Engines - CFM56 Series

Overview

The Airworthiness Directives 2004, promulgated by David Alan Villiers, a delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, under subregulation 39.001(1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, represents an effort to ensure the ongoing safety and compliance of aviation operations in Australia. This legislative instrument revokes and re-makes a series of Airworthiness Directives related to CFM International Turbine Engines, specifically the CFM56 series. By re-making these directives, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority aims to maintain the highest standards of airworthiness, ensuring that all aspects of aircraft operation, particularly those concerning engine safety and maintenance, adhere to the latest regulatory requirements. This action underscores the commitment to safety and continuous improvement within the Australian aviation sector.

Scope and Application

The Airworthiness Directives 2004, as re-made by David Alan Villiers, the delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, apply specifically to the aviation industry, focusing on the airworthiness of aircraft, particularly those equipped with CFM International Turbine Engines of the CFM56 series. These directives govern the safety standards and operational procedures that must be adhered to by aircraft operators and maintenance personnel to ensure the continued airworthiness of these engines. The application of these directives extends to all aircraft within Australia, as they are enacted under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which is a federal body. This means the directives have a national reach, impacting all operators within the Commonwealth of Australia. Each directive in the Schedule is being re-made to replicate the latest published editions, ensuring that the most current safety requirements are implemented. While the directives themselves are comprehensive, they are subject to updates and modifications through subordinate instruments, which may introduce additional requirements or changes to existing directives.

Key Provisions

The Airworthiness Directives 2004, issued under subregulation 39.001(1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, primarily focus on the revocation and remaking of specific Airworthiness Directives related to CFM International Turbine Engines of the CFM56 series. Section 2(a) of the legislative instrument revokes the Airworthiness Directives listed in Schedule 1, while section 2(b) re-issues each of these directives as separate instruments. These re-made directives are identical to their latest published editions. The obligations imposed by these Airworthiness Directives are specific to the entities involved in the operation and maintenance of CFM56 series turbine engines. Aircraft operators and maintenance organisations must comply with the detailed instructions and requirements outlined in each directive to ensure the airworthiness of the engines. This includes conducting necessary inspections, replacements, and modifications as specified. Each directive provides clear and precise instructions for addressing particular issues identified in the CFM56 series engines, such as the inspection of rotating components, replacement of certain parts, and additional maintenance procedures. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in these Airworthiness Directives can result in significant legal consequences. Section 39.001(1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 outlines the penalties for non-compliance. Civil penalties for breaching these directives can include fines up to the statutory maximum, which is substantial and varies depending on the nature and severity of the breach. Additionally, continued operation of an aircraft in a non-compliant state can lead to criminal charges, resulting in even more severe penalties, including imprisonment. The exact penalties are determined by the severity of the non-compliance and the potential risk posed to aviation safety.