AD/Cessna 170/81 Fuel Return Line (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998.  The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172 and 175 Series Aeroplanes

AD/CESSNA 170/81 Fuel Return Line 5/2008

Applicability:

Cessna Models 172R Serial Numbers (S/N) 17281188 through 17281390; and 172S S/N 172S9491 through 172S10489.

Requirement:

1.    Inspect the fuel return line assembly (Cessna part number (P/N) 0500118-49 or FAA-approved equivalent P/N) for chafing.  Follow Cessna Service Bulletin SB07-28-01, dated 18 June 2007.

2.    If chafing is found in the inspection detailed in Requirement 1 of this AD, replace the fuel return line assembly (Cessna P/N 0500118-49 or FAA-approved equivalent P/N).  Follow Cessna Service Bulletin SB07-28-01.

3.    Inspect for a minimum clearance of 0.5 inch between the following parts throughout the entire range of co-pilot rudder pedal travel and adjust the clearance as necessary:

(a)   The fuel return line assembly (Cessna P/N 0500118-49 or FAA-approved equivalent P/N) and the steering tube assembly (Cessna P/N
MC0543022-2C); and

(b)   The fuel return line assembly (Cessna P/N 0500118-49 or FAA-approved equivalent P/N) and the aeroplane structure.

Follow paragraph 6 of the Instructions section of Cessna Service Bulletin
SB07-28-01.  This AD requires a minimum clearance of 0.5 inch.

Note:  FAA AD 2008-03-02 Amdt 39-15351 dated 22 January 2008 refers.

Compliance:

1.    Within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD) or within the next 12 months after the effective date of this, whichever occurs first.

2.    Before further flight.

3.    Before further flight after:

(a)   The inspection detailed in Requirement 1 of this AD if no chafing is found; or

(b)   The replacement detailed in Requirement 2 of this AD.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 8 May 2008.
Background:	This AD results from reports of chafed fuel return line assemblies caused by the fuel return line assembly rubbing against the right steering tube assembly during full rudder pedal actuation.  The issuing of this AD is intended to detect and correct chafing of the fuel return line assembly, which could result in fuel leaking under the cabin floor and fuel vapours entering the cabin.  This condition could lead to fire under the floor or in the cabin area.

David Punshon
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

7 March 2008