AD/AC/10 - Fuel Line Routing - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by the legislative instrument F2006B02069, address issues concerning the airworthiness of specific models of Twin Commander aeroplanes. Enacted by the Parliament of Australia, this regulation targets the safety gap related to the fuel line routing in the Twin Commander (Gulfstream/Rockwell/Aerocommander 500, 600, and 700) series aeroplanes. The policy objective of this regulation is to ensure compliance with safety directives by mandating immediate modifications to the fuel line routing as specified in documents such as Aero Commander Service Bulletin No. 54 or the Federal Aviation Administration AD 59-16-1. This legislative instrument underscores the importance of maintaining stringent airworthiness standards to protect public safety and ensure the reliability of civil aviation operations within Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/AC/10 concerning the Twin Commander (Gulfstream/Rockwell/Aerocommander 500, 600, and 700) Series Aeroplanes, applies to all aircraft models within the specified serial number range of 231 to 690. This regulation is mandated by the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 and is part of the legislative framework designed to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating within the Commonwealth of Australia. The directive requires immediate compliance with the modifications outlined in either Aero Commander Service Bulletin No. 54 or the Federal Aviation Administration’s AD 59-16-1, which pertain to fuel line routing. This ensures that any identified safety issues are addressed promptly to maintain the operational safety standards set by CASA. The directive applies to all entities and individuals involved in the operation and maintenance of the specified aircraft models within the Australian jurisdiction.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, detail the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for the Twin Commander (Gulfstream/Rockwell/Aerocommander 500, 600 and 700) Series Aeroplanes. One key section is AD/AC/10, which mandates a modification to the fuel line routing (section 1). This directive applies to all models with serial numbers ranging from 231 to 690. Compliance is required immediately, as indicated by the term "forthwith," and can be evidenced by either Aero Commander Service Bulletin No. 54 or the FAA AD 59-16-1 document. Entities governed by these regulations, particularly those operating Twin Commander Series Aeroplanes within the specified serial number range, are obligated to ensure that the fuel line routing modifications are implemented as per the directive. This involves adhering to the specific technical requirements and standards outlined in either Aero Commander SB No. 54 or FAA AD 59-16-1. The mandate is clear and leaves no room for interpretation; the modifications must be carried out without delay to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive AD/AC/10 can result in severe consequences. According to the Civil Aviation Regulations, non-compliance with these directives can lead to enforcement actions. The potential penalties for breaching these regulations may include fines, sanctions against the operator’s licence, or even grounding of the aircraft in question. The seriousness of these directives underscores the importance of adhering to the stipulated modifications to ensure the safety and compliance of the aircraft.