AD/AC-100/10 - Fuel System - Placard

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which ensures the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. One such directive, AD/AC-100/10, pertains to S.L. Industries Commander 100 Series and Volair 10 Series Aeroplanes, addressing an identified problem with the fuel system. This directive mandates the installation of a placard near the fuel filter drain point, instructing pilots to drain at least one pint of fuel from each tank before any flight operation. The directive aims to mitigate risks associated with water or other contaminants in the fuel system, thereby enhancing flight safety. Enacted by the Parliament of Australia, the policy objective is to maintain the highest safety standards in civil aviation, ensuring that aircraft are operated under conditions that safeguard the well-being of passengers and crew.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to the S.L. Industries Commander 100 Series and Volair 10 Series aeroplanes, imposing mandatory airworthiness directives to ensure the safety and compliance of these aircraft models within Australia. This legislation mandates the installation of a specific placard adjacent to the fuel filter drain point on all models of the mentioned aircraft series. The requirement stipulates that the placard must indicate "DRAIN AT LEAST ONE (1) PINT OF FUEL FROM EACH TANK" using letters of at least one eighth inch in height. Compliance with this directive is immediate, with the directive being effective forthwith. The geographic reach of this regulation is national, applying throughout the Commonwealth of Australia. The directive is issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and is intended to maintain the airworthiness of these aircraft, thereby ensuring the safety of all persons on board and the integrity of the aviation system. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds in this particular airworthiness directive. The application and enforcement of these regulations may be further detailed or extended through subordinate instruments as necessary, ensuring comprehensive oversight and compliance within the industry.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, details the Airworthiness Directives for certain aircraft models, including the S.L. Industries Commander 100 Series and Volair 10 Series Aeroplanes. The key provision in question is AD/AC-100/10, which pertains to the fuel system placard (paragraph 1). This regulation mandates the installation of a placard adjacent to the fuel filter drain point, with the text "DRAIN AT LEAST ONE (1) PINT OF FUEL FROM EACH TANK" (paragraph 2). It is crucial that the letters on this placard are of a minimum height of one eighth inch to ensure visibility and readability (paragraph 3). The requirement for compliance with this directive is immediate, meaning that the action must be taken forthwith (paragraph 4). The obligations imposed by this regulation are clear and straightforward. Owners or operators of S.L. Industries Commander 100 Series and Volair 10 Series Aeroplanes must ensure that the specified placard is installed as per the directive. This involves not only the physical installation of the placard but also ensuring that it meets the stipulated height requirement for the lettering (paragraph 5). The regulation does not provide specific guidance on how this must be achieved, leaving it to the discretion of the operator, provided the directive's requirements are met (paragraph 6). Compliance with this directive is non-negotiable and must be achieved without delay to maintain airworthiness standards (paragraph 7). There are no explicit offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences mentioned in the text for non-compliance with this specific directive. However, failure to adhere to airworthiness directives in general can lead to serious repercussions under other sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (paragraph 8). Non-compliance with airworthiness directives can result in severe penalties, including fines, suspension or revocation of aircraft certificates, and potential criminal charges if the non-compliance leads to an aviation accident or incident (paragraph 9). The specific maximum penalties would be dictated by other provisions of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and associated regulations, rather than the directive itself (paragraph 10).