AD/AC-112/10 - Fuel Tank Access Door Sealant - Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, addresses the need for ensuring the airworthiness of certain aircraft by issuing specific directives. The regulations were enacted to address potential safety hazards and ensure that aircraft meet the necessary safety standards. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the enforcing body, and the policy objective is to maintain the highest standards of airworthiness to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all persons on board. This legislative instrument targets Gulfstream (Rockwell) 112 Series Aeroplanes, mandating the replacement of the fuel tank access door sealant to prevent contamination of the fuel filter and engine fuel system, which could compromise flight safety. The AD/AC-112/10 regulation, issued on 12/79, applies to specific models and serial numbers of the Gulfstream (Rockwell) 112 Series. It requires the replacement of the fuel tank access door sealant as per Rockwell International SB No. SB-112-64 to be carried out within 100 hours’ time in service after 31 December 1979. This measure is crucial to prevent the breakdown of the sealant due to long term exposure to aviation fuel, which could lead to contamination and potentially hazardous conditions. The enactment of these regulations underscores the commitment to ensuring the safety and reliability of civil aviation within Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, governs the airworthiness of Gulfstream (Rockwell) 112 Series aeroplanes. This regulation applies to certain models and serial numbers of the aircraft, including the 112 and 112B series, as well as the 112TC and 112TCA models with specific serial number ranges. The directive mandates that these aircraft must have their fuel tank access door sealant replaced to ensure the integrity of the fuel system and prevent contamination, which can occur due to the breakdown of the sealant after prolonged exposure to aviation fuel. The replacement must be carried out in accordance with the detailed instructions provided in Part II of Rockwell International SB No. SB-112-64, and compliance is required within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1979. This regulation is applicable within the Commonwealth of Australia and ensures adherence to aviation safety standards. Subordinate instruments may further extend or clarify the requirements set out in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, although the specific directive AD/AC-112/10 focuses on the replacement of fuel tank access door sealant in specified Gulfstream (Rockwell) 112 Series aeroplanes to maintain safety standards. The regulation does not specify any exclusions or exemptions but mandates strict compliance for the listed aircraft models and serial numbers.

Key Provisions

The primary sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate the replacement of the fuel tank access door sealant for certain Gulfstream (Rockwell) 112 Series Aeroplanes. Section (12/79) details the applicability of this directive to specific models and serial numbers of the aircraft (1). The directive requires the replacement of the sealant as outlined in Part II of Rockwell International SB No. SB-112-64 (2). The compliance requirement stipulates that this action must be taken within 100 hours of the aircraft’s time in service after 31 December 1979 (3). These regulations impose clear obligations on the operators and owners of the specified aircraft models. They must ensure that the fuel tank access door sealant is replaced according to the detailed instructions in Rockwell International SB No. SB-112-64. This requirement is crucial to maintain the integrity of the fuel system and to prevent contamination which could lead to operational failures or safety hazards. The stipulated timeframe of within 100 hours after the specified date underscores the urgency and importance of this maintenance task (4). Failure to comply with the provisions set forth in these regulations can result in serious consequences. Operators and owners of the affected aircraft who neglect to replace the fuel tank access door sealant within the mandated timeframe may face regulatory penalties. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the provided excerpt, non-compliance with civil aviation regulations can typically result in fines, aircraft grounding, and potential legal actions. Ensuring adherence to these directives is essential to avoid these adverse outcomes and to maintain the safety standards required by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (5).