AD/CESSNA 150/33 Amdt 1 - Vented Fuel Caps

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as part of the Australian regulatory framework for civil aviation, aim to ensure the safety and efficiency of aircraft operations. One of the specific provisions within these regulations, AD/CESSNA 150/33, was introduced to address safety concerns related to fuel tank venting in certain Cessna 150 and A150 series aeroplanes. This directive was enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to mitigate risks associated with obstructed primary vents or sticking fuel tank vent valves, which could potentially lead to dangerous situations during flight. The policy objective is to enhance the safety of these aircraft by mandating the installation of vented fuel caps, prohibiting the use of placards as an alternative. The requirement outlined in AD/CESSNA 150/33 necessitates that specific models of Cessna 150 and A150 aeroplanes install vented fuel caps within 100 hours of time in service after 31 August 1979 or before 1 January 1980, whichever is later. This directive ensures that affected aircraft comply with safety standards by referencing specific service letters or amendments from entities such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or Bureau Veritas. This regulatory measure underscores the commitment to maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation by preventing potential hazards related to fuel tank venting.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/CESSNA 150/33 Amendment 1, pertains to the installation of vented fuel caps on specific models of Cessna 150, F150, 152, and F152 series aeroplanes. This regulation applies to aircraft with particular serial numbers, including certain Cessna 150 models with serial numbers 617, 628, 649, 17001 to 17999, 59001 to 59018, and 15059019 to 15077005, as well as Model A150 with serial numbers 15064970 and A1500001 to A1500609. The directive mandates the installation of vented fuel caps to prevent issues such as obstructed primary vents or sticking of the fuel tank vent valve, ensuring enhanced safety. The requirement necessitates compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 August 1979, or before 1 January 1980, whichever is later. Notably, the directive explicitly states that the installation of a placard is not an acceptable alternative to installing the vented fuel caps.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes a schedule of airworthiness directives for various aircraft types, including the Cessna 150, F150, 152, and F152 series aeroplanes. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 150/33, addresses the installation of vented fuel caps for certain models and serial numbers of these aeroplanes. This directive applies to Model 150 with serial numbers 617, 628, 649, 17001 to 17999, 59001 to 59018, and 15059019 to 15077005, as well as Model A150 with serial numbers 15064970 and A1500001 to A1500609 (section 39.105). The directive requires the installation of vented fuel caps in accordance with specific guidelines provided by Cessna (SL No. SE 77-6), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA AD 79-10-14, Amendment 39-3475), or Bureau Veritas (AD 79-155-IMP(A)). It is crucial to note that the installation of a placard is not considered an acceptable alternative to the installation of vented fuel caps (section 39.105). Entities governed by this directive are obligated to ensure that the specified models and serial numbers of Cessna 150, F150, 152, and F152 series aeroplanes comply with the requirement to install vented fuel caps within 100 hours of time in service after 31 August 1979, or before 1 January 1980, whichever is later. This directive aims to prevent issues such as obstructed primary vents or sticking of the fuel tank vent valve by providing secondary venting through the installation of vented fuel caps (section 39.105). Compliance with this directive is necessary to maintain the airworthiness of the affected aircraft and ensure the safety of operations. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in AD/CESSNA 150/33 could result in serious consequences, including potential safety risks and violations of aviation regulations. Although the specific penalties or consequences for non-compliance are not detailed in the provided text, breaches of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can generally lead to enforcement actions, fines, or other civil and criminal penalties as prescribed by Australian law. The severity of the penalties would depend on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, as well as any resulting harm or safety risks.