AD/CESSNA 180/39 - Fuel Selector Handle Assembly

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as part of the overarching legislative framework in Australia governing civil aviation, were enacted to establish and enforce standards for airworthiness, pilot licensing, aircraft operations, and other critical aspects of civil aviation to ensure safety and efficiency. Among these regulations is Part 39, which includes specific directives to address identified safety concerns in certain aircraft models. For instance, Airworthiness Directive (AD) Cessna 180/39 pertains to the Cessna 180, 182, and Wren 460 series aeroplanes, focusing on the fuel selector handle assembly to mitigate potential safety risks. The directive was introduced to address specific problems identified with the fuel selector handle assembly in certain model 182 aircraft, ensuring compliance with manufacturer service letters to maintain airworthiness standards. This legislation is enacted by the Parliament of Australia, with a policy objective to enhance the safety of civil aviation through proactive measures and adherence to stringent airworthiness criteria.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under the scope of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, specifically address the airworthiness of certain aircraft models, including the Cessna 180, 182 and Wren 460 series aeroplanes. This legislation applies to aircraft operators and owners of the specified models, mandating compliance with Airworthiness Directives to ensure the safe operation of these aircraft. The directive in question, AD/CESSNA 180/39, pertains to the fuel selector handle assembly and is applicable to Cessna Model 182 with serial numbers ranging from 18261426 to 18262728, excluding those serial numbers listed in Cessna Service Letter No. SE74-1. The requirement is to perform the action specified in the referenced service letter within 100 hours of time in service after the directive's issue date of 29 March 1974. This regulation extends its reach across the Commonwealth of Australia and may be further elaborated or restricted by subordinate instruments issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Regulations.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, focus on airworthiness directives for certain Cessna aeroplanes, such as the 180, 182 and Wren 460 series. Section AD/CESSNA 180/39 pertains to the fuel selector handle assembly of model 182 with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 18261426 to 18262728, excluding those serial numbers listed in Cessna Service Letter (SL) No. SE74-1. This directive mandates that the action required must be in accordance with Cessna SL No. SE74-1. The compliance requirement stipulates that this action must be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 29 March 1974. The obligations and requirements imposed by this regulation are straightforward yet crucial for ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the specified aeroplanes. Operators of these aircraft must adhere to the detailed instructions provided in Cessna SL No. SE74-1 regarding the fuel selector handle assembly. This may involve inspections, repairs, or modifications to ensure that the fuel selector handle functions correctly and reliably. Operators must meticulously track the time in service of the aircraft to ensure that the required action is completed within the specified timeframe of 100 hours after the directive's effective date. Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in the airworthiness directive can result in serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance may lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Potential penalties for violating these regulations can be significant and include fines up to the statutory maximum for offences under the Act. In severe cases, CASA may also take steps to suspend or revoke the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness, effectively grounding the aeroplane until the necessary corrective actions are taken. This underscores the importance of adhering to the directive to avoid legal repercussions and ensure the safety of all passengers and crew.