AD/CESSNA 180/54 - Fuel Vent Tube

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes an Airworthiness Directive (AD) for Cessna 180, 182, and Wren 460 series aeroplanes, addressing the issue of fuel vent tube safety. Enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, this directive aims to mitigate the risk of fuel tank explosions due to vapour accumulation, ensuring the continued airworthiness of these aircraft models. The AD mandates compliance within 100 hours of time in service following the directive's issuance date of 30 September 1978, aligning with the policy objective of maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation. This legislative instrument underscores the importance of timely and effective action to address identified safety concerns, ensuring that all affected aircraft meet the specified safety criteria to prevent hazardous conditions. The AD is a crucial mechanism through which the Civil Aviation Safety Authority enforces compliance with safety standards, thereby protecting both the aviation industry and the public from potential risks associated with aircraft operation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, has issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) pertaining to certain Cessna 180, 182, and Wren 460 series aeroplanes. This directive applies to Model 180 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 18052771 to 18052939, as well as Models 182 and R182 with serial numbers between 18265176 to 18266199 and R1820001 to R1820099. The directive mandates compliance with Cessna Service Letter SE78-40, which requires actions to be taken on the fuel vent tube within 100 hours of time in service after 30 September 1978. This regulation extends to any person or entity operating these specific model aeroplanes within Australia and its territories, ensuring adherence to the safety standards set forth by CASA. The directive does not explicitly exclude any particular circumstances or entities from its application, thereby encompassing all relevant operators and aircraft within its scope.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, outline the airworthiness directives for the Cessna 180, 182, and Wren 460 series aeroplanes. Section 39-105 (AD/CESSNA 180/54) focuses on the fuel vent tube and applies to specific models and serial numbers of the aircraft. The requirement is that the action must be taken in accordance with Cessna Service Letter SE78-40. This directive mandates compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 30 September 1978. The obligations imposed by this legislation on the parties and entities it governs are clear and specific. Aircraft operators or owners must ensure that the aircraft in question falls within the specified serial number ranges. If so, they are required to implement the corrective actions detailed in Cessna Service Letter SE78-40 concerning the fuel vent tube. This involves inspecting and potentially modifying the fuel vent tube to meet the specified safety standards. Compliance with these directives is mandatory, and failure to adhere to the prescribed timeline may result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy. Breach of these requirements can lead to significant consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can result in civil penalties. Specifically, operators or owners who fail to comply with the specified directives can be fined up to the maximum penalties stipulated by the regulations. In addition to financial penalties, non-compliance may also result in the aircraft being grounded until the required actions are completed, thereby potentially disrupting operations and incurring additional costs. Such breaches can also have serious safety implications, as they may compromise the airworthiness of the aircraft, putting passengers and crew at risk.