AD/CESSNA 180/56 Amdt 1 - Vented Fuel Caps

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, aim to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within the country. One of the specific safety measures introduced by this legislation is found in Part 39 - 105, which deals with Airworthiness Directives for various aircraft types. For instance, AD/CESSNA 180/56 Amendment 1 pertains to the installation of vented fuel caps on certain Cessna 180 and 182 series aeroplanes, as well as Wren 460 series aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to address the potential safety hazard of obstructed primary vents or sticking fuel tank vent valves by mandating the installation of secondary venting through vented fuel caps. The requirement aims to ensure that the specified models comply with the necessary safety standards to prevent such issues, thereby enhancing overall aviation safety.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/CESSNA 180/56 Amendment 1, applies to specific serial numbers of Cessna 180 and 182 series aeroplanes, as well as Wren 460 series aeroplanes. This legislation is concerned with the installation of vented fuel caps in accordance with Cessna Service Letter SE77-6 to address issues related to potential obstructions in the primary vent or sticking of the fuel tank vent valve. The applicability is stringent, as it is limited to particular serial number ranges for the specified models, ensuring that only those aeroplanes identified are required to comply with this directive. Compliance with the directive must occur within 100 hours of time in service after 31 August 1979 or before 1 January 1980, whichever is later, underscoring the urgency and specificity of the safety measure. Notably, the directive explicitly disallows the installation of a placard as an alternative to the required vented fuel caps, thereby ensuring adherence to the prescribed safety standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes a Schedule of Airworthiness Directives that addresses the safety of Cessna 180, 182, and Wren 460 series aeroplanes. One of these directives, AD/CESSNA 180/56 Amendment 1, focuses on the installation of vented fuel caps (section 1). This directive applies to certain serial numbers of the Cessna 180 and 182 models, as detailed in the applicability section. The directive requires the installation of vented fuel caps in accordance with Cessna Service Letter No. SE77-6 (section 2). It is noted that compliance with this directive is referenced in FAA AD 79-10-14, Amendment 39-3475 (Note 1). Additionally, it is explicitly stated that installing a placard is not an acceptable alternative to the installation of vented fuel caps (Note 2). The directive mandates that the compliance action be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 31 August 1979, or before 1 January 1980, whichever is later (section 3). The background information provided explains the rationale behind the directive, which is to prevent issues such as obstructed primary vents or sticking of the fuel tank vent valve by providing secondary venting through vented fuel caps. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and specific. Operators of the affected Cessna 180 and 182 aircraft models must ensure that vented fuel caps are installed in compliance with Cessna Service Letter No. SE77-6. This requirement is non-negotiable, as the directive explicitly states that a placard is not an acceptable alternative (section 4). The directive also sets a timeline for compliance, which must be met within 100 hours of time in service after 31 August 1979, or before 1 January 1980, whichever is later (section 5). This timeline is intended to ensure that the safety measures are implemented promptly to mitigate any potential risks. Failure to comply with the requirements of this Airworthiness Directive may result in significant consequences. While the specific penalties or consequences for non-compliance are not detailed within the directive itself, general Civil Aviation Regulations and subsequent legislation may apply. Non-compliance with airworthiness directives can result in various civil or criminal penalties, including fines or imprisonment, depending on the severity and intent of the breach (section 6). The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has the authority to enforce compliance and take appropriate action against operators who fail to adhere to these safety directives.