COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Cessna 180, 182 and Wren 460 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 180/70
Amdt 1
Fuel Filler Caps and Adaptors 11/88
Applicability: Models with serial numbers:
18030000 through 18053000 (1953-1978),
18053001 through 18053203 (1979-1981) (Optional tanks only),
18233000 through 18266590 (1956-1978), R18200001 through R18200583 (1978), A182-0001 through A182-0146 (1966-1974), F18200001 through F18200094 (1976-1978), FR18200001 through FR18200020 (1978);
unless reduced diameter, raised filler neck fuel caps are installed on all filler openings in accordance with Cessna Service Kit SK182-85 (refer S.I.L SE 84-16).
Requirement: 1. Visually inspect the wing aft of the fuel filler for indications of inflight fuel leakage.
2. Visually inspect the fuel cap locking mechanism and seals for cracking, distortion and any condition which might prevent sealing.
3. Remove the fuel filler caps and inspect the adaptor sealing face for distortion, scratches, corrosion or any condition which may prevent the cap from sealing.
4. Visually check the sealing and security of the attachment of the adaptor flange to the adaptor plate paying particular attention to the adhesive (if present) between the parts.
5. Check the fuel cap seal by actuating the locking tab and noting that force is maintained between the cap, seal and adaptor when the tab is in the over-centre locking position.
6. Conduct a fuel cap leak test in accordance with Cessna SIL SE 82-34.
Compliance: Prior to the issue of the next Maintenance Release after 30 June 1985 and thereafter at each issue of a new Maintenance Release.
Background: This Amendment deletes the requirement for extensive inspection and testing of fuel filler caps against possible water ingress, for aeroplanes fitted with raised fuel filler necks.
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, serve as the primary legal framework governing civil aviation safety in the country. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 within this legislation details the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives, which are essential for ensuring that aircraft meet the necessary safety standards. The AD/CESSNA 180/70 Amendment 1, which pertains to Cessna 180, 182, and Wren 460 Series Aeroplanes, was introduced to address issues related to fuel filler caps and adaptors, particularly in mitigating risks associated with inflight fuel leakage and ensuring the integrity of fuel cap seals. This legislative instrument was developed to ensure that aircraft remain airworthy by complying with specific inspection and maintenance requirements, thus aligning with the overarching policy objective of maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105 and specifically Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, mandates specific maintenance and inspection requirements for certain Cessna 180, 182, and Wren 460 series aeroplanes. This directive applies to aircraft models with serial numbers falling within specific ranges produced between 1953 and 1981, unless they are already equipped with reduced diameter, raised filler neck fuel caps as per Cessna Service Kit SK182-85. This legislation is jurisdictional in nature, falling under the Commonwealth of Australia and administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). It sets forth detailed procedures for inspecting and maintaining fuel filler caps, adaptors, and associated seals to ensure the airworthiness of these aircraft models. The directive outlines specific tasks, such as visually inspecting for fuel leaks, checking seals for integrity, and ensuring the proper attachment and function of fuel filler caps. Compliance with these directives is required before the issuance of the next Maintenance Release after 30 June 1985 and at each subsequent issuance of a new Maintenance Release. The directive also notes that certain extensive inspections for water ingress have been removed for aircraft with raised fuel filler necks.
Key Provisions
The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as referenced in the legislative instrument, focus on specific maintenance directives for certain models of Cessna aeroplanes. Section 1 of the Airworthiness Directive AD/CESSNA 180/70 Amendment 1 outlines the applicability of the directive, specifying that it applies to Cessna 180 and 182 series aeroplanes with particular serial numbers unless certain conditions are met (section 1). The directive mandates a series of inspections and tests to ensure the airworthiness of the aircraft, particularly regarding fuel filler caps and adaptors (section 1). The directive requires visual inspections of the wing aft of the fuel filler for signs of inflight fuel leakage, checking the locking mechanism and seals for any defects, and inspecting the adaptor sealing faces for any conditions that may prevent proper sealing (section 1(1-6)).
The obligations imposed on the parties governed by this Act include conducting these inspections and tests before the issue of the next Maintenance Release after 30 June 1998 and at each subsequent issue of a new Maintenance Release (section Compliance). Operators must ensure that the aeroplanes meet the specified requirements to maintain their airworthiness certification. Failure to comply with these directives could result in the aeroplane being deemed unairworthy, leading to potential grounding and subsequent legal and financial consequences.
The legislation does not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance within the provided text. However, under the broader framework of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to severe consequences. These may include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the breach and any resultant safety incidents. The specific penalties would be determined by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in accordance with the Civil Aviation Act 1988, which provides for enforcement actions against non-compliance with aviation safety regulations.