AD/CESSNA 185/24 - Fuel and Oil Leaks

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, aim to ensure the safety of civil aviation within Australia. One specific legislative instrument under this broader act, F2006B05115, focuses on addressing the problem of fuel and oil leaks in certain Cessna 185 Series Aeroplanes. This legislative instrument is a part of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives, specifically targeting 1968 to 1976 model A185 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 18501301 to 18503153. The primary policy objective of this directive is to ensure that these aircraft meet specified safety standards to prevent potential hazards arising from fuel and oil leaks, thereby maintaining the overall safety and reliability of civil aviation operations. Compliance with the directive is mandatory, requiring corrective actions to be completed within 100 hours of time in service following 31 March 1977.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 – 105, applies to the Cessna 185 Series Aeroplanes manufactured between 1968 and 1976 with serial numbers ranging from 18501301 to 18503153. This regulation mandates actions to be taken to address fuel and oil leaks in these specific models, as outlined in AD/CESSNA 185/24. The requirement is for compliance with Cessna Service Letter SE76-23, Item No. 1, and must be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 31 March 1977. This regulation pertains to all entities and individuals operating these specified models within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring adherence to civil aviation safety standards. The regulation's scope is jurisdictional and applies nationally, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the provided text, and the application is enforced strictly within the outlined timeframe. Subordinate instruments may further extend or clarify the application of this regulation.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 – 105, includes an Airworthiness Directive (AD) targeting the Cessna 185 series aeroplanes, focusing on models manufactured between 1968 and 1976, with serial numbers 18501301 to 18503153. This AD, AD/CESSNA 185/24, addresses issues concerning fuel and oil leaks (section 3/77). It mandates corrective actions to be taken in accordance with Cessna Service Letter SE76-23, specifically Item No. 1 (section 1). This directive requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 March 1977 (section 1). Under this AD, the primary obligation imposed on the operators and owners of the specified Cessna 185 aeroplanes is to adhere to the corrective measures outlined in the referenced Cessna Service Letter SE76-23, Item No. 1. This involves ensuring that the aircraft's fuel and oil systems are inspected and any leaks are repaired or rectified to meet the safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Failure to comply with these requirements within the specified timeframe can lead to serious safety implications and potential grounding of the aircraft. Breaches of the requirements outlined in the AD/CESSNA 185/24 could result in civil and criminal consequences. Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 may impose fines, and in severe cases, CASA can issue a Notice of Unsafe Aircraft, prohibiting the operation of the non-compliant aircraft until the necessary actions are taken to meet the airworthiness standards. The maximum penalties for such breaches, as stipulated by the Civil Aviation Act 1988, can include significant fines and potential imprisonment for individuals or corporations found in violation of the regulations. The exact penalties may vary based on the severity and intent of the breach but are designed to enforce stringent adherence to aviation safety standards.