COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Cessna 185 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 185/31 Fuel Tank Filler Neck 9/79
Applicability: Model 185 with S/Nos. 18503684 to 03690, 03692, 03695 to 03700, 03702 to 03710,
03713, 03715, 03716 and 03732.
Requirement: Action in accordance with Cessna SIL No. SE79-33. Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 30 September 1979.
Background: Certain 1979 model 185 aircraft fuel tanks may have been fitted with incorrect filler neck assemblies during manufacture. As the filler necks form fuel level indicators it is essential for flight planning purposes that a neck of correct length is fitted.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by AD/CESSNA 185/31, were enacted to address a specific safety concern with the Cessna 185 Series Aeroplanes. This legislative instrument, introduced by the Commonwealth of Australia, targets the problem of incorrectly fitted fuel tank filler necks on certain 1979 model Cessna 185 aircraft. The policy objective is to ensure that these aircraft are fitted with the correct filler neck assemblies to prevent inaccuracies in fuel level readings, which are crucial for flight planning and overall aviation safety. The requirement mandates compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 30 September 1979, ensuring that the corrective action aligns with Cessna SIL No. SE79-33.
This regulation is part of the broader framework overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which aims to maintain and enhance airworthiness standards across the aviation industry. By addressing the specific issue of the fuel tank filler necks, the legislation aims to mitigate any potential risks associated with incorrect fuel level readings, thereby contributing to safer aviation operations. The regulation applies to specific serial numbers of the Cessna 185 model, ensuring that only the affected aircraft are subject to the compliance requirements outlined in the directive.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to airworthiness directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and is applicable to the aviation industry, particularly to operators of Cessna 185 Series Aeroplanes. This legislation mandates specific actions concerning the fuel tank filler necks of certain 1979 model 185 aircraft, as detailed in AD/CESSNA 185/31. The requirement necessitates compliance with Cessna SIL No. SE79-33, which must be implemented within 100 hours of the aircraft's time in service after 30 September 1979. This directive applies to Model 185 aircraft with specific serial numbers where the filler necks may have been incorrectly installed during manufacture. Failure to comply with this directive could pose significant risks to flight safety due to the role of filler necks in indicating fuel levels. The geographic reach of these regulations is national, extending across all states and territories within Australia, and they are enforced by CASA. The legislation does not specify exclusions or exemptions but is focused on ensuring the airworthiness of affected aircraft by mandating corrective actions for identified safety concerns.
Key Provisions
The key provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly in relation to Part 39 - 105 and the Airworthiness Directive concerning the Cessna 185 Series Aeroplanes, involve specific requirements for the fuel tank filler necks on certain aircraft models. Section 39-105 outlines the mandate for compliance with SIL No. SE79-33, issued by Cessna. This requirement is applicable to specific serial numbers of the Cessna 185 model, specifically those ranging from 18503684 to 03690, 03692, 03695 to 03700, 03702 to 03710, 03713, 03715, 03716, and 03732. The directive mandates that corrective action must be taken within 100 hours of the aircraft being in service after 30 September 1979. This directive is crucial as certain 1979 model 185 aircraft may have been manufactured with filler neck assemblies of incorrect lengths, which could affect the fuel level indicators essential for flight planning.
The obligations imposed by the Civil Aviation Regulations on the parties involved, particularly the aircraft owners and operators, include ensuring that the specified corrective action is taken within the stipulated timeframe. The directive requires that the corrective measures be implemented in accordance with Cessna SIL No. SE79-33, which specifies the correct procedures for rectifying the filler neck assembly issue. Operators must maintain records of compliance and ensure that the aircraft are fit for service before resuming operations after the corrective action has been completed. Additionally, operators must verify that the fuel tank filler necks are of the correct length and function as fuel level indicators to ensure safe and accurate flight planning.
Failure to comply with the Airworthiness Directive can lead to serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations outline potential civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the text provided, it is known that breaches of airworthiness directives can result in severe civil penalties, including fines and potential suspension of the aircraft's operating certificate. Additionally, operators may face criminal charges if the breach results in an aviation incident or endangers safety. It is crucial for operators to adhere to the directive to avoid these legal and safety repercussions.