AD/CESSNA 188/26 - Fuel Vent Line

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, include specific regulations under Part 39, with the focus on ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft. One such regulation is the Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning Cessna 188 (Agwagon) series aeroplanes, specifically AD/CESSNA 188/26, which was issued on 28 November 1975. This legislation was enacted by the Australian Government to address safety concerns related to the fuel vent line of specific Cessna 188 models. The directive was introduced to mitigate risks associated with the aircraft's fuel system, ensuring compliance with safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The objective of this AD is to mandate corrective actions on the fuel vent line of the specified Cessna 188 models to maintain their airworthiness and ensure safe operation in the Australian airspace.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as detailed in Part 39 - 105, apply specifically to the Cessna 188 (Agwagon) Series Aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 18800446 to 18802278. This regulation mandates that all aircraft within this specified serial number range must comply with the Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The directive, AD/CESSNA 188/26, pertains to the fuel vent line and requires compliance with Cessna Service Letter (SL) SE75-18. This directive applies within 100 hours of time in service after 28 November 1975, ensuring the safety and airworthiness of these aircraft. This regulation extends across the Commonwealth of Australia, enforced by CASA to maintain stringent safety standards in civil aviation. The regulation does not provide specific exclusions or exemptions within the text, but it may be subject to further interpretation or specification through subordinate instruments or CASA guidelines.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, detail the Airworthiness Directives (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). One such directive, AD/CESSNA 188/26, pertains to the fuel vent line of Cessna 188 (Agwagon) Series Aeroplanes. This directive applies to all model A188 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 18800446 to 18802278 (Section 1). The requirement outlined in this directive is for the aircraft to be serviced in accordance with Cessna Service Letter (SL) SE75-18. This action must be taken within 100 hours of the aircraft’s time in service after 28 November 1975. The AD imposes specific obligations on the operators and owners of the affected aircraft. They must ensure that the aircraft complies with the specified maintenance action within the prescribed timeframe. Failure to adhere to the directive may result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, which could prevent it from operating legally. Operators and owners must keep detailed records of the compliance actions taken, including dates and maintenance performed, as evidence of adherence to the directive. Breaching the requirements set out in the AD/CESSNA 188/26 can lead to significant legal and safety consequences. CASA has the authority to enforce the directive and may take action against non-compliant aircraft. This can include grounding the aircraft until the required maintenance is completed, imposing fines, or even pursuing legal action against the operator or owner. The specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the text provided, but they can include substantial financial penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The seriousness of the breach and the potential risk to aviation safety will influence the severity of the penalties imposed.