AD/CESSNA 188/31 Amdt 1 - Vented Fuel Caps

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, established by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, aim to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. The regulations encompass a range of provisions governing aircraft operations, maintenance, and airworthiness. One specific legislative instrument, F2006B05167, addresses an identified gap concerning the safety of certain Cessna 188 (Agwagon) series aeroplanes. This instrument introduces an Airworthiness Directive (AD) to mitigate risks associated with potential obstructions in the primary fuel tank vent or sticking of the vent valve, which could lead to hazardous conditions. The policy objective is to enhance aviation safety by mandating the installation of vented fuel caps on specified Cessna 188 models to ensure proper venting and prevent fuel tank-related incidents. This legislative measure targets specific serial numbers of Cessna 188 and A188 models equipped with wing fuel tanks, requiring the installation of vented fuel caps as per Cessna Service Letter No. SE77-6. The compliance deadline is set within 100 hours of time in service after 31 August 1979 or before 1 January 1980, whichever is later. Additionally, the directive explicitly states that the installation of a placard does not substitute for the required installation of vented fuel caps, clarifying an earlier misinterpretation of the directive.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives, applies to the Cessna 188 (Agwagon) series aeroplanes. This legislation mandates the installation of vented fuel caps for certain models of the aircraft, namely the 188 and A188 variants equipped with wing fuel tanks, which fall within specific serial number ranges. This requirement is aimed at mitigating the risk of obstructed primary vents or malfunctions of the fuel tank vent valve, ensuring safer fuel management practices. Compliance with this directive must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 31 August 1979, or before 1 January 1980, whichever is later. Notably, this regulation explicitly states that the installation of a placard is not an acceptable alternative to the mandated vented fuel caps, as clarified by a note added to address previous misinterpretations. This directive is applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, and is intended to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes an airworthiness directive (AD) for the Cessna 188 (Agwagon) Series Aeroplanes, as detailed in AD/CESSNA 188/31 Amendment 1. This directive mandates the installation of vented fuel caps for specific models and serial numbers of Cessna 188 and A188 aeroplanes. The requirement, as stated in section (1), is to install vented fuel caps in accordance with Cessna Service Letter SE77-6. This directive references FAA AD 79-10-14, Amendment 39-3475, further clarifying the specifications and importance of the installation. Importantly, section (2) notes that the installation of a placard is not considered a suitable alternative to the installation of vented fuel caps. Compliance with this directive must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 31 August 1979, or before 1 January 1980, whichever is the later, as per section (3). The obligations imposed by this directive are stringent. Operators of the specified Cessna 188 models must ensure that the vented fuel caps are installed precisely as per the guidelines in Cessna Service Letter SE77-6. This requirement applies to aircraft with serial numbers falling within the specified ranges. The directive explicitly states that a placard cannot replace the installation of vented fuel caps, reinforcing the necessity for compliance with the outlined specifications. The compliance deadline is also clearly defined, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding the timeframe within which the directive must be adhered to. Breach of the provisions outlined in this airworthiness directive can lead to serious consequences. While the specific civil or criminal penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the provided text, it is implicit that failure to adhere to such a directive could result in penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 or other relevant legislation. Such penalties could include fines, operational restrictions, or even grounding of the non-compliant aircraft until the necessary modifications are made. The gravity of the directive, aimed at ensuring the safety of the aircraft, suggests that the consequences for non-compliance could be severe, potentially impacting the safety certification and airworthiness of the aeroplanes involved.