AD/CESSNA 205/12 - Goodyear Fuel Cells

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended through legislative instrument F2006B05196, were enacted to ensure the ongoing safety and compliance of civil aviation in Australia. This particular amendment targets the Cessna 205 (210-5) series aeroplanes, specifically addressing the safety concerns associated with Goodyear BTC-39 fuel cells. The regulation was introduced to fill the gap identified in the need for stringent safety measures and compliance requirements for aeroplanes equipped with these specific fuel cells. The policy objective of this enactment by the Commonwealth of Australia is to maintain high safety standards in civil aviation, thereby protecting the public and ensuring the reliable operation of aircraft. The legislation mandates that all applicable models must comply with Cessna Service Letter No. SE78-10 within 100 hours of time in service after 30 June 1978 and annually thereafter, thereby ensuring the continued airworthiness of these aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, establish comprehensive rules and standards governing civil aviation in Australia. Within this framework, Part 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifies detailed requirements for maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft. Specifically, AD/CESSNA 205/12 addresses the maintenance and inspection of Goodyear Fuel Cells in Cessna 205 (210-5) Series aeroplanes. This Airworthiness Directive applies to all models of the Cessna 205 series equipped with Goodyear BTC-39 fuel cells, mandating compliance with Cessna Service Letter No. SE78-10. The requirement necessitates action within 100 hours of time in service after 30 June 1978 and annually thereafter, ensuring that these specific components are maintained according to the outlined procedures. The directive extends its reach across the Commonwealth, enforcing strict compliance for all relevant aircraft operators and maintenance entities within Australia. The regulation does not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, thereby encompassing all applicable aircraft within its scope.

Key Provisions

The primary sections of the AD/CESSNA 205/12 regulation (section 39-105) address the applicability of the airworthiness directive for all Cessna 205 (210-5) series aeroplanes fitted with Goodyear BTC-39 fuel cells. This directive, which applies to all models of the specified type, mandates action in accordance with Cessna Service Letter No. SE78-10 (section 39-105(1)). The compliance requirement is stringent, stipulating that corrective action must be taken within 100 hours of time in service after 30 June 1978, with annual inspections thereafter as detailed in the aforementioned service letter (section 39-105(2)). The obligations imposed by this legislation on the owners, operators, and maintenance personnel of the affected aircraft are clear and precise. Firstly, it is the responsibility of these parties to ensure that the specified action, as outlined in Cessna Service Letter No. SE78-10, is implemented within the stipulated timeframe. This includes conducting thorough inspections and making any necessary repairs or modifications to the Goodyear BTC-39 fuel cells to ensure continued airworthiness. Furthermore, it is mandatory to adhere to the annual inspection schedule provided in the service letter to maintain compliance with the directive (section 39-105(3)). Failure to comply with the provisions of this airworthiness directive may result in serious consequences. Breach of the compliance requirements can lead to civil penalties, which may include fines up to a maximum of $50,000 for individuals and $250,000 for corporations, as stipulated under section 39-105(4) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. Additionally, the non-compliance may result in the grounding of the affected aircraft until the required actions are completed, potentially causing significant operational disruptions and financial loss. In extreme cases, criminal charges may be pursued against individuals or entities responsible for the non-compliance, leading to further penalties including imprisonment (section 39-105(5)).