AD/CESSNA 205/17 Amdt 1 - Fuel Filler Caps and Adaptors

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, serve to regulate civil aviation safety within Australia. This legislative instrument addresses the need for safety standards and procedures within the civil aviation sector, ensuring the safe operation of aircraft. Part 39 - 105 of the Regulations, specifically concerning the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Cessna 205 (210-5) Series Aeroplanes, was introduced to target and rectify specific safety issues related to these aircraft models. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 205/17 Amendment 1, focuses on the fuel filler caps and adaptors to prevent inflight fuel leakage and ensure proper sealing mechanisms, thereby enhancing flight safety. The policy objective is to mandate regular inspections and maintenance checks on the fuel systems of these aircraft to mitigate risks associated with fuel leakage and ensure compliance with safety standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to Cessna 205 (210-5) Series Aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 205-0001 through 205-0577, which were manufactured between 1963 and 1964. The scope of this legislation pertains to the inspection and maintenance requirements of fuel filler caps and adaptors, ensuring that these components are free from defects that could lead to inflight fuel leakage. It mandates a series of inspections and tests to be conducted by authorised personnel to verify the integrity of the fuel filler caps and adaptors. The requirement applies to all relevant aircraft unless they have been retrofitted with reduced diameter, raised filler neck fuel caps in accordance with Cessna Service Kit SK182-85, as referenced in S.I.L SE 84-16. Compliance with these directives is essential and must occur prior to the issue of the next Maintenance Release after 30 June 1985 and subsequently at each issue of a new Maintenance Release. This legislative instrument ensures that the aircraft maintain the highest safety standards, thereby protecting both the operators and the passengers.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (1998 Regulations) pertaining to the Cessna 205 (210-5) Series Aeroplanes are detailed in Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives AD/CESSNA 205/17 Amendment 1. This amendment, effective from 11 August 1988, specifies certain requirements for the installation and inspection of fuel filler caps and adaptors on models with serial numbers 205-0001 through 205-0577, unless they are already equipped with reduced diameter, raised filler neck fuel caps as per Cessna Service Kit SK182-85. The directive outlines a series of inspections and tests that must be conducted to ensure the airworthiness of these aircraft. The obligations imposed by this regulation include a requirement for visual inspections and testing of the fuel filler system. Operators must visually inspect the wing aft of the fuel filler for any signs of inflight fuel leakage. Furthermore, they must inspect the fuel cap locking mechanism and seals for any cracking, distortion, or conditions that could prevent proper sealing. The fuel filler caps must be removed to inspect the adaptor sealing face for any distortion, scratches, corrosion, or other conditions that might impede sealing. The sealing and security of the adaptor flange attachment to the adaptor plate must also be checked, with particular attention to the adhesive between these parts. Additionally, the fuel cap seal must be tested by actuating the locking tab and verifying that the force is maintained between the cap, seal, and adaptor when the tab is in the over-centre locking position. Finally, a fuel cap leak test must be conducted in accordance with Cessna SIL SE 82-34. Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in this airworthiness directive can result in serious safety issues. Although specific offences, penalties, or consequences are not detailed within the text, non-compliance with airworthiness directives generally carries significant implications under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. Operators who fail to adhere to these regulations can face enforcement actions, which may include fines, penalties, or other regulatory sanctions. These actions are intended to ensure that aircraft remain in a safe and airworthy condition, thereby protecting both the aircraft occupants and the general public.