AD/CESSNA 206/25 - Fuel Vent Tube

Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) amended the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 with the introduction of the legislative instrument F2006B05229, which pertains to the Cessna 206 Series Aeroplanes. This legislation was enacted to address issues associated with the fuel vent tube of the Cessna 206 model aircraft, specifically within the serial number range of 20603522 to 20604211. The problem it aimed to rectify involves ensuring the airworthiness and safety of these aircraft through adherence to specific service letters issued by Cessna. The policy objective is to mandate compliance with the Cessna Service Letter SE78-40, which provides instructions on the necessary actions to be taken regarding the fuel vent tube. The regulation requires that these actions be completed within 100 hours of the aircraft's time in service after 30 September 1978 to maintain the safety standards required by CASA.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, mandates that the regulations apply to the Cessna 206 Series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 20603522 to 20604211. This directive targets a specific model within the broader category of civil aircraft, focusing on ensuring the airworthiness of these particular aeroplanes by addressing a critical safety issue related to the fuel vent tube. The requirement for compliance is clear: the specified action must be taken in accordance with Cessna Service Letter No. SE78-40, and it must be completed within 100 hours of the aeroplanes' time in service following 30 September 1978. This directive is a Commonwealth regulation, thus it has a nationwide reach within Australia, applying to all operators of the affected Cessna 206 models regardless of state or territory. The regulation does not explicitly state exclusions or exemptions, implying that all specified aircraft must comply unless otherwise noted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, include the Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning the Cessna 206 Series Aeroplanes (AD/CESSNA 206/25). This AD applies to the model 206 with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 20603522 to 20604211. The directive mandates actions in accordance with Cessna Service Letter (SL) No. SE78-40, focusing on the fuel vent tube. The requirement is that compliance with this directive must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 30 September 1978. The Act imposes specific obligations on the operators and owners of the affected Cessna 206 aircraft. These parties must ensure that the aircraft meet the specified requirements within the stipulated timeframe. This involves following the detailed instructions provided in the Cessna Service Letter SE78-40, which likely includes inspection, maintenance, or modification of the fuel vent tube to prevent potential safety issues. Operators must document compliance and ensure that the aircraft is airworthy before resuming operations. Failure to comply with the AD may result in serious consequences. While the Civil Aviation Regulations do not explicitly state the penalties in the excerpt provided, non-compliance with ADs generally can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This could include fines, the grounding of the aircraft, or more severe penalties depending on the circumstances and the impact on aviation safety. The exact penalties would be determined based on the nature and severity of the non-compliance, but they can include financial penalties, legal action, or operational restrictions on the aircraft.