COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Cessna 206 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 206/28 Fuel Tank Filler Neck 9/79
Applicability: Model U206 with S/Nos. U20604650 to 04840. Requirement: Action in accordance with Cessna SIL No. SE79-33. Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 30 September 1979.
Background: Certain 1979 model 206 aircraft fuel tanks may have been fitted with incorrect filler neck assemblies during manufacture. As the filler necks form fuel level indicators it is essential for flight planning purposes that a neck of correct length is fitted.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, include specific regulations regarding the airworthiness of aircraft, including the Cessna 206 series aeroplanes. The legislation was enacted to ensure that all civil aircraft meet stringent safety standards, thereby protecting passengers and crew, as well as the general public. One such regulation, AD/CESSNA 206/28, addresses an issue identified with certain 1979 model 206 aircraft fuel tanks, which may have been fitted with incorrect filler neck assemblies during manufacture. This oversight could potentially compromise the accuracy of fuel level indicators, which is critical for flight planning and safety. The regulation requires that action be taken in accordance with Cessna SIL No. SE79-33, and compliance must be achieved within 100 hours of the aircraft being in service after 30 September 1979, for model U206 with serial numbers ranging from U20604650 to U20604840.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, addresses the certification and maintenance of aircraft to ensure safety in the aviation industry. Under this regulatory framework, AD/CESSNA 206/28 pertains to the Cessna 206 Series Aeroplanes and mandates actions concerning the fuel tank filler neck. This directive applies to Model U206 with specific serial numbers ranging from U20604650 to 04840. The requirement is for compliance with Cessna SIL No. SE79-33, ensuring that the correct length filler neck is installed, as the filler necks also serve as fuel level indicators, which are crucial for flight planning. Compliance must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 30 September 1979. This regulation extends to any individual or entity operating these specific aircraft models within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring adherence to safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, contain the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD). This includes AD/CESSNA 206/28 which pertains to the fuel tank filler neck of the Cessna 206 series aeroplanes, more precisely model U206 with serial numbers ranging from U20604650 to 04840. The directive mandates that corrective action be taken in accordance with Cessna Service Information Letter (SIL) No. SE79-33. This action must be implemented within 100 hours of time in service after 30 September 1979.
The primary requirement under this AD is that the fuel tank filler neck assemblies must be checked and, if necessary, corrected to ensure they are of the correct length. This is crucial because the filler necks are integral to the fuel level indication system, which is vital for flight planning and safety. The directive stems from a known manufacturing issue where certain 1979 model 206 aircraft may have been fitted with filler necks of incorrect length during production.
Entities and parties governed by this AD are required to ensure compliance by adhering to the specifications outlined in Cessna SIL No. SE79-33. This involves inspecting the fuel tank filler necks and making any necessary modifications to ensure they meet the required specifications. The compliance period is strictly set at 100 hours of time in service post the specified date of 30 September 1979. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in the aircraft being considered non-airworthy, which could prevent it from being operated legally.
Failure to comply with the AD/CESSNA 206/28 can lead to significant consequences. Civil penalties may be imposed for non-compliance with airworthiness directives under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The maximum penalty for each offence can include fines up to $277,200 for individuals and $1,386,000 for corporations, reflecting the seriousness of ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Additionally, aircraft found to be non-compliant may be subject to grounding, which could result in significant operational disruptions and financial costs for the operators.