AD/CESSNA 206/39 Amdt 1 - Fuel Filler Caps and Adaptors

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Government, establish a framework for the safety of civil aviation, including regulations on airworthiness directives to ensure aircraft are maintained to safe standards. One such airworthiness directive is AD/CESSNA 206/39 Amendment 1, which was introduced to address specific issues related to the fuel filler caps and adaptors on Cessna 206 Series aeroplanes. This directive applies to models with specific serial numbers and focuses on preventing inflight fuel leakage and ensuring the integrity of fuel cap seals and locking mechanisms. The policy objective is to enhance the safety of these aircraft by reducing the risk of fuel system failures, thereby protecting the safety of passengers and crew. Compliance with these directives is mandatory and must be achieved before the next maintenance release after 30 June 1985 and at each subsequent maintenance release.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to the Cessna 206 Series Aeroplanes and mandates the installation of specific fuel filler caps and adaptors on aircraft with certain serial numbers. These regulations are applicable to aircraft models with serial numbers 206-0001 through U20604649 and P206-0001 through P20600647, manufactured between 1964 and 1978, unless they already have reduced diameter, raised filler neck fuel caps installed. The regulations apply at a Commonwealth level across Australia and require adherence to the outlined inspection and maintenance procedures to ensure airworthiness. The regulations mandate several specific inspections and tests, including visual inspections of the wing and fuel cap locking mechanisms, removal and inspection of fuel filler caps, and conducting a fuel cap leak test in accordance with prescribed procedures. Compliance with these requirements is necessary before the issue of the next Maintenance Release after 30 June 1985 and at each subsequent issue of a new Maintenance Release. This legislation effectively aims to mitigate the risk of inflight fuel leakage and associated safety hazards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39, section 105, specifically address the airworthiness directives concerning Cessna 206 series aeroplanes, with Amendment 1 focusing on fuel filler caps and adaptors. The applicability of these directives extends to models with serial numbers ranging from 206-0001 through U20604649 (1964-1978) and P206-0001 through P20600647 (1965-1970), unless specific modifications such as the installation of reduced diameter, raised filler neck fuel caps as per Cessna Service Kit SK182-85 are present. These requirements are outlined in section 1 of the amendment. The amendment imposes several key obligations on the parties responsible for maintaining the airworthiness of these aircraft. First, it mandates a visual inspection of the wing aft of the fuel filler to detect any signs of inflight fuel leakage, ensuring that the aircraft remains safe for operation. Second, it requires an inspection of the fuel cap locking mechanism and seals for any signs of cracking, distortion, or conditions that might impair their ability to seal properly. Additionally, the fuel filler caps must be removed to inspect the adaptor sealing face for any damage or conditions that could prevent effective sealing. Furthermore, the security and sealing of the adaptor flange to the adaptor plate must be checked, with particular attention given to the adhesive used between these parts. The seal's functionality is to be verified by actuating the locking tab and ensuring that 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 according to Cessna SIL SE 82-34. These procedures must be followed before the issue of the next Maintenance Release after 30 June 1985 and subsequently at each new Maintenance Release. Non-compliance with these airworthiness directives can lead to serious consequences. While specific penalties are not detailed within the amendment, breaches of airworthiness regulations under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 can result in significant civil and criminal penalties. For corporations, the maximum penalties can include fines up to $1,650,000 or three times the benefit obtained from the breach, and for individuals, the maximum penalty can be $330,000 or imprisonment for up to five years, or both. These severe penalties underscore the importance of adhering to the stipulated airworthiness directives to ensure the safety and compliance of Cessna 206 series aeroplanes.