AD/CESSNA 207/17 - Fuel Vent Tube

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, were designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within the country. These regulations provide a comprehensive framework governing various aspects of civil aviation, including aircraft operations, maintenance, and airworthiness standards. One particular legislative instrument, F2006B05276, was introduced to address specific safety concerns related to the Cessna 207 Series Aeroplanes, particularly focusing on the fuel vent tube. This legislative instrument was issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and aims to ensure compliance with safety directives issued by the manufacturer, Cessna, to mitigate potential risks associated with fuel vent tube malfunctions. The problem this legislative instrument addresses is the potential risk of fuel leaks and associated hazards in certain models of Cessna 207 Series Aeroplanes. By mandating specific action to be taken within a defined timeframe, the regulations seek to ensure that all affected aircraft are modified in accordance with Cessna Service Letter SE78-40. This proactive approach is aimed at maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensuring the safety of all persons on board, thereby fulfilling the overarching policy objective of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998: to protect public safety and maintain the highest standards of civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, which governs the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives, applies to the Cessna 207 series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 20700363 to 20700416. This legislation mandates that these aircraft must adhere to the action outlined in Cessna Service Letter SE78-40 concerning the fuel vent tube. The requirement necessitates compliance within 100 hours of time in service following 30 September 1978. This regulation is applicable nationwide, overseen by the Commonwealth of Australia, and directly impacts the maintenance and operational standards of the specified aircraft within its jurisdiction. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in the directive, and it applies uniformly across the relevant geographic and jurisdictional reach. Subordinate instruments may further elaborate on specific implementation details or extend the scope of the directive, but the primary requirement remains the adherence to the specified compliance timeline and action as per the referenced service letter.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly under Part 39 - 105, pertain to the airworthiness directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Specifically, AD/CESSNA 207/17 addresses the fuel vent tube issue for Cessna 207 Series Aeroplanes. Section 9/78 stipulates that this directive applies to Model 207 with serial numbers (S/Nos) ranging from 20700363 to 20700416. The directive requires compliance with Cessna Service Letter (SL) No SE78-40, which outlines the necessary actions to address the fuel vent tube issue (Section 9/78). The obligations imposed by this directive on the parties or entities it governs include ensuring that the specified Cessna 207 Series Aeroplanes undergo the required action within a specified timeframe. According to Section 9/78, the compliance must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 30 September 1978. This means that any person who operates or holds an airworthiness certificate for the affected aircraft must take the prescribed actions to meet the directive's requirements within this timeframe. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive can result in various consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions by CASA. Section 9/78 does not specify particular penalties but indicates that CASA may take action to ensure compliance. The potential consequences can include enforcement notices, fines, or even the grounding of the aircraft until the required actions are completed. Additionally, operators who fail to comply may face civil or criminal liability, depending on the severity and impact of the non-compliance.