AD/CESSNA 207/24 - Fuel Cap Alignment Placard

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, were enacted to regulate and ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. This legislation, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), was introduced to address the need for comprehensive and enforceable standards in the aviation industry. One such standard pertains to the maintenance and operation of aircraft, ensuring they meet specified airworthiness directives to maintain safety. AD/CESSNA 207/24 is an example of such a directive, focusing on Cessna 207 Series Aeroplanes, mandating compliance with the Service Information Letter No SE 80-59 concerning the fuel cap alignment placard. The policy objective here is to ensure that the fuel cap alignment is correct for efficient operation of the fuel tank secondary vent system, thus enhancing overall flight safety and operational reliability. This legislative instrument, F2006B05283, applies to models 207 and T207 with serial numbers ranging from 20700001 to 20700588, requiring corrective action within 100 hours of time in service after 30 September 1980. CASA, as the enacting body, aims to mitigate any risks associated with improper fuel cap alignment by enforcing these standards. The overarching goal is to maintain high safety standards in civil aviation, ensuring that all aircraft meet necessary criteria to prevent potential operational hazards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, establish the scope and application of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s Airworthiness Directives concerning specific aircraft models. In this instance, AD/CESSNA 207/24 pertains to the Cessna 207 Series aeroplanes, specifically models 207 and T207 with serial numbers ranging from 20700001 to 20700588. The directive mandates corrective action in accordance with Cessna Service Information Letter No. SE 80-59, focusing on the alignment of flush fitting type fuel caps to ensure the efficient operation of the fuel tank secondary vent system. Compliance with this directive must be achieved within 100 hours of the aeroplanes’ time in service after 30 September 1980. The directive applies specifically to the mentioned aircraft models and serial numbers, and does not extend to other aircraft types or series. The regulation is enforced by the Commonwealth of Australia and applies nationally, ensuring that all operators within Australia must adhere to these safety directives.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, particularly AD/CESSNA 207/24, concern the alignment of fuel cap placards for Cessna 207 Series Aeroplanes. Specifically, section 105 of the Regulations mandates the requirement for compliance with Cessna SIL (Service Information Letter) No SE 80-59 (section 105(1)). This requirement applies to all models of the Cessna 207 and T207 series with serial numbers ranging from 20700001 to 20700588 (section 105(2)). The primary objective is to ensure the correct alignment of flush fitting fuel caps, which is essential for the efficient operation of the fuel tank secondary vent system (section 105(3)). The Act imposes several obligations on the parties and entities it governs. Firstly, it mandates that the alignment of the fuel cap placards must be carried out in accordance with the specifications detailed in Cessna SIL No SE 80-59 (section 105(4)). Secondly, this action must be completed within 100 hours of the aircraft being in service after 30 September 1980 (section 105(5)). Non-compliance with these requirements could potentially lead to operational inefficiencies and safety risks associated with the fuel tank secondary vent system. Failure to adhere to the provisions outlined in AD/CESSNA 207/24 may result in significant consequences. Although the specific penalties for breach are not detailed in the text, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations typically leads to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These actions can include fines, directives for corrective actions, or even suspension of the aircraft's operating certificate. In severe cases, persistent non-compliance may result in criminal charges, leading to imprisonment or substantial fines under relevant aviation safety legislation. It is essential for operators to meticulously follow the mandated procedures to avoid such adverse outcomes.