AD/CESSNA 207/27 Amdt 1 - Fuel Filler Caps and Adaptors

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, provide a comprehensive framework for ensuring the safety of civil aviation. One such regulation pertains to the airworthiness of specific aircraft models, as detailed in the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. For instance, AD/CESSNA 207/27 Amdt 1 pertains to the Cessna 207 Series Aeroplanes, addressing issues with fuel filler caps and adaptors for models with serial numbers 20700001 through 20700771 produced between 1969 and 1984. This directive was introduced to ensure that these aircraft maintain airworthiness by mitigating potential risks associated with fuel system integrity. The requirement for this specific amendment was to streamline the inspection and testing process for aircraft equipped with raised fuel filler necks, thus reducing the burden on operators while maintaining safety standards. Compliance with these directives is essential to ensure the continued safe operation of the affected aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which includes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Cessna 207 Series Aeroplanes, applies to aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 20700001 through 20700771, manufactured between 1969 and 1984. This regulation mandates specific maintenance and inspection requirements for these aircraft, particularly focusing on the fuel filler caps and adaptors. It applies to all owners, operators, and maintenance personnel involved with the specified models of Cessna 207 aeroplanes. Exemptions are provided for those aircraft that have already installed reduced diameter, raised filler neck fuel caps in accordance with Cessna Service Kit SK182-85. The regulation is enforced across the Commonwealth of Australia and must be adhered to by all entities involved with the affected aircraft. Compliance is required prior to the issuance of the next Maintenance Release after 30 June 1985 and at each subsequent issue of a new Maintenance Release.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105 and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Cessna 207 Series Aeroplanes, detail essential maintenance procedures to ensure the safety and airworthiness of these aircraft. The applicable models are those with serial numbers ranging from 20700001 through 20700771, manufactured between 1969 and 1984, unless they have been fitted with reduced diameter, raised filler neck fuel caps as per Cessna Service Kit SK182-85 (refer S.I.L SE 84-16). The directive requires specific inspections and tests to be performed on the fuel filler caps and adaptors to prevent in-flight fuel leakage, which could be hazardous. The primary requirement of this directive is to conduct a thorough visual inspection and functional test of the fuel filler caps and adaptors. Section 1 stipulates that the wing area aft of the fuel filler must be checked for any signs of inflight fuel leakage. Section 2 mandates inspecting the fuel cap locking mechanism and seals for any cracking, distortion, or conditions that might prevent a proper seal. Section 3 requires the removal of the fuel filler caps to inspect the adaptor sealing face for any signs of distortion, scratches, corrosion, or other conditions that could impede sealing. Section 4 involves visually checking the sealing and security of the attachment of the adaptor flange to the adaptor plate, with particular attention to any adhesive between the parts. Section 5 requires checking the fuel cap seal by actuating the locking tab to ensure that force is maintained between the cap, seal, and adaptor when the tab is in the over-centre locking position. Finally, Section 6 mandates conducting a fuel cap leak test in accordance with Cessna SIL SE 82-34. Compliance with these requirements is mandatory and must be completed before the next Maintenance Release after 30 June 1985 and at each subsequent issue of a new Maintenance Release. This ensures that the aircraft meet the necessary safety standards and that any potential issues with the fuel filler caps and adaptors are identified and rectified promptly. Failure to comply with these provisions could result in serious safety risks, potentially leading to catastrophic outcomes. While the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly detail specific penalties for non-compliance with these directives within the provided text, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can generally lead to severe consequences. These may include the grounding of the aircraft, fines, and potential criminal charges for operators who fail to adhere to the mandated safety requirements. The severity of the penalties can vary, but they are intended to enforce strict adherence to safety standards to protect the public and ensure the integrity of civil aviation operations.