AD/CESSNA 210/56 Amdt 1 - Fuel Filler Caps and Adaptors

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which were enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, aim to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. One of the amendments to these regulations, specifically F2006B08105, addresses the safety of the Cessna 210 Series aeroplanes. This legislative instrument, introduced under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, targets the issue of potential inflight fuel leakage and the integrity of fuel filler caps and adaptors on certain models of Cessna 210 aeroplanes. By requiring regular inspections and specific maintenance actions, the policy objective is to mitigate safety risks associated with fuel system failures, thereby enhancing the overall safety standard in civil aviation. The amendment focuses on aeroplanes with specific serial numbers and aims to streamline compliance by eliminating the need for extensive inspection and testing of fuel filler caps against water ingress for those fitted with raised fuel filler necks. This targeted approach ensures that only necessary and practical maintenance checks are required, facilitating more efficient and effective safety oversight while maintaining the high safety standards mandated by Australian civil aviation regulations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 pertaining to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, mandates strict compliance for the Cessna 210 Series Aeroplanes as detailed in AD/CESSNA 210/56 Amendment 1. This legislation applies to models with specific serial numbers, namely those ranging from 21057001 through 21058818 (for the years 1960-1966) and T210-0001 through T210-0197 (for 1966). It targets aeroplanes that do not already have reduced diameter, raised filler neck fuel caps installed on all filler openings in accordance with Cessna Service Kit SK182-85. The scope of the Act is national, affecting all operators within Australia who possess the specified models of Cessna 210 aircraft. The compliance requirements include thorough visual inspections and functional checks of the fuel filler caps and adaptors, ensuring they are free from defects that might cause leaks or improper sealing. These checks must be conducted prior to the issuance of the next Maintenance Release after 30 June 1985, and at each subsequent issuance of a new Maintenance Release. The Act ensures that the safety and airworthiness of these aircraft are maintained to the highest standards.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105 relating to the Cessna 210 Series Aeroplanes, focus on the safety and maintenance requirements for aircraft within the specified serial number range. Section 1 of the Amendment mandates specific visual inspections and tests to ensure the integrity of the fuel filler caps and adaptors (1). For example, it requires a visual inspection of the wing aft of the fuel filler to check for signs of inflight fuel leakage (1.1), and an inspection of the fuel cap locking mechanism and seals for any defects such as cracking or distortion that could affect sealing (1.2). Furthermore, it is necessary to remove the fuel filler caps to inspect the adaptor sealing face for any conditions that might prevent proper sealing, such as distortion, scratches, corrosion, etc. (1.3). The adaptor flange attachment to the adaptor plate must also be visually checked for sealing and security, particularly focusing on the adhesive if present (1.4). A fuel cap seal test must be conducted to ensure force is maintained between the cap, seal, and adaptor when the locking tab is over-centred (1.5), followed by a fuel cap leak test as per Cessna SIL SE 82-34 (1.6). These requirements impose specific obligations on aircraft owners and operators. They must ensure that the outlined inspections and tests are conducted meticulously and documented appropriately. The compliance must occur before the next Maintenance Release following 30 June 1985 and at each subsequent issue of a new Maintenance Release (1). This means that these safety measures must be integrated into regular maintenance schedules to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. Failure to comply with these provisions can lead to serious consequences. Although specific penalties are not detailed within the text of this Amendment, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations generally can result in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Such actions can include fines, grounding of the aircraft, and in severe cases, criminal charges against the operator or responsible personnel. The precise penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, but the overarching aim is to ensure that the safety and operational standards set forth in the regulations are strictly adhered to.