Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), introduce Airworthiness Directives aimed at enhancing the safety of civil aviation. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 210/59, focuses on Cessna 210 Series Aeroplanes and addresses issues related to the fuel system's water drainage. Enacted to fill a gap in the safety protocols regarding fuel contamination, this directive was introduced to ensure pilots are aware of and can follow specific procedures when the aircraft has been exposed to water or unfiltered fuel sources. The objective of this legislative instrument is to safeguard the operational integrity and safety of aircraft by mandating the installation of a clear placard instructing pilots to refer to the flight manual for special fuel/water drain procedures. This directive was enacted by CASA, which is responsible for regulating the safety and efficiency of Australia's civil aviation sector. The policy objective behind AD/CESSNA 210/59 is to prevent potential hazards arising from water contamination in the fuel system, which could compromise flight safety. The requirement to install a placard and follow outlined procedures before further flight after a specified date underscores the commitment to maintaining stringent safety standards within the aviation industry.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all Cessna 210 series aeroplanes with serial numbers as listed in Cessna SIL SE84-4.12/85 DM. This regulation mandates that a placard be installed in a clear view of the pilot on the instrument panel or surrounding structure, stating, “Refer Flight Manual for special fuel/water drain procedures.” This requirement must be met before further flight after 31 December 1985, and compliance involves certification on the maintenance release by a pilot endorsed on the aircraft type. If a pilot certifies compliance, a further certification must be made by a licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer at the next inspection for maintenance. The directive is a response to the need for specific procedures to be followed after an aircraft has been exposed to adverse weather conditions or unfiltered fuel sources, as outlined in the flight manual. The regulation extends its reach across the Commonwealth, ensuring that all relevant aircraft meet these safety standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39, particularly in the section concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Cessna 210 Series Aeroplanes, outlines specific requirements for ensuring the safety of aircraft operations. The applicable Airworthiness Directive, AD/CESSNA 210/59, mandates the installation of a specific placard in the aircraft's cockpit to highlight the necessity for pilots to consult the flight manual for special fuel and water drainage procedures (AD/CESSNA 210/59). This directive applies to all Cessna 210 models with serial numbers as listed in the document Cessna SIL SE84-4.12/85 DM. The directive imposes clear obligations on the parties involved. For instance, it requires that the specified placard be installed in a location where it is clearly visible to the pilot, ensuring that the information is easily accessible during flight operations. Additionally, compliance with this directive must be verified before the aircraft can be cleared for further flight after a specified date, 31 December 1985. The certification process allows for initial certification to be made by a pilot who is endorsed on the aircraft type, with subsequent certification at the next maintenance inspection to be conducted by a licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in the Airworthiness Directive could result in various legal consequences. While specific penalties are not detailed within the text, non-compliance with Airworthiness Directives generally carries significant risks, including the potential for grounding of the aircraft, enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, and possibly more severe civil or criminal penalties depending on the extent of the breach and its impact on aviation safety. Compliance is crucial to avoid these consequences and to maintain the safety standards mandated by the Civil Aviation Regulations.