COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Cessna T303 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 303/1 Fuel Hose Clamping - Improvement 10/82
Applicability: 1982 Model Crusader with Serial Numbers T30300001 to T30300127. Document: Cessna Service Information Letter ME82-42.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service, after 30 November 1982.
Background: The manufacturer has found that insufficient clearance exists between the fuel pump delivery hose and the exhaust pipe of the left hand engine.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which were enacted by the Parliament of Australia, constitute a comprehensive set of rules governing all aspects of civil aviation within the country. One specific legislative instrument under this broader regulation is the AD/CESSNA 303/1, which pertains to the Cessna T303 Series Aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to address a critical safety concern identified by the manufacturer: the insufficient clearance between the fuel pump delivery hose and the exhaust pipe of the left-hand engine in 1982 model Cessna T303 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from T30300001 to T30300127. The objective of this airworthiness directive is to ensure compliance with safety standards by requiring the implementation of a fuel hose clamping improvement within 100 hours of time in service after 30 November 1982.
The AD/CESSNA 303/1 is a response to a documented issue highlighted in Cessna Service Information Letter ME82-42. The directive mandates that the specified aircraft models undergo the required modification to mitigate the risk of fuel hose damage due to inadequate clearance, thereby enhancing the overall safety of the aircraft's operation. This legislative instrument underscores the commitment of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to maintain stringent safety standards and to proactively address potential hazards within the aviation industry.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105 and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, address the safety of aircraft operations by issuing directives for compliance. The regulation AD/CESSNA 303/1 pertains to the Cessna T303 series aeroplanes, specifically those with model year 1982 and serial numbers ranging from T30300001 to T30300127. The directive mandates improvements related to the fuel hose clamping, as per Cessna Service Information Letter ME82-42. This requirement applies to aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance personnel who must ensure compliance within 100 hours of time in service following 30 November 1982. The directive aims to rectify the issue of insufficient clearance between the fuel pump delivery hose and the exhaust pipe of the left-hand engine, thereby enhancing safety standards for these aircraft. The regulation's application is confined to the specified models and serial numbers of the Cessna T303 series aeroplanes, and it extends to all operators within the Commonwealth of Australia. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in this directive, meaning all applicable aircraft must comply without exception.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes the Airworthiness Directives for various aircraft models, such as the Cessna T303 Series Aeroplanes. This directive, AD/CESSNA 303/1, pertains to the 1982 model of the Crusader with serial numbers ranging from T30300001 to T30300127. The directive is documented in Cessna Service Information Letter ME82-42 and addresses a critical issue with the fuel hose clamping. According to the regulation (Section 105), compliance is mandatory within 100 hours of time in service after 30 November 1982.
The main requirement of this directive is to address a safety issue identified by the manufacturer. Specifically, it highlights that there is insufficient clearance between the fuel pump delivery hose and the exhaust pipe of the left-hand engine. This clearance issue could potentially lead to overheating or damage to the fuel hose, which poses a significant risk to the aircraft's operational safety. To comply with this directive, the aircraft owner or operator must ensure that the fuel hose is appropriately secured and that there is adequate clearance between the fuel pump delivery hose and the exhaust pipe.
The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and specific. Aircraft owners and operators must take proactive steps to inspect and, if necessary, modify the fuel hose clamping arrangement to meet the specified requirements. This involves ensuring that the fuel pump delivery hose is properly secured and that there is no risk of contact with the exhaust pipe, which could lead to overheating or other hazardous conditions. These obligations are designed to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensure the safety of all passengers and crew.
Failure to comply with this Airworthiness Directive can lead to serious consequences. Regulatory breaches may result in civil or criminal penalties, depending on the severity of the non-compliance. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce these regulations. Penalties for non-compliance can include fines, suspension or revocation of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness, and other administrative actions. The maximum penalties for serious breaches can be substantial, reflecting the importance of adhering to these safety directives to prevent potential hazards and ensure the safety of all involved in the aviation industry.