AD/CESSNA 303/3 - Exhaust Gas and Fuel Leakage in Engine Compartment

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the issue of airworthiness directives for certain aircraft models, including the Cessna T303 Series Aeroplanes, through the enactment of AD/CESSNA 303/3. This regulation was introduced to mitigate risks associated with exhaust gas and fuel leakage in the engine compartment of these aircraft, a problem identified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through their Emergency AD 85-23-06. The policy objective, as outlined in the FAA's advisory, was to ensure the integrity of the turbocharger exhaust system and fuel unit fittings to prevent potential engine compartment fires. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, requiring inspections to be completed within 10 flying hours following the regulation's issuance on 17 December 1985. Operators are also requested to inform their local Department of Aviation Airworthiness Officers about the outcomes of these inspections.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, encompasses Airworthiness Directives (AD) aimed at maintaining the safety standards of civil aviation. Specifically, AD/CESSNA 303/3 targets the inspection and rectification of exhaust gas and fuel leakage issues in the engine compartments of Cessna T303 Series aeroplanes. This directive applies to aircraft with serial numbers ranging from T30300001 to T30300315, ensuring that operators of these specific models adhere to stringent safety measures. Operators of affected aircraft must conduct a one-time inspection to check for integrity in the turbocharger exhaust system and fuel unit fittings, unless this inspection has already been completed within the first 10 flying hours post 17 December 1985. CASA mandates that operators inform their local Department of Aviation Airworthiness Officers about the outcomes of this inspection, thereby ensuring compliance and reinforcing safety protocols in civil aviation.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, concerning the Cessna T303 Series Aeroplanes, are found under AD/CESSNA 303/3 (1). This directive addresses the issue of exhaust gas and fuel leakage in the engine compartment of Cessna T303 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from T30300001 to T30300315. The directive was issued in response to an emergency FAA Airworthiness Directive (AD) 85-23-06, which highlighted potential fire hazards due to leaking fuel metering unit fittings and exhaust gas leakage. The directive requires operators to inspect their aircraft to ensure the integrity of the turbocharger exhaust system and fuel unit fittings. The obligations imposed by this Act require operators of the specified Cessna T303 aircraft to conduct a thorough inspection of the engine compartment to check for any exhaust gas or fuel leakage. This inspection must be completed unless it has already been performed within the first 10 flying hours after 17 December 1985. Additionally, operators are requested to inform their local Department of Aviation Airworthiness Officers about the results of this inspection, ensuring that the safety authority is kept updated on compliance and any issues identified. Breaching the requirements set forth in this directive can lead to serious consequences. While specific penalties are not detailed in the text, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can generally result in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These actions may include fines, suspension or revocation of the aircraft’s airworthiness certificate, or other regulatory penalties. The severity of the penalty often depends on the extent of the non-compliance and its potential impact on aviation safety.