AD/CESSNA 310/13 - Fuel Pressure Switch - Relocation

Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, under the authority granted by the Civil Aviation Act 1988, has introduced the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 to establish stringent safety standards and procedures for civil aviation in Australia. This legislation aims to address the critical need for consistent and reliable safety measures in the rapidly evolving field of civil aviation, ensuring the safety of passengers, crew, and the general public. Part 39 - 105 specifically focuses on Airworthiness Directives, which are designed to mandate safety improvements and maintenance practices to mitigate identified risks. This legislative instrument, AD/CESSNA 310/13, targets the Cessna 310 Series Aeroplanes, specifically models 310K and 310J, to address issues related to the fuel pressure switch. The policy objective is to ensure that these aircraft meet the necessary safety standards, thereby preventing potential hazards and enhancing overall aviation safety.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, apply to all persons, entities, and industries involved in the operation, maintenance, and certification of aircraft within Australia. This regulation is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and pertains to the specific applicability of Airworthiness Directives (AD) for particular aircraft models. In this instance, AD/CESSNA 310/13 is applicable to all models 310K and 310J with specific serial numbers ranging from 310J-0001 to 310J-0200 and 310K-0209, excluding the serial numbers 310K-0185, 0189, and 0207. The directive mandates the immediate compliance with the fuel pressure switch relocation as outlined in the referenced Cessna Service Letters (SL) No. 66-20 and its supplement page 1. The regulation's jurisdictional reach is national, as it is administered by the Commonwealth of Australia through CASA. This legislative instrument may extend or restrict its application through subordinate instruments, ensuring the continuous safety and compliance of civil aviation activities across the country.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) under Part 39 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Section 39-105, which mandates the relocation of the fuel pressure switch on certain Cessna 310 Series aeroplanes. This directive applies to all models 310K and 310J with serial numbers ranging from 310J-0001 to 310J-0200 and 310K-0209, excluding serial numbers 310K-0185, 0189, and 0207 (Section 1/67). The directive requires compliance immediately, as outlined in Cessna Service Letters 66-20 and its supplement page 1. Entities and individuals subject to this AD must ensure that the fuel pressure switch on the specified aircraft models is relocated as per the instructions provided in the referenced service letters. The directive demands that the relocation work be carried out forthwith, which means that there is no time for delay and the work must be completed without any further waiting. This requirement is clear and leaves no room for interpretation, ensuring that the safety of these aircraft is promptly addressed. Failure to comply with this AD can result in serious consequences. Non-compliance may lead to the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which can result in grounding of the affected aeroplanes. Furthermore, operators who fail to adhere to the directive could face legal action from CASA. The penalties for such breaches can include substantial fines and, in severe cases, criminal charges against responsible individuals. The exact penalties would be determined by the severity of the non-compliance and the circumstances surrounding the breach. The overarching aim of this AD is to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the specified Cessna 310 Series aeroplanes by mandating a critical modification without delay.