AD/CESSNA 310/17 Amdt 2 - Fuel System - Placards

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), specifically PART 39 - 105, outlines the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s schedule of airworthiness directives, which include detailed requirements for maintaining aircraft safety. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 310/17 Amdt 2, addresses safety concerns related to the fuel system of Cessna 310 series aeroplanes, particularly focusing on fuel management and placarding. This directive was enacted to ensure compliance with specific operational limits and placarding requirements to prevent unsafe conditions due to improper fuel management. The objective is to enhance flight safety by clearly communicating critical operational limits to pilots through mandatory placards and fuel system modifications, thereby mitigating the risk of accidents arising from fuel mismanagement. The amendment to this directive, effective from 8 September 1992, mandates the immediate placement of specific placards in the pilot's view, such as prohibiting operation with less than ten gallons of fuel in each main tank and maintaining power within green arcs during descent, among other requirements. This directive was introduced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cth), aiming to ensure the highest safety standards in civil aviation operations. Compliance with these directives is crucial for operators of Cessna 310 series aeroplanes to maintain airworthiness and prevent accidents related to fuel mismanagement.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Airworthiness Directives concerning Cessna 310 series aeroplanes, as detailed in AD/CESSNA 310/17 Amendment 2. This legislative instrument applies to all models of the Cessna 310 series, including 310G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, P, E310H, E310J, and T-310P, excluding those that have incorporated the Cessna SL ME69-16 modification. The requirement outlined in this directive is designed to enhance flight safety by mandating specific placards to be placed in full view of the pilot near critical gauges and indicators. The directive stipulates that a placard indicating the prohibition of operation with less than ten gallons of fuel in each main tank must be visible near the main fuel quantity indicator, effectively reducing the usable fuel capacity of each main tank to 40 US gallons. Additionally, placards must be placed near the manifold pressure gauge to remind pilots to maintain power within green arcs during descent. For specific models, further placards are required to restrict maximum speed and flap position, ensuring compliance with safety standards. Compliance with these requirements is mandatory, with placard installation to be completed forthwith, and the modification of main fuel tanks according to Cessna SL ME69-16 before a specified date. This directive is enforced under the Commonwealth of Australia and applies nationally within Australia's jurisdiction.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes specific requirements for the Cessna 310 series aeroplanes. Specifically, AD/CESSNA 310/17 Amendment 2 mandates placards for the fuel system of certain models. According to section 1, on all specified Cessna 310 models, a placard must be placed in full view of the pilot, as near as possible to the main fuel quantity indicator, stating "Operation With Less Than Ten (10) Gallons of Fuel in Each Main Tank is Prohibited" (1(a)). This requirement effectively reduces the usable capacity of each main tank to 40 U.S. Gallons. Another placard, reading "Maintain Power Within Green Arcs During Descent," must be placed near the manifold pressure gauge (1(b)). For models 310L, N, P, and T-310P, a placard stating "Maximum Speed with 15 Degrees to Full Flap Shall Not Exceed 126 Kts" must be placed near the airspeed indicator (1(c)). Lastly, models 310G and 310H must have a placard stating "Flap Position Shall Not Exceed 35 Degrees" placed near the flap position indicator (1(d)). Compliance with these placard requirements is mandated by section 2, which stipulates that all placards must be installed forthwith. Additionally, the main fuel tanks must be modified in accordance with Cessna SL ME69-16. Operators may themselves make and certify the installation of the placards, provided they use letters of at least eight inches in height. The placards may be removed once the Cessna SL ME69-16 modification, which includes the installation of additional boost pumps, is completed. It is also noted that FAA AD 69-14-01 Amendment 39-793 refers to this directive. Failure to comply with these airworthiness directives may result in legal consequences. The regulations do not explicitly state the penalties for non-compliance, but it can be inferred that the Civil Aviation Safety Authority may take enforcement actions against operators who fail to adhere to these requirements. Such actions could include fines, grounding of the aircraft, or other regulatory measures to ensure compliance with safety standards.