COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Cessna 310 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 310/48 Goodyear Fuel Cells - Inspection 6/78
Applicability: All models 310 fitted with Goodyear BTC-39 fuel cells. Document: Cessna SL No. ME78-7.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 30 June 1978 and annually thereafter as detailed in Cessna SL No. ME78-7.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which are administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, address the need for maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft through a structured regime of airworthiness directives. One such directive is AD/CESSNA 310/48, introduced to ensure the safety and compliance of the Cessna 310 series aeroplanes, specifically those fitted with Goodyear BTC-39 fuel cells. This directive was enacted to mitigate risks associated with fuel cell failures by mandating regular inspections and maintenance procedures. The policy objective underlying this directive is to ensure the ongoing safety and reliability of the aircraft, thereby protecting both passengers and crew.
The AD/CESSNA 310/48 requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 30 June 1978 and mandates annual inspections thereafter, as detailed in Cessna Service Letter No. ME78-7. This directive is a crucial component of the overarching regulatory framework that governs civil aviation safety in Australia, reinforcing the commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards in the aviation industry.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses the inspection of Goodyear fuel cells for Cessna 310 Series aeroplanes. This regulation applies to all models of Cessna 310 aircraft that are equipped with Goodyear BTC-39 fuel cells. The requirement is that inspections must be carried out within 100 hours of the aircraft's time in service after 30 June 1978, and subsequently on an annual basis as detailed in Cessna Service Letter No. ME78-7. The regulation is applicable on a Commonwealth level, governing the entire nation, and ensures the safety and airworthiness of the specified aircraft models. While the regulation sets out clear compliance measures, it does not specify any exclusions or exemptions; however, further details on the inspection procedures and compliance can be found in the referenced Cessna service letter.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes Airworthiness Directives (AD) which are regulatory mandates aimed at ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. In this context, AD/CESSNA 310/48 pertains to the inspection of Goodyear fuel cells on Cessna 310 series aeroplanes (s. 39.015). This particular AD applies to all models of the Cessna 310 series fitted with Goodyear BTC-39 fuel cells, as documented in Cessna Service Letter No. ME78-7 (s. 39.021).
Under the AD/CESSNA 310/48, operators must ensure compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 30 June 1978 and annually thereafter (s. 39.031). The directive mandates that inspections of the specified fuel cells must be conducted in accordance with the detailed instructions provided in Cessna Service Letter No. ME78-7. This involves thorough checks to verify the integrity and functionality of the fuel cells, ensuring they meet the necessary safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
Operators of the Cessna 310 series aeroplanes are obligated to adhere to the timelines and procedures outlined in the AD. This includes maintaining detailed records of all inspections performed and ensuring that any necessary repairs or replacements are carried out by qualified personnel. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in serious safety risks, including potential fuel system failures, which could lead to in-flight emergencies.
Non-compliance with the AD/CESSNA 310/48 can result in significant consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, violations may lead to enforcement actions by CASA. These can include fines, suspension or revocation of aircraft certificates of airworthiness, and potential criminal charges against responsible individuals or entities. The seriousness of these consequences underscores the importance of strict adherence to the AD in maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.