AD/CESSNA 310/50 - Wing Locker Fuel Tank Filler Cap - Rework

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, provide comprehensive rules governing civil aviation safety across the country. The legislation was introduced to address various safety concerns and ensure compliance with international aviation standards. One specific legislative instrument, F2006B08178, focuses on airworthiness directives for certain aircraft models, including the Cessna 310 Series Aeroplanes. This instrument, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, aims to enhance the safety and reliability of these aircraft by mandating specific maintenance actions. For instance, AD/CESSNA 310/50 requires rework on the wing locker fuel tank filler cap of model 310R with serial numbers ranging from 310R0801 to 310R1658. The policy objective is to mitigate the risk of fuel siphoning and improve tank venting by drilling a hole in the filler cap. Compliance with this directive must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service following the issuance date of 30 November 1979.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, apply to the Cessna 310 Series aeroplanes, particularly model 310R with serial numbers ranging from 310R0801 to 310R1658 that are equipped with wing locker auxiliary fuel tanks. This regulation is issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and pertains to ensuring the airworthiness of the aircraft by mandating a specific modification to the wing locker fuel tank filler cap. The purpose of this Airworthiness Directive (AD) is to address a safety concern identified with the fuel tank filler cap, which has the potential to cause fuel siphoning. Compliance with this directive is required within 100 hours of time in service after 30 November 1979. The AD is supported by Cessna SIL No. ME79-26, which provides the technical specifications and procedures for the required rework. The regulation is applicable within the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia, and it extends its reach to all relevant aircraft operations, maintenance, and certification within the national airspace and under the purview of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in this particular directive; it applies universally to the specified models and serial numbers of the Cessna 310R aeroplanes. The implementation of this directive can be further detailed or modified through subordinate instruments as necessary by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Subpart 105, include detailed directives concerning the airworthiness of aircraft. Section AD/CESSNA 310/50 pertains to the rework of the wing locker fuel tank filler cap for Cessna 310 Series Aeroplanes. This directive applies to Model 310R with serial numbers ranging from 310R0801 to 310R1658 that are equipped with wing locker auxiliary fuel tanks (AD/CESSNA 310/50). Compliance with these requirements is mandatory and must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 30 November 1979. The directive is documented in Cessna SIL No. ME79-26, which outlines the specific rework to be performed on the filler cap, including drilling a hole to improve venting and prevent fuel siphoning. Under this legislation, operators of the specified Cessna 310 Series aeroplanes are required to ensure that the rework on the wing locker fuel tank filler cap is carried out according to the instructions provided in Cessna SIL No. ME79-26. This involves making specific modifications to the filler cap to enhance its functionality and safety. Operators must maintain accurate records of the rework to demonstrate compliance with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) directives. Failure to adhere to these requirements can result in serious safety implications and potential legal consequences. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directives outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can result in significant penalties. If an operator does not complete the required rework on the wing locker fuel tank filler cap within the specified timeframe, they may face enforcement actions from CASA. Non-compliance with these directives is considered a serious breach of aviation safety standards, and CASA has the authority to impose fines and other sanctions. The specific penalties are not detailed in the legislative instrument, but they can include financial penalties and potential grounding of the aircraft until the required modifications are made. In addition to the penalties, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can also have broader implications for the safety and operations of the aircraft. CASA has the authority to suspend or revoke the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness, which would render the aeroplane ineligible to fly. This can lead to significant operational disruptions and financial losses for the operator. Therefore, it is crucial for operators to ensure that all airworthiness directives are strictly adhered to, maintaining both safety and regulatory compliance. In summary, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly AD/CESSNA 310/50, mandate specific rework on the wing locker fuel tank filler caps of certain Cessna 310 Series aeroplanes to improve safety. Operators are required to complete this rework within 100 hours of time in service after 30 November 1979 and maintain records to demonstrate compliance. Failure to comply with these directives can result in significant penalties, including fines, suspension of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness, and potential grounding of the aeroplane.