AD/CESSNA 320/18 - Fuel Crossfeed Lines - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which were enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia, include a specific part addressing airworthiness directives. One such directive is AD/CESSNA 320/18, which pertains to the inspection and modification of fuel crossfeed lines in Cessna 320 series aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to address potential safety issues related to the fuel systems of certain model 320 aircraft, specifically those with serial numbers ranging from 320D0001 to 320F0045, excluding specific serial numbers that have already been addressed. The directive aims to ensure compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1973, thereby mitigating risks associated with fuel system failures that could potentially compromise flight safety. This regulation is issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which is responsible for enforcing airworthiness standards in Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations, specifically AD/CESSNA 320/18, pertain to the inspection and modification of fuel crossfeed lines on Cessna 320 series aeroplanes. This Airworthiness Directive applies to aircraft within the specified model range and serial numbers, namely those with serial numbers from 320D0001 to 320F0045, excluding the serial numbers 310Q0644, 310Q0666, 310Q0678, and 310Q0692. The directive mandates that compliance with these inspection and modification requirements must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service following 31 October 1973. The geographic reach of this directive is national, as CASA enforces these standards across Australia, ensuring that the specified aircraft meet necessary safety criteria. No exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds are explicitly stated in this particular directive, and compliance must be verified through adherence to the Cessna ME73-13 document and its supplement.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, involve the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives for the Cessna 320 series aeroplanes. This particular directive, AD/CESSNA 320/18, pertains to the inspection and modification of fuel crossfeed lines. It applies to model 320 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 320D0001 to 320F0045, with specific exceptions for serial numbers 310Q0644, 310Q0666, 310Q0678, and 310Q0692. The directive requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1973, as outlined in the Cessna ME73-13 manual and its supplement. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and specific. Operators of the affected Cessna 320 series aeroplanes must ensure that the fuel crossfeed lines are inspected and, if necessary, modified as per the guidelines set out in the Cessna ME73-13 manual and its supplement. This inspection and modification must be completed within the specified timeframe to maintain compliance with airworthiness standards. Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/CESSNA 320/18 could result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 stipulate that non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to enforcement actions by CASA. These actions can include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and potential criminal charges for those responsible. The exact penalties are not specified in the directive itself but are governed by the broader provisions of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and associated regulations, which can include substantial fines and imprisonment for serious breaches.