COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Cessna 320 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 320/29
Amdt 1
Applicability: All models.
Powerplant Fire Detection System - Installation
9/84
Requirement: 1. Install a powerplant fire detection system complying with a specification acceptable to the Secretary.
2. Ensure that maintenance instructions for the system are adequately detailed in the approved maintenance system for the aircraft.
Note 1: Fire detection systems which have been shown to comply with paragraph 1203 of Part 23 of the US Federal Aviation Regulations are acceptable as complying with this Airworthiness Directive.
Note 2: It is recommended, in the interest of safety, that when complying with this Directive, consideration be given to the installation of both audible fire warning devices and fire extinguishing systems. A suitable standard for this can be found in ANO 101.4 Para 6.14.
Compliance: Before 1 April 1983.
Background: a. This Directive has been amended in order to clarify the intent of Note 2 in the Requirement.
b. Hot gas escaping from failed exhaust manifolds has caused serious structural damage to nacelles and wings. This damage may remain undetected in flight with potentially fatal results. In order to reduce this threat fire detectors are to be installed.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, provide a regulatory framework governing aviation safety in Australia. Part 39, specifically AD/CESSNA 320/29 Amendment 1, pertains to the Cessna 320 Series Aeroplanes, aiming to enhance safety through the installation of a powerplant fire detection system. Enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, the policy objective is to mitigate the risk of serious structural damage caused by hot gas escaping from failed exhaust manifolds, which could lead to undetected hazards during flight. The regulations mandate the installation of a compliant fire detection system and ensure maintenance instructions are detailed, with a recommendation for additional safety measures such as audible fire warnings and fire extinguishing systems. This legislative instrument underscores the commitment to ensuring the highest standards of aviation safety in Australia.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertain to the Airworthiness Directives for Cessna 320 Series Aeroplanes, as outlined in AD/CESSNA 320/29 Amendment 1. This directive applies to all models within the specified aircraft series and mandates the installation of a powerplant fire detection system that complies with specifications acceptable to the Secretary. Additionally, it requires that maintenance instructions for the system be adequately detailed in the aircraft's approved maintenance system. The regulation emphasises the importance of safety and recommends the installation of both audible fire warning devices and fire extinguishing systems. Notably, fire detection systems conforming to paragraph 1203 of Part 23 of the US Federal Aviation Regulations are considered acceptable. The directive applies to any aircraft manufactured before 1 April 1983, with the intent to mitigate risks posed by hot gas escaping from failed exhaust manifolds, which can cause undetected structural damage with potentially fatal consequences during flight. The directive has been amended to clarify the recommendation regarding additional safety measures, ensuring that all relevant parties are aware of the recommended practices for enhancing aircraft safety.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning Airworthiness Directives, mandates the installation of a powerplant fire detection system on all Cessna 320 Series aeroplanes (AD/CESSNA 320/29 Amendment 1). The primary requirement (section 1) is the installation of a fire detection system that meets a specification approved by the Secretary, with a recommendation to include both audible fire warning devices and fire extinguishing systems for enhanced safety. Maintenance instructions for this system must also be detailed in the aircraft's approved maintenance system (section 2). Note 1 specifies that systems complying with paragraph 1203 of Part 23 of the US Federal Aviation Regulations are acceptable. Note 2 advises that it is in the interest of safety to consider the installation of both fire warning and extinguishing systems, with a reference to a suitable standard found in ANO 101.4 Para 6.14.
The obligations imposed by this directive require aircraft operators and maintenance personnel to ensure that the specified fire detection system is installed and fully functional before April 1, 1983. This includes not only the installation of the detection system but also the integration of detailed maintenance instructions into the aircraft's maintenance documentation. The purpose of these provisions is to mitigate the risk of structural damage caused by undetected hot gas leaks from failed exhaust manifolds, which can potentially lead to catastrophic in-flight failures. The directive was amended to clarify the intent behind the recommendation to install both fire warning and extinguishing systems, emphasizing the importance of these measures in enhancing overall aircraft safety.
Any failure to comply with these requirements may result in serious safety hazards. The regulations do not explicitly detail specific offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance in the provided text. However, non-compliance with airworthiness directives generally carries significant legal and operational risks, including potential grounding of the aircraft, enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, and possible civil or criminal liability for any accidents or incidents arising from non-compliance. The penalties for such violations can vary, but they may include substantial fines and other regulatory actions aimed at ensuring compliance with aviation safety standards.