COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Cessna 337 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 337/1 Fuel Line Replacement 5/65
Applicability: All models below S/No. 337-0638.
Requirement: Replace the fwd. engine main fuel line P/N 1500106-142 between the fuel filter and Stn. 65 firewall with an approved fire resistant line.
Compliance: Before 31 May 1965.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/CESSNA 337/1 under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 to address a safety issue concerning the fuel lines of Cessna 337 Series Aeroplanes. Specifically, the directive targets all models with a serial number below 337-0638, requiring the replacement of the forward engine main fuel line part number 1500106-142 between the fuel filter and Station 65 firewall with an approved fire-resistant line. The directive was enacted to mitigate the risk of fuel line failure due to potential fatigue and the consequent risk of fuel leaks, which could lead to fire hazards. Compliance with this directive was mandated before 31 May 1965, reflecting the urgency and significance of addressing this safety issue to enhance the operational safety of the affected aircraft.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which governs the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives, applies to all Cessna 337 series aeroplanes with serial numbers below 337-0638. The regulation mandates the replacement of the forward engine main fuel line, part number 1500106-142, situated between the fuel filter and station 65 firewall, with an approved fire-resistant line. This requirement must be met before 31 May 1965 to ensure compliance with the airworthiness standards set by CASA. The regulation's scope is limited to the specified models of Cessna 337 aeroplanes and does not extend to any other aircraft or aviation entities unless explicitly mentioned through subordinate instruments or additional directives. The regulation’s enforcement is within the Commonwealth of Australia, aligning with CASA's jurisdiction over national aviation safety standards.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, provides detailed provisions for the airworthiness directives governing aircraft, including specific instructions for the Cessna 337 series aeroplanes. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 337/1, focuses on the replacement of the forward engine main fuel line (Section 5/65). This directive applies to all Cessna 337 models with serial numbers below 337-0638. The requirement is to replace the existing fuel line part number 1500106-142, which runs between the fuel filter and Station 65 firewall, with an approved fire-resistant line. Compliance with this directive must be achieved before 31 May 1965.
The obligations imposed by the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly under Part 39, include ensuring that all aircraft meet the specified airworthiness standards. For operators of Cessna 337 series aeroplanes, this means that they must strictly adhere to the AD/CESSNA 337/1 directive by replacing the designated fuel line with an approved fire-resistant alternative. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to severe consequences, including grounding of the aircraft until the required modifications are made.
Non-compliance with the airworthiness directives set out in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can result in significant legal and operational repercussions. Under the legislation, violations of these directives can be classified as offences, leading to enforcement actions. For instance, if an operator fails to replace the specified fuel line by the stipulated deadline, the aircraft may be deemed non-airworthy, which could result in grounding. In addition to the operational risks, the regulatory body, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), has the authority to impose penalties, which can include fines or other corrective measures to ensure compliance with the safety standards.
The potential penalties for breaching the airworthiness directives are significant and are intended to enforce strict adherence to safety regulations. According to the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, the maximum penalties for non-compliance can include substantial fines and, in severe cases, criminal charges against responsible individuals or entities. These penalties underscore the importance of timely and thorough compliance with the airworthiness directives to avoid legal and operational disruptions. The legislation ensures that all stakeholders are held accountable for maintaining the high safety standards required in the aviation industry.