AD/CESSNA 337/25 Amdt 1 - Vented Fuel Caps - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, address various aspects of civil aviation safety, including the issuance of airworthiness directives. Part 39 - 105 of these regulations focuses specifically on safety directives for certain aircraft models, ensuring compliance with safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). One such directive, AD/CESSNA 337/25, pertains to the Cessna 337 Series aeroplanes, specifically addressing the installation of vented fuel caps. This directive was introduced to mitigate the risk of fuel tank vent valve obstructions or sticking, which could lead to hazardous conditions. The policy objective is to enhance aviation safety by ensuring that all specified aircraft models are equipped with the necessary vented fuel caps to prevent such issues. This particular directive applies to Model 337 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 33700001 to 33701405 and Model F337 aircraft with serial numbers from F33700001 to F3370047. The requirement is for the installation of vented fuel caps in accordance with either Cessna Service Letter SE77-6 or FAA Airworthiness Directive 79-10-14, Amendment 39-3475. Importantly, the directive clarifies that the installation of a placard is not an acceptable alternative to the installation of the required vented fuel caps. Compliance must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 31 August 1979, or before 1 January 1980, whichever date is later. This directive underscores the commitment of CASA to maintaining high safety standards in the aviation industry by addressing potential hazards proactively.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to the Cessna 337 series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 33700001 to 33701405 for the Model 337 and from F33700001 to F3370047 for the Model F337. The regulation mandates the installation of vented fuel caps to ensure aircraft safety, stipulating compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 August 1979, or before 1 January 1980, whichever is later. This directive excludes the installation of placards as a viable alternative to the required vented fuel caps, thereby reinforcing the necessity of adhering strictly to the specified installation procedures as outlined in Cessna Service Letter No. SE77-6 or FAA AD 79-10-14, Amendment 39-3475. The regulation’s scope is nationally consistent, falling under the purview of the Commonwealth of Australia and overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 and the 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, mandate specific requirements for the Cessna 337 series aeroplanes. In AD/CESSNA 337/25 Amendment 1, the focus is on the installation of vented fuel caps to ensure safe aviation operations (Section 39-105). This directive applies to Model 337 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 33700001 to 33701405 and Model F337 aeroplanes with serial numbers from F33700001 to F3370047. The requirement is to install vented fuel caps as per either Cessna Service Letter SE77-6 or FAA AD 79-10-14, Amendment 39-3475. Importantly, it is explicitly stated that the installation of a placard is not an acceptable alternative to the required vented fuel caps (Section 39-105 AD/CESSNA 337/25). The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and straightforward. Owners or operators of the affected Cessna 337 series aeroplanes must ensure that the vented fuel caps are installed within 100 hours of time in service after 31 August 1979 or before 1 January 1980, whichever is the later date. This timeline provides a specific window for compliance to avoid any safety risks associated with the fuel tank venting system (Section 39-105 AD/CESSNA 337/25). The directive's requirement for adherence to either Cessna Service Letter SE77-6 or FAA AD 79-10-14, Amendment 39-3475, ensures that the installation meets recognised safety standards and specifications. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/CESSNA 337/25 Amendment 1 can lead to serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 stipulate that non-compliance with Airworthiness Directives is an offence. The potential penalties for such breaches can include fines and, in severe cases, imprisonment. The exact penalties are not specified in the directive but are subject to the broader provisions of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. Additionally, non-compliance can result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which would prevent it from being operated until the required modifications are made (Section 39-105 AD/CESSNA 337/25).