COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Cessna 400 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 400/36 Wing Leading Edge Fuel Line - Inspection 8/73
Applicability: All models 401 and 402 with S/Nos. below 401-0135 and 402-0135, fitted with turbocharger cooling duct P/N S1053E20T and fuel line P/N 5200106-55.
Requirement: 1. For aircraft fitted with wing leading edge turbocharger cooling flexible ducts - Through access panel No. 43, inspect fuel line P/N 5200106-55 for chafing by flexible duct P/N S1053E20T.
2. Rectify any chafing and ensure adequate clearance is maintained by realignment of flexible duct.
Compliance: Before 1 October 1973.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, established by the Commonwealth of Australia and administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, address the need for stringent safety standards in the aviation industry, particularly concerning aircraft airworthiness directives. This legislative instrument, F2006B08322, specifically targets the Cessna 400 Series aeroplanes, aiming to mitigate safety risks associated with specific components of these aircraft models. The regulation was introduced to ensure that all relevant aircraft meet the necessary safety standards, thereby protecting passengers and crew, and maintaining the integrity of the aviation sector. The policy objective, as articulated within the legislation, is to enforce compliance with specific maintenance and inspection requirements to prevent potential hazards, particularly focusing on the inspection and rectification of fuel line chafing caused by turbocharger cooling ducts in certain Cessna 400 Series aeroplanes.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Cessna 400 Series Aeroplanes, with this instance focusing on AD/CESSNA 400/36. This regulation applies to all models 401 and 402 of the Cessna 400 series with specific serial numbers below 401-0135 and 402-0135 that are fitted with a turbocharger cooling duct part number S1053E20T and a fuel line part number 5200106-55. The directive mandates an inspection of the fuel line for any chafing caused by the flexible duct, necessitating a check through access panel number 43. Additionally, any identified chafing must be rectified, and adequate clearance must be ensured by realigning the flexible duct. The compliance requirement necessitates that these inspections and rectifications be completed before 1 October 1973. This regulation operates under the Commonwealth of Australia, extending its jurisdictional reach to all relevant aircraft operating within Australia, thereby ensuring adherence to national aviation safety standards.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 under the heading "Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives," detail critical maintenance requirements for certain aircraft models. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 400/36, focuses on the inspection of wing leading edge fuel lines for Cessna 400 series aeroplanes, particularly those models 401 and 402 with serial numbers below 401-0135 and 402-0135, equipped with turbocharger cooling duct part number S1053E20T and fuel line part number 5200106-55. According to this directive, operators must conduct a thorough inspection of the specified fuel line to check for any chafing caused by the turbocharger cooling flexible duct. This inspection must be carried out through access panel number 43. Additionally, if any chafing is detected, it is mandatory to rectify the issue and ensure that there is adequate clearance by realigning the flexible duct if necessary. This directive underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of the fuel line to prevent potential hazards during flight.
Compliance with AD/CESSNA 400/36 is imperative for all affected aircraft operators. The directive mandates that the required inspection and any necessary repairs must be completed before 1 October 1973. This timeline leaves no room for delay, highlighting the urgency and significance of adhering to these airworthiness directives. Operators must ensure that their maintenance crews are well-informed and equipped to carry out the specified inspection and repairs. This may involve training personnel, maintaining access to the required parts, and scheduling the inspections within the stipulated timeframe.
Failure to comply with AD/CESSNA 400/36 can lead to serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly outline specific penalties for non-compliance within this directive. However, non-compliance with airworthiness directives generally can result in severe repercussions, including potential grounding of the aircraft, civil penalties, and even criminal charges in cases where negligence leads to accidents or safety breaches. The severity of these consequences emphasises the critical nature of adhering to all regulatory requirements to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.