AD/CESSNA 400/6 - Fuel Pressure Switch - Relocation

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Government, address the regulation of civil aviation in Australia, ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel within its jurisdiction. One particular piece of legislation under these regulations is the Airworthiness Directives, which are binding instructions issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure that aircraft are maintained in a safe condition. The directive AD/CESSNA 400/6, concerning the relocation of the fuel pressure switch on Cessna 400 Series aeroplanes, specifically models 401 and 402 with serial numbers 401/402-0001 to 401/402-0279, was introduced to rectify potential safety issues related to the original placement of the fuel pressure switch. This directive aims to ensure compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 28 November 1968, as outlined in document Cessna SL ME68-18, thereby enhancing the overall safety of the aircraft in operation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the application of Airworthiness Directives concerning certain aircraft, including the Cessna 400 Series Aeroplanes. For the Cessna 400 Series, which encompasses all models 401 and 402 with serial numbers ranging from 401/402-0001 to 401/402-0279, a particular directive pertains to the relocation of the fuel pressure switch. This directive, identified as AD/CESSNA 400/6, mandates compliance within 100 hours of time in service after the directive was issued on 28 November 1968. The regulation applies to the specified models within the defined serial number range and is enforced under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The geographic reach of this legislation is national, applying uniformly across Australia. While the primary focus is on enhancing aviation safety through specific modifications, there are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the scope of this directive. Compliance is crucial for maintaining airworthiness standards, and the directive may be further elaborated or modified through subordinate instruments as deemed necessary by the regulatory authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under PART 39 - 105, includes specific Airworthiness Directives (AD) that mandate particular modifications and inspections for ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. One such directive is AD/CESSNA 400/6, which pertains to the relocation of the fuel pressure switch on Cessna 400 Series Aeroplanes, specifically models 401 and 402 with serial numbers ranging from 401/402-0001 to 401/402-0279. This directive applies to aircraft within 100 hours of time in service after 28 November 1968. Compliance with this directive is essential and is documented in Cessna SL ME68-18. Under this directive, the primary requirement is the relocation of the fuel pressure switch to a specified location within the aircraft. This modification is intended to ensure that the fuel pressure switch operates effectively and reliably, thus contributing to the overall safety of the aircraft. The relocation must be performed in accordance with the detailed instructions and specifications provided in the referenced document, Cessna SL ME68-18, to ensure that the modification is carried out correctly and the aircraft remains airworthy. The AD/CESSNA 400/6 directive imposes specific obligations on the parties responsible for the maintenance and operation of the affected aircraft. Owners, operators, and maintenance personnel must ensure that the fuel pressure switch relocation is performed within the stipulated timeframe of 100 hours of service after the directive's issuance date. Failure to comply with this directive can result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which could lead to grounding and legal consequences. Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/CESSNA 400/6 can result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce compliance and take action against non-compliance. Potential penalties include fines, operational restrictions, and in severe cases, the grounding of the aircraft. The maximum penalties for non-compliance are not specified in the directive but can be substantial under the broader regulatory framework of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. Therefore, it is crucial for all parties involved to adhere strictly to the requirements of this directive to avoid any adverse outcomes.