COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Cessna 400 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 400/96 Auxiliary Fuel Pump Wiring Modification 12/89
Applicability: All models 401, 402, 404, 411, 414, and 421 which have been modified in accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin MEB 88-3.
Requirement: Unless already accomplished, action in accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin MEB 88-3 Revision 1.
Note: This Requirement does not apply to aeroplanes that have not incorporated SB MEB 88-3.
Compliance: Prior to the issue of the next maintenance release after 31 December 1989.
Background: Compliance with the original issue of SB MEB 88-3 was not considered to warrant the issue of an Airworthiness Directive. This AD is raised to ensure that necessary features of revision 1 are incorporated into modified aeroplanes.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, were introduced to establish and maintain a comprehensive regulatory framework for civil aviation safety. This legislation plays a pivotal role in ensuring that aircraft operations are conducted with the utmost safety standards. Part 39 - 105 of these regulations, specifically Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, is concerned with ensuring that aircraft and their components meet the necessary safety standards. The problem this regulation addresses is the need for continuous oversight and updating of safety standards to accommodate new findings, technological advancements, and modifications in aircraft design and operation. The policy objective is to enhance aviation safety by mandating specific modifications and maintenance actions, as illustrated in the case of the Cessna 400 Series Aeroplanes, where the requirement for auxiliary fuel pump wiring modifications was specified to ensure compliance with updated safety directives.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes provisions for the Cessna 400 Series Aeroplanes. This regulatory instrument applies to all models 401, 402, 404, 411, 414, and 421 that have undergone modifications consistent with Cessna Service Bulletin MEB 88-3. The directive mandates that, unless already completed, the action outlined in Cessna Service Bulletin MEB 88-3 Revision 1 must be undertaken. Importantly, this requirement does not extend to aeroplanes that have not incorporated SB MEB 88-3. Compliance with this directive must be achieved prior to the release of the next maintenance update following 31 December 1989. The directive is intended to ensure that aeroplanes, which have already been modified according to the initial service bulletin, also incorporate the necessary features from its revision. The scope of this legislation is confined to the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the specified Cessna aeroplanes within the national jurisdiction.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, include a specific Airworthiness Directive (AD) for Cessna 400 Series Aeroplanes, titled AD/CESSNA 400/96 (section 39-105). This directive mandates modifications to the auxiliary fuel pump wiring for certain models, namely the 401, 402, 404, 411, 414, and 421, provided they have already been modified in accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin MEB 88-3. The requirement outlined in the directive is for these aeroplanes to implement the actions specified in Cessna Service Bulletin MEB 88-3 Revision 1, unless this has already been accomplished. Importantly, this directive does not apply to aeroplanes that have not previously incorporated the changes from SB MEB 88-3. Compliance with this directive must be achieved before the issue of the next maintenance release following 31 December 1989.
The obligations imposed by this Airworthiness Directive require owners and operators of the specified Cessna 400 Series models to ensure that any aeroplanes modified in accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin MEB 88-3 are also updated with the modifications stipulated in Revision 1 of the bulletin. This involves conducting the necessary wiring modifications to the auxiliary fuel pump as detailed in the bulletin. Owners and operators must verify that these modifications are completed before the next maintenance release date post-31 December 1989. Failure to comply with this directive could result in the aeroplane being deemed non-airworthy, which would prevent it from operating legally under Australian civil aviation regulations.
In terms of consequences for non-compliance, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not specify explicit civil or criminal penalties for breaching this particular Airworthiness Directive. However, operating an aeroplane that does not comply with applicable airworthiness directives can result in serious safety risks and legal repercussions. Non-compliance may lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which could include grounding of the aeroplane, fines, or other regulatory actions. The severity of these actions would depend on the specific circumstances of the non-compliance and the associated risks to aviation safety.
Additionally, any person who knowingly contravenes the provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 may be subject to penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. These penalties can include substantial fines and, in severe cases, imprisonment. The exact penalties would be determined by the court based on the nature and extent of the breach, but the seriousness of aviation safety regulations underscores the importance of strict compliance with all directives and service bulletins.