AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CASR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

American Champion (Aeronca, Bellanca) Series Aeroplanes

AD/CHA/26 Gascolator Bowl 12/2003

Applicability: Bellanca (Champion/Aeronca) 7AC, 7BCM, and 11AC models incorporating a metal gascolator.

Requirement: 1. If the aircraft is equipped with a metal gascolator bowl that does not have a built in quick-drain arrangement:

(a)     Slowly rock the wings of the aircraft in accordance with Bellanca (Champion/Aeronca) supplement to "Service Helps and Hints", Nos. 15 and 18, reissued July 1, 1964, so that water lying in the fuel tank can settle into the gascolator bowl.

(b)     Remove the gascolator bowl and completely clean the bowl and the strainer screen to remove accumulations of water and foreign matter.

Note 1: If operating conditions are such that large quantities of water are found during these inspections, the gascolator bowl should be removed more frequently and the carburettor bowl should also be drained periodically.

2. If the aircraft is equipped with a metal gascolator bowl that does have a built in quick-drain arrangement, remove the gascolator bowl and completely clean the bowl and the strainer screen to remove accumulations of water and foreign matter.

Note 2: FAA AD 47-20-01 Amendment 39-3712 refers.

Compliance: For Requirement 1: At intervals not to exceed 25 hours time in service.

For Requirement 2: at each annual inspection

Note 3: Quick-drain shall be used during each pre-flight inspection.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 27 November 2003.

American Champion (Aeronca, Bellanca) Series Aeroplanes

AD/CHA/26 (continued)

Background: This directive has been issued to require additional water draining measures to be carried out. The requirement, originally issued in 1947, reflects experience in the 1940s of engine failures resulting from water-contaminated fuel. History has shown those lessons are still being learnt.

Jim Coyne

Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 13 October 2003

The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 5 November 2003.