Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Government and administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), were updated to include the Airworthiness Directive AD/CL-600/14 concerning Bombardier (Canadair) CL-600 (Challenger) Series Aeroplanes. This legislative instrument was introduced to address safety concerns identified with the engine pylon fuel feed tube assembly on specific models of the Challenger aircraft. The directive mandates modifications to ensure the replacement and secure locking of bolts that secure the engine fuel feed tube assembly to the fuel shut-off valve, as specified by the manufacturer in Canadair Challenger Alert SB No. A600-0352. Compliance with this directive is required prior to the issue of an Australian Certificate of Airworthiness, reflecting the policy objective of enhancing aircraft safety and reliability.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, mandates that all Bombardier (Canadair) CL-600 (Challenger) Series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 1004 to 1083 must comply with Airworthiness Directive AD/CL-600/14. This directive mandates the modification of the engine pylon fuel feed tube assembly, requiring the replacement and positive locking of the bolts securing the assembly to the fuel shut-off valve. This applies to all affected aircraft prior to the issuance of an Australian Certificate of Airworthiness, as per the directive dated 7/83, which is in line with the manufacturer's Canadair Challenger Alert SB No. A600-0352. This regulation is applicable nationally within the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to ensure the airworthiness of the specified aircraft models. There are no exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds specified in this directive, and its application is strictly limited to the outlined serial numbers. The directive’s requirements are integral to maintaining safety standards and are not extended or restricted through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The key sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly the airworthiness directive AD/CL-600/14, require the replacement and positive locking of bolts securing the engine fuel feed tube assembly to the fuel shut-off valve for Bombardier (Canadair) CL-600 (Challenger) Series Aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 1004 to 1083 (section 1). This modification is mandated prior to the issuance of an Australian Certificate of Airworthiness (section 7/83). The directive references Canadair Challenger Alert SB No. A600-0352 as the document detailing the necessary compliance measures (section 3). The obligations imposed by this directive on the relevant parties, including aircraft operators and maintenance organisations, include ensuring that the specified modifications are carried out before an aircraft is deemed airworthy. This involves removing the old fuel feed tube assembly, replacing it with a new one, and installing bolts that can be positively locked to prevent loosening (section 1). Additionally, operators must ensure that all modifications are documented properly and that the aircraft meets all regulatory requirements before any flight operations (section 7/83). Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive AD/CL-600/14 can lead to serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 establish various offences and penalties for non-compliance. For instance, operating an aircraft that does not meet the specified airworthiness standards can result in civil penalties, including fines and potential revocation of the aircraft's Certificate of Airworthiness (section 7/83). In more severe cases, criminal charges may be applicable, particularly if non-compliance is found to have contributed to an aviation accident or incident. The maximum penalties for such offences can include substantial fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach and its consequences (section 7/83).