AD/CL-600/21 Amdt 2 - Tail Cone Fuel Tank

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the Legislative instrument F2006B08581, pertain to the safety directives for the Bombardier (Canadair) CL-600 (Challenger) Series Aeroplanes, specifically addressing the tail cone fuel tank of CL-600-2A12 and CL-600-2B16 aircraft. This regulation was introduced to address safety concerns arising from incidents where the level control valve sensing line for the tail cone fuel tank was broken during maintenance, leading to the potential for an explosion following a lightning strike. The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority has aligned this directive with Transport Canada's Airworthiness Directive CF-91-22R3 dated 27 May 1993, ensuring that the required modifications are implemented to maintain airworthiness standards. The objective of this directive is to ensure the safety of passengers and crew by mitigating the risks associated with fuel tank malfunctions. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 are overseen by the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) which sets forth these safety directives to comply with international standards and ensure the safety of civil aviation operations within Australia. This particular amendment, effective prior to 31 December 1993, requires the installation of a bonding jumper assembly to address the specific issue identified in the tail cone fuel tank of the specified aircraft models. The directive ensures that all applicable aircraft are maintained to the required safety standards, thereby enhancing overall aviation safety.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertain to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which applies to Bombardier (Canadair) CL-600 (Challenger) Series Aeroplanes. This regulation is applicable to all CL-600-2A12 and CL-600-2B16 aircraft equipped with a tail cone fuel tank, focusing on the requirement to implement actions in accordance with Transport Canada Airworthiness Directive CF-91-22R3 dated 27 May 1993. This directive addresses the installation of a bonding jumper assembly to mitigate the risk of explosion following a lightning strike, particularly relevant to the tail cone fuel tank level control valve sensing line. The regulation requires compliance prior to 31 December 1993, building on the previous issue's requirement for a revised effective date of 30 June 1992. The regulation extends its application nationally, ensuring that all relevant aircraft within the specified categories adhere to these stringent safety measures.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, detail the Airworthiness Directives for Bombardier (Canadair) CL-600 (Challenger) Series Aeroplanes. This legislation mandates that all CL-600-2A12 and CL-600-2B16 aircraft equipped with a tail cone fuel tank must comply with the requirements of Transport Canada Airworthiness Directive CF-91-22R3 dated 27 May 1993. This involves installing a bonding jumper assembly to mitigate the risk of explosion following a lightning strike, following the guidance in Canadair Alert Service Bulletin A601-0381 Revision No 2 dated 27 January 1992 and Canadair Kit Drawing K601-62011 Issue B. The obligations imposed by this legislation on the relevant parties include ensuring that the specified aircraft are inspected and maintained in accordance with the directive. This involves conducting a thorough inspection of the tail cone fuel tank level control valve sensing line, which runs through the aft equipment bay, and installing the bonding jumper assembly as required. The legislation requires compliance with the Transport Canada Airworthiness Directive and the referenced Canadair documents, ensuring that the necessary modifications are made before the specified effective date of 31 December 1993. Failure to comply with the requirements of this Airworthiness Directive can result in serious consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed within the legislative instrument itself, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations can lead to severe civil and criminal penalties. These may include fines, aircraft grounding, and potential criminal charges for those responsible for the oversight of the aircraft. The severity of the penalties is dependent on the nature and extent of the breach, but they are intended to ensure that aircraft remain airworthy and safe for operation. Given the potential risk of explosion following a lightning strike, the installation of the bonding jumper assembly is critical. This requirement is designed to prevent fuel tank explosions, which can be catastrophic. The legislation underscores the importance of adhering to these safety directives to protect both the aircraft and its occupants. By mandating specific actions and referencing detailed guidance documents, the legislation aims to ensure that all relevant parties understand and implement the necessary safety measures effectively. In summary, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, require all applicable CL-600 aircraft to comply with specific airworthiness directives related to the tail cone fuel tank. The legislation imposes clear obligations on aircraft owners and operators to ensure these requirements are met, with significant civil and potentially criminal consequences for non-compliance. This directive aims to enhance safety by mitigating the risk of fuel tank explosions, thereby protecting both the aircraft and its occupants.