AD/CL-600/31 - Fuel Tank Arcing Prevention

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by F2006B08592, aim to ensure the airworthiness of aircraft, particularly addressing safety issues identified in Bombardier (Canadair) CL-600 (Challenger) Series Aeroplanes. This legislative instrument was introduced to address the specific problem of fuel tank arcing in these aircraft, which had led to incidents where the electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter associated with the fuel pump had a hole burnt through its casing. The directive was enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure compliance with safety standards and prevent similar incidents in the future. The policy objective of this directive is to minimise the possibility of arcing occurring within the fuel tank by replacing the EMI filters in accordance with specified procedures. The directive applies to certain serial numbers of Canadair CL-600-1A11 and CL-600-2A12 aircraft, as well as uninstalled CL-600 fuel pumps, requiring the replacement of the EMI filters to comply with specified bulletins and revisions. Compliance must be achieved within certain timeframes, with the directive becoming effective on 22 May 1997. This measure aligns with Transport Canada's similar directive, AD CF-97-02, to ensure a coordinated approach to addressing this safety concern across jurisdictions.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105 and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to Bombardier (Canadair) CL-600 (Challenger) Series Aeroplanes. More precisely, the directive AD/CL-600/31 pertains to specific serial numbers of Canadair CL-600-1A11 and CL-600-2A12 aircraft and mandates compliance with specified fuel tank arcing prevention measures. The geographic reach of this legislation is national, extending throughout Australia, as it is a regulation under the Commonwealth of Australia. The directive is applicable to particular aircraft serial numbers and specific components, such as CL-600 fuel pumps held as spares, that must meet the outlined technical requirements. Compliance must be achieved within specific timeframes, with particular attention to the replacement of electromagnetic interference (EMI) filters according to the Canadair Alert Service Bulletins referenced. This directive does not explicitly state exclusions or exemptions, but its applicability is limited to the specified aircraft models and serial numbers. Subordinate instruments may further detail implementation and compliance measures.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, contain the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes a directive for Bombardier (Canadair) CL-600 (Challenger) Series Aeroplanes, identified as AD/CL-600/31. This directive pertains to the prevention of fuel tank arcing and applies to specific Canadair CL-600-1A11 and CL-600-2A12 aircraft serial numbers, as well as to certain CL-600 fuel pumps held as spares. The directive mandates the replacement of the electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter in accordance with specific service bulletins issued by Canadair, dated 31 March 1995. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear. Owners and operators of the affected aircraft must ensure that the EMI filters are replaced as specified. For Canadair CL-600-1A11 aircraft, the EMI filter must be replaced in line with the procedures outlined in Part B of Canadair Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) A600-0644 Revision 1. Similarly, for Canadair CL-600-2A12 aircraft, the replacement must follow the guidelines in Part B of Canadair ASB A601-0441 Revision 1. Additionally, any uninstalled CL-600 fuel pumps must have their EMI filters replaced with a new item, Part Number 160-151501, which must be stamped with "Revision H" or subsequent revisions. These replacements must be carried out prior to installation or within the next 100 hours of time in service but no later than 31 December 1997, depending on the requirement. Failure to comply with the provisions of this directive can result in significant consequences. The directive does not explicitly detail specific penalties for non-compliance, but under the broader Civil Aviation Regulations, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to severe penalties. This may include civil penalties for breaches of regulations, and in more serious cases, criminal charges which could result in fines and imprisonment. The seriousness of such penalties underscores the importance of adhering to the airworthiness directives to ensure the safety and compliance of aircraft operations.