Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia's Parliament, provide a comprehensive regulatory framework for civil aviation safety. Part 39, specifically addressing airworthiness directives, was introduced to address and mitigate safety issues within civil aviation. This regulatory segment empowers the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to issue directives ensuring that aircraft remain airworthy. The legislative instrument F2006B08600, an Airworthiness Directive for Bombardier (Canadair) CL-600 (Challenger) Series Aeroplanes, exemplifies this framework in action, targeting a specific safety concern identified in overseas operations. The policy objective behind such directives is to enhance the safety of air travel by proactively addressing potential hazards. In this case, the directive mandates inspections and repairs to prevent chafing of fuel-level sensor wires, which could otherwise pose a significant fire risk.

Scope and Application

This Airworthiness Directive applies to a specific series of Bombardier (Canadair) CL-600 aircraft, namely the CL-600-2B19 “Regional Jet” aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 7003 to 7295 inclusive. This directive mandates certain safety measures to be undertaken by operators to address an identified unsafe condition related to the fuel-level sensing wiring. The directive is issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which are administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in the Commonwealth of Australia. The measures include inspecting the fuel-level sensing wires in the centre fuel tank for damage and ensuring adequate clearance from adjacent structures, replacing any damaged wires, installing cushioned clamps, and reporting findings to Bombardier. The directive sets specific timelines for compliance, which vary depending on the requirement. For instance, inspections must occur at the next “A” check or within 500 hours of service after the directive's effective date, while damaged wires must be replaced before further flight. The directive came into effect on 25 January 2001 and is applicable nationally within Australia, with its applicability extending to any aircraft within the specified serial number range operating in the country. The directive does not explicitly state exclusions or exemptions, but its requirements are to be strictly followed by all relevant operators within the Australian jurisdiction.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, establish specific requirements for the airworthiness of Bombardier (Canadair) CL-600 (Challenger) series aeroplanes. This legislation mandates a detailed Airworthiness Directive (AD) specifically for the CL-600-2B19 “Regional Jet” aeroplanes, serial numbers 7003 through 7295 inclusive, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) delegate. The AD, identified as AD/CL-600/39, focuses on addressing potential issues related to the fuel-level sensing wiring, particularly the risk of chafing which could lead to severe safety hazards. The directive requires a thorough visual inspection of the fuel-level sensing wires in the centre fuel tank to ensure they are free from damage and properly clear of adjacent structures. If any damage is detected, the AD mandates the replacement of the damaged wires using specified part numbers and the installation of cushioned clamps to prevent future chafing. The obligations imposed by the AD are comprehensive and involve multiple steps to ensure compliance. Operators of the affected aircraft must conduct inspections as per the specified instructions within Bombardier's Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 601R-28-042. This includes ensuring the clearance between the fuel probe wires and adjacent structure is no less than 3.125mm (0.125 inch) and between loose wires and adjacent structure no less than 12.5mm (0.5 inch). Additionally, any damaged wires must be replaced with the designated part numbers, cushioned clamps must be installed, and findings must be reported to Bombardier within 14 days of the inspection. Failure to adhere to these requirements can result in serious safety risks, including potential fuel tank fires or explosions. Failure to comply with the AD AD/CL-600/39 can result in significant penalties and consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the AD, non-compliance with airworthiness directives issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can lead to severe repercussions. These may include enforcement actions by CASA, such as fines, operational restrictions, or even the grounding of the aircraft. Additionally, operators found to be in breach of these directives may face legal consequences, including criminal charges if the non-compliance results in an accident or incident. The seriousness of these potential outcomes underscores the importance of strict adherence to the AD's provisions.