Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by the Airworthiness Directive issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in 2002, address a significant safety issue concerning Bombardier (Canadair) CL-600 (Challenger) Series aeroplanes, specifically those with serial numbers 7003 to 7067 and 7069 to 7109. This Airworthiness Directive mandates a modification to the main fuel tank vent system to prevent fuel spillage during refuelling and flight manoeuvres, which could potentially lead to a fire hazard. The directive, which became effective on 16 May 2002, requires compliance before further flight and specifies the modification procedure in accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-28-024, Revision A dated 11 November 1998. The directive aims to rectify an unsafe condition that could compromise the airworthiness and safety of the aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Airworthiness Directive issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 applies specifically to Bombardier (Canadair) CL-600 (Challenger) Series aeroplanes, specifically those with serial numbers 7003 to 7067 and 7069 to 7109, identified as the CL-600-2B19 “Regional Jet” variant. The directive mandates the modification of the main fuel tank vent system to address an identified safety concern where fuel may spill during refuelling or flight manoeuvres, potentially leading to hazardous conditions including fire risks. This requirement is issued by the delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and is applicable immediately before any further flight after the directive’s effective date of 16 May 2002. Compliance with this AD is imperative, ensuring that the specified modifications are made in accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-28-024, Revision A dated 11 November 1998. The directive is applicable nationally within Australia and is part of a broader effort to maintain and enhance aviation safety standards as outlined under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, include specific provisions related to Airworthiness Directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). One such directive, AD/CL-600/50, pertains to Bombardier (Canadair) CL-600 (Challenger) Series aeroplanes, specifically the CL-600-2B19 “Regional Jet” models. This directive applies to aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 7003 to 7067 and 7069 to 7109 (Section 1). The directive mandates a modification to the main fuel tank vent system to prevent the accumulation of fuel that could potentially cause a fire (Section 2). The directive requires that the main fuel tank fuel vent tubing be modified according to Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-28-024, Revision A dated 11 November 1998. This modification must be completed before the aircraft is flown again after the directive takes effect. The directive becomes effective on 16 May 2002, and it is referenced by Transport Canada AD CF-2001-31 (Section 3). The purpose of this directive is to address a safety issue where fuel trapped in the main tank vent line system may spill during refuelling or flight manoeuvres, potentially leading to a fire hazard. The directive imposes specific obligations on the aircraft operators and maintenance personnel to ensure compliance with the required modifications. Operators must identify the affected aircraft and ensure that the modifications are carried out by authorised personnel following the specified procedures outlined in the Bombardier Service Bulletin. Non-compliance with this directive could lead to significant safety risks, as the potential for fuel spillage and subsequent fire hazards is high. Operators are required to document the modifications and maintain records as evidence of compliance. Failure to comply with the Airworthiness Directive could result in severe consequences, including potential grounding of the affected aircraft until the required modifications are made. Civil and criminal penalties may apply for non-compliance, depending on the circumstances and the discretion of the CASA. The specific penalties are not detailed in the text, but they could include fines and other regulatory actions. Ensuring compliance with this directive is crucial to maintaining the airworthiness and safety of the aircraft in question.