AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
Reims Aviation F406 Series Aeroplanes
AD/F406/10 Fuel Boost Pump Wiring 8/2002 DM
Applicability: Model F406 aeroplanes, Serial Numbers F406-0001 up to and including F406-0089.
Requirement: 1. Inspect the wire harness and fuel boost pump lead wires for chafing or damage in accordance with Reims/Cessna Service Bulletin (SB) CAB02-8 dated 3 June 2002.
2. If, during the Requirement 1 inspection, any wire harness is found chafed or damaged beyond the limits specified in SB CAB02-8, replace the harness in accordance with SB CAB02-8.
3. If, during the Requirement 1 inspection, the fuel boost pump lead wires are found chafed or damaged beyond the limits specified in SB CAB02-8, replace the fuel boost pump in accordance with SB CAB02-8.
4. If, during the initial or first Requirement 1 inspection, damage or chaffing is either not detected or is below the limits specified in SB CAB02, install spiral wrap protection and change the routing in accordance with SB CAB02-8.
Note: DGAC AD 2002-325(A) refers.
Compliance: For Requirement 1 - Within 25 hours time in service (TIS) or 60 days, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this Directive, and thereafter every 600 hours TIS.
For Requirements 2 and 3 - Before further flight after the Requirement 1 inspection.
For Requirement 4 - Before further flight after the initial or first Requirement 1 inspection.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 6 July 2002.
Reims Aviation F406 Series Aeroplanes
AD/F406/10 (continued)
Background: Reims/Cessna has received reports of the fuel boost pump wiring harness chafing on the fuel boost pump housing and associated fuel lines or components.
This Directive requires an initial inspection of the fuel boost pump wiring, together with rerouting and the installation of spiral wrap protection and, if necessary, replacement of the harness or fuel boost pump. Repetitive inspections are also required. These actions are intended to detect and correct chafing and/or arcing of boost pump wiring, which could result in arcing within the wing fuel storage system. Arcing could lead to ignition of explosive vapour within the fuel storage system.
Eugene Paul Holzapfel
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 26 June 2002
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 3 July 2002.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) introduced the Airworthiness Directive (AD) F406/10 in 2002 to address safety concerns related to the fuel boost pump wiring harness on Reims Aviation F406 Series Aeroplanes. This directive was enacted in response to reports of chafing of the fuel boost pump wiring harness, which could potentially lead to arcing within the wing fuel storage system, increasing the risk of an explosive ignition. The AD mandates specific inspections and corrective actions to mitigate these risks, ensuring that the affected aircraft meet necessary safety standards. The policy objective is to enhance the safety of these aircraft by preventing potential wiring failures that could compromise the integrity of the fuel system.
The AD requires a thorough inspection of the wire harness and fuel boost pump lead wires, with subsequent actions including rerouting, installation of spiral wrap protection, and replacement of the harness or fuel boost pump if necessary. These measures are intended to detect and correct chafing and arcing, thereby preventing hazardous conditions. Compliance with the AD is mandatory for all affected aircraft, with specific timelines outlined for initial inspections and subsequent repetitive inspections. This legislative instrument was issued under subregulation 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, ensuring that CASA's regulatory framework is adhered to in maintaining the airworthiness of these aircraft.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/F406/10, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, applies specifically to Reims Aviation F406 series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from F406-0001 to F406-0089. This legislation mandates specific actions to address identified unsafe conditions concerning the fuel boost pump wiring of these aircraft. The directive requires the inspection and, if necessary, replacement of the wire harness and fuel boost pump lead wires to prevent chafing or damage, which could lead to arcing within the wing fuel storage system, potentially causing ignition of explosive vapour. Compliance with this AD must occur within 25 hours or 60 days, whichever is earlier, after the directive's effective date, followed by periodic inspections every 600 hours of time in service. The AD's scope is confined to the specified aircraft model and serial numbers, and it is subject to further instructions through subordinate instruments such as service bulletins, ensuring that all identified safety concerns are adequately addressed.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) F406/10, issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998), applies specifically to Reims Aviation F406 Series Aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from F406-0001 to F406-0089. The directive mandates several key actions to ensure the airworthiness of these aircraft. Firstly, it requires an inspection of the wire harness and fuel boost pump lead wires for any signs of chafing or damage (Requirement 1). If any damage is found beyond the specified limits in Reims/Cessna Service Bulletin (SB) CAB02-8 dated 3 June 2002, the affected harness or fuel boost pump must be replaced (Requirements 2 and 3). If no damage is detected or if it is within acceptable limits, spiral wrap protection must be installed, and the routing of the wires changed (Requirement 4). These actions must be performed within specific timeframes and intervals as outlined in the directive.
The AD imposes several obligations on the operators and maintainers of the affected aircraft. Operators must conduct the initial inspection within 25 hours of time in service (TIS) or 60 days after the effective date of the AD, whichever occurs first. Subsequent inspections are mandated every 600 hours TIS. For any detected damage, operators must replace the damaged components before further flight. If no damage is detected, they must install spiral wrap protection and change the wire routing before the next flight. Compliance with these requirements is critical to ensuring the safe operation of the aircraft and preventing potential hazards such as arcing and fire within the fuel storage system.
Failure to comply with the AD can result in serious safety implications. The AD does not explicitly state specific penalties for non-compliance but violations of CAR 1998 can result in civil penalties. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to fines and other penalties. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to take enforcement action against operators and maintainers who fail to adhere to the AD, which may include grounding of the aircraft until the required actions are taken. These actions underscore the importance of strict adherence to the AD to maintain the safety and airworthiness of the affected aircraft.