AD/FA-200/12 - Auxiliary Fuel Pump - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, provide a comprehensive framework for the regulation of civil aviation in Australia. One particular area of focus within these regulations is the safety of aircraft, as evidenced by the inclusion of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. The AD/FA-200/12, pertaining to Fuji FA-200 Series Aeroplanes, is an example of a directive aimed at ensuring that specific models of aircraft meet necessary safety standards. This directive was introduced to address potential safety issues with the auxiliary fuel pump in the Fuji FA-200-180 model, requiring modifications to be undertaken within 100 hours of time in service after 30 September 1971 to ensure continued airworthiness. The policy objective behind such directives is to maintain the highest standards of safety within the civil aviation sector, protecting both passengers and personnel involved in aircraft operations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, encompasses regulations that apply to aircraft operations within Australia. The particular Airworthiness Directive AD/FA-200/12 focuses on Fuji FA-200 Series Aeroplanes, with the requirement being applicable to all model FA-200-180 variants. This directive mandates a modification to the auxiliary fuel pump, as outlined in Fuji Service Bulletin No. FAS-056, and requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service following 30 September 1971. The directive applies to any person or entity operating these specific aircraft models within Australia, ensuring adherence to safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The scope of the Act is national, covering all jurisdictions within the Commonwealth of Australia, with no stated exclusions or exemptions in the provided text. Any further elaboration or restriction on the application of this directive may be detailed in subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, include an Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning Fuji FA-200 Series Aeroplanes, identified as AD/FA-200/12. This directive, which is related to the auxiliary fuel pump, mandates a modification for all model FA-200-180 aircraft (section 105.12). The directive applies to aircraft that have accumulated 100 hours of time in service after 30 September 1971, as specified in the Fuji Service Bulletin No. FAS-056 (section 105.12(a)). Compliance with this directive is critical, as it ensures the continued airworthiness of the aircraft by addressing potential safety issues related to the auxiliary fuel pump. The obligations imposed by this Airworthiness Directive require aircraft operators to ensure that the modifications outlined in Fuji SB No. FAS-056 are completed within the specified timeframe. This involves detailed inspections and necessary repairs or replacements of the auxiliary fuel pump to meet the safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Operators must also maintain accurate records of the modifications, including dates of compliance, to demonstrate adherence to the regulatory requirements. These records must be readily available for inspection by CASA officials. Failure to comply with the Airworthiness Directive AD/FA-200/12 may result in serious consequences. According to the Civil Aviation Regulations, non-compliance with such directives can be considered a breach of airworthiness requirements. This breach can lead to enforcement actions by CASA, including fines and other penalties. Specifically, operators who do not adhere to the AD may face substantial financial penalties, with maximum fines potentially reaching significant amounts as outlined in the regulations. Additionally, persistent non-compliance could result in the grounding of the aircraft until the required modifications are made, which could have severe operational and financial implications for the operator.