AD/FA-200/22 - Fuel Selector Valve

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, were enacted to ensure the safety of civil aviation within Australia. The regulations were established to address the need for stringent safety standards in the aviation industry and to provide a comprehensive framework for compliance with international aviation safety protocols. One such regulation, AD/FA-200/22, pertains to the Fuji FA-200 Series Aeroplanes, specifically addressing the issue of fuel loss through the vent system when the fuel selector valve is left in the "prohibited position". This directive was introduced to mitigate risks associated with fuel transfer between tanks and to ensure the airworthiness of the aircraft in accordance with Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau requirements, specifically referencing AD No. TCD-2598-86. The policy objective is to enhance aviation safety by mandating timely compliance with the installation of stops on the fuel selector valve to prevent improper valve selection, thereby safeguarding against potential fuel loss and ensuring the aircraft's operational integrity.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the application of airworthiness directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. This legislation applies to the Fuji FA-200 Series Aeroplanes with serial numbers 101 and subsequent, as well as any aircraft prior to serial number 101 that have incorporated the Service Bulletin FAS-032. The directive mandates the replacement of the fuel shut-off valve with a fuel selector valve as stipulated in Fuji Service Bulletin No. 200-007, referencing Japan Civil Aviation Bureau AD No. TCD-2598-86. Compliance is required within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1986 unless the action has already been taken. This requirement aims to address the issue of fuel loss through the vent system during parking when the fuel selector valve is in the "prohibited position", due to fuel transfer between the tanks, by installing stops on the fuel selector valve to prevent this selection.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under PART 39 - 105, specifically address the airworthiness directives concerning the Fuji FA-200 series aeroplanes. One such directive, AD/FA-200/22, pertains to the fuel selector valve, requiring action in accordance with Fuji Service Bulletin No. 200-007. This directive applies to Fuji FA-200 aircraft with serial numbers (S/N) 101 and subsequent, as well as to aircraft (prior to S/N 101) that have incorporated Service Bulletin FAS-032, which involves the replacement of the fuel shut-off valve with a fuel selector valve. The directive references Japan Civil Aviation Bureau AD No. TCD-2598-86. Under this regulation, the primary requirement is that the action specified in Fuji Service Bulletin No. 200-007 must be carried out to address the issue of fuel loss through the vent system. This issue arises when the fuel selector valve is left in the "prohibited position" during parking, leading to fuel transfer between the fuel tanks. To prevent this, the installation of stops on the fuel selector valve is mandated. This action must be completed unless it has already been accomplished, and it must be carried out within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1986. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and specific. Operators and owners of Fuji FA-200 series aeroplanes must ensure that the modifications specified in the service bulletin are implemented. This includes the installation of stops on the fuel selector valve to prevent the prohibited position from being selected, thereby avoiding fuel loss. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, and failure to adhere to the stipulated timeframes and requirements can have serious implications. In terms of consequences, non-compliance with the provisions of this directive can result in civil and criminal penalties. The exact nature and severity of these consequences may vary, but they can include fines and other sanctions. The Civil Aviation Regulations do not specify maximum penalties within this directive itself, but generally, violations of civil aviation safety regulations can attract substantial penalties under broader aviation laws. Ensuring compliance with airworthiness directives is crucial for maintaining the safety and regulatory standing of the aircraft.