AD/FA-200/4 - Main Fuel Tank Vent - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, are a key piece of legislation governing aviation safety in Australia, and specifically, Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives pertains to ensuring the continued airworthiness of aircraft. This particular legislative instrument, F2006B09939, was introduced to address a specific safety issue identified in the Fuji FA-200 Series Aeroplanes. The problem it was enacted to resolve involves the modification of the main fuel tank vent to mitigate potential risks associated with fuel tank pressurisation and vapour accumulation. This legislative instrument was enacted by the Australian Government, through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, with the overarching policy objective of enhancing the safety and reliability of aviation operations by mandating specific modifications to aircraft to prevent hazardous conditions. The requirement for compliance within 100 hours time in service after 23 March 1970 underscores the urgency and critical nature of the safety issue being addressed.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued Airworthiness Directive AD/FA-200/4, which pertains to the Fuji FA-200 series aeroplanes, specifically those with serial numbers ranging from 56 to 75. This directive mandates modifications to the main fuel tank vent of these aircraft, with the compliance deadline set within 100 hours of time in service following 23 March 1970. The directive applies to all relevant aircraft irrespective of their operator or location within Australia, encompassing both private and commercial entities involved in the operation of these Fuji FA-200 series aeroplanes. The directive does not specify any exclusions or exemptions, implying that all affected aircraft must comply with the prescribed modifications to maintain their airworthiness. CASA may extend or restrict the application of this directive through subordinate instruments, thereby ensuring the safety and compliance standards are met across the aviation industry.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes a schedule of airworthiness directives that address various safety concerns in aviation. One such directive, AD/FA-200/4, pertains to the Fuji FA-200 Series aeroplanes, focusing on the modification of the main fuel tank vent. This directive applies to all models with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 56 to 75 (s. 39-105). The document detailing the required modifications is Fuji SB FAS-007 (s. 39-105). Compliance with these modifications is mandatory within 100 hours of time in service following 23 March 1970 (s. 39-105). The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and direct. Operators of the Fuji FA-200 Series aeroplanes must ensure that the specified modifications to the main fuel tank vent are carried out within the stipulated timeframe. Failure to comply with the directive could lead to significant safety risks, particularly concerning the integrity and functionality of the fuel tank system. This requirement underscores the importance of maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft by adhering to prescribed safety standards. Breaches of the airworthiness directive can result in serious consequences. The regulations do not explicitly outline specific penalties for non-compliance within the text provided, but the overarching legal framework under which these regulations operate can impose substantial penalties. In general, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), including fines, suspension of airworthiness certificates, or other administrative measures. In severe cases, criminal charges could be pursued, leading to more severe penalties. The exact penalties would depend on the specific circumstances and the degree of non-compliance, but the potential for significant repercussions is high.