AD/FA-200/8 - Pitot Static Water Drain Access - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, provide a comprehensive framework for the regulation of civil aviation in the country. One particular aspect addressed by these regulations is the issuance of airworthiness directives to ensure the safety of aircraft operations. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives includes AD/FA-200/8, which pertains to Fuji FA-200 Series Aeroplanes and mandates the installation of a rubber blanking grommet in the pitot-static water drain access hole located under the fuselage to prevent water ingress. This directive aims to enhance the safety and reliability of the aircraft by mitigating potential risks associated with water accumulation in critical systems. Compliance with this directive is required within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1970, ensuring that all applicable aircraft are modified in a timely manner.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39, establish detailed safety directives for aircraft operations within Australia, including the requirement for the Fuji FA-200 Series Aeroplanes to adhere to Airworthiness Directive AD/FA-200/8. This directive applies to all models of the Fuji FA-200 Series aeroplanes and mandates the installation of a rubber blanking grommet in the pitot-static water drain access hole located under the fuselage. This modification must be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1970 to ensure compliance with safety standards. The regulations extend across the Commonwealth, enforcing stringent safety protocols for civil aviation. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions under this directive, meaning all applicable aircraft must comply without exception. The scope of this regulation is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which may extend or restrict application through subordinate instruments as necessary to maintain safety standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, addresses airworthiness directives for specific aircraft types, such as the Fuji FA-200 Series Aeroplanes. Under this part, a specific directive, AD/FA-200/8, mandates the installation of a rubber blanking grommet in the pitot-static water drain access hole located under the fuselage (Section 6/70). This requirement applies to all models of the Fuji FA-200 Series Aeroplanes. Compliance with this directive must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1970. Operators and owners of Fuji FA-200 Series Aeroplanes are obligated to ensure that the specified modification is completed as per the directive. This involves inspecting the pitot-static water drain access hole and installing the rubber blanking grommet if it is not already present. The modification must be performed by a certified repair facility or an appropriately qualified individual, ensuring that all work is conducted in accordance with the regulations and standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive can result in significant consequences. Firstly, non-compliance may render the aircraft non-airworthy, potentially leading to refusal of the aircraft to take off or continued operation. Operators may face enforcement actions from CASA, including fines, suspension, or revocation of operating certificates. Additionally, in severe cases, criminal charges may be brought against the operator or responsible individual, resulting in imprisonment or substantial fines as stipulated under the relevant aviation laws. The precise penalties depend on the severity of the breach and the impact on aviation safety.