AD/FN-333/2 - Fuel Solenoid Valve Relocation - Flexible Hose Installation

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), were enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. One of the key objectives of these regulations is to mandate compliance with airworthiness directives issued by CASA. One such directive, AD/FN-333/2, pertains to the SIAI Marchetti FN-333 (Riviera) series aeroplanes, specifically addressing the relocation of the fuel solenoid valve and the installation of a flexible NK hose. This directive was introduced to address potential safety risks associated with the fuel system of these aircraft models, ensuring that all operators comply with the specified modifications forthwith. The policy objective is to enhance the safety and reliability of these aeroplanes through standardised maintenance and operational practices.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/FN-333/2 concerning the Siai Marchetti FN-333 (Riviera) Series Aeroplanes, pertains to all models within this series and mandates the relocation of the fuel solenoid valve and the installation of a flexible NK hose. This directive applies universally to all aircraft within the specified series, ensuring that these modifications are carried out without delay. The regulations are part of the broader Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, and they apply under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia, thus extending across all states and territories within the nation. The directive is binding and does not provide for any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds in its application, meaning that all aircraft within the FN-333 series must comply with the specified modifications to remain airworthy. The enforcement and interpretation of these directives may be further detailed through subordinate instruments, which may provide additional clarification or procedural guidelines for compliance.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislative instrument pertain to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA) requirements for the SIAI Marchetti FN-333 (Riviera) Series Aeroplanes. Section 39-105 specifies the schedule of airworthiness directives, which in this case includes the AD/FN-333/2 concerning the relocation of the fuel solenoid valve and the installation of a flexible NK hose. This directive applies to all models of the FN-333 series aeroplanes, as stated in the document Siai Marchetti SB No. 333-5. Compliance with these directives is mandated forthwith, meaning that operators must implement the required changes immediately. The obligations and requirements imposed by this legislation include the immediate relocation of the fuel solenoid valve and the installation of a flexible NK hose as outlined in the specified service bulletin. Operators of the SIAI Marchetti FN-333 series aeroplanes must ensure that these modifications are carried out in accordance with the detailed instructions provided in the service bulletin. Additionally, operators must maintain thorough documentation and records of the compliance process, demonstrating that all mandated changes have been implemented correctly and in a timely manner. Failure to comply with these airworthiness directives can result in serious consequences. According to the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance may lead to various penalties and sanctions. These can include fines, suspension or revocation of air operator certificates, and potential criminal charges for individuals or companies found in breach of the regulations. The specific penalties, including the maximum fines and duration of potential imprisonment, are detailed in other sections of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and associated regulations. Operators are advised to adhere strictly to the directives to avoid these severe repercussions.