AD/FU24/10 - Fuel Sump Corrosion - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, include the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which governs the maintenance and safety standards for various aircraft. One such directive, AD/FU24/10, pertains to the inspection of fuel sump corrosion in FU 24 Series Aeroplanes manufactured by Airparts (NZ) Ltd. This directive was introduced to address the issue of potential structural integrity risks due to corrosion in the fuel tank sump, which is critical for ensuring the safety of flight operations. The Australian Government, through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, established this directive with the policy objective of maintaining and enhancing aviation safety by enforcing regular inspections and timely maintenance actions on specified aircraft components. Compliance with this directive is mandatory for all models equipped with fuel tank sump P/N 244810, with inspections required at intervals not exceeding 12 months.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Regulations 1998, under the Australian Commonwealth, govern the scope and application of airworthiness directives, including those pertaining to specific aircraft models and their maintenance requirements. Specifically, AD/FU24/10 mandates that all models of FU 24 Series Aeroplanes fitted with a fuel tank sump part number 244810 must undergo a thorough inspection for corrosion. This requirement applies to the aircraft's fuel sump, necessitating its removal and detailed examination of both its interior and exterior surfaces. The directive stipulates that this inspection must be conducted at intervals not exceeding 12 months to ensure continued airworthiness and safety standards are met. This regulation applies nationwide within Australia, overseen by CASA, and is applicable to all operators of the specified aircraft models, ensuring that maintenance practices comply with established safety protocols.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, detail the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives. One such directive, AD/FU24/10, pertains to the inspection of the fuel sump on FU 24 Series Aeroplanes manufactured by Airparts (NZ) Ltd. Section 6/68 of the directive applies to all models fitted with a fuel tank sump part number 244810. The requirement under this directive is to remove the fuel sump from the aircraft and conduct a thorough inspection of both its interior and exterior for signs of corrosion. This inspection must be carried out at intervals not exceeding 12 months to ensure the continued airworthiness of the aircraft. Compliance with the airworthiness directive AD/FU24/10 involves a series of obligations for the parties governed by the regulations. Aircraft operators, owners, and maintenance personnel must ensure that the specified inspections are performed on a regular basis, not exceeding the stipulated 12-month interval. This requirement is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of the fuel sump, which is integral to the safe operation of the aircraft. The directive mandates that the inspections are to be conducted by qualified personnel who are familiar with the procedures and standards set forth by CASA. Violations of the airworthiness directives can result in significant consequences, including both civil and criminal penalties. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, failure to comply with these directives can lead to enforcement actions by CASA. This may include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and other administrative actions. Additionally, in more severe cases, there may be criminal penalties imposed, including imprisonment, depending on the nature and extent of the breach. The specific maximum penalties are detailed in the relevant sections of the Civil Aviation Act and associated regulations, ensuring that there are clear and enforceable consequences for non-compliance with airworthiness directives.