AD/FU24/55 - Oil Pressure Gauge Line - Fitment of Restrictor

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, include a series of legislative instruments designed to maintain the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in the country. One such instrument is the Airworthiness Directive AD/FU24/55, issued in 1979 by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988. This directive targets the FU 24 Series Aeroplanes manufactured by Airparts (NZ) Ltd., specifically addressing the risk of oil loss caused by failures in the oil pressure gauge line. The directive aims to enhance aviation safety by mandating the fitment of a restrictor to the oil pressure gauge line within 200 hours of time in service after 31 July 1979, as outlined in Aerospace Service Letter No. ASL/FU/74-3, thereby mitigating potential hazards associated with oil system failures.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, govern the scope and application of the Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This legislation applies to all model FU24-950 aeroplanes manufactured by Airparts (NZ) Ltd. The directive mandates compliance within 200 hours of time in service following 31 July 1979, as outlined in Aerospace Service Letter No. ASL/FU/74-3. This directive aims to prevent oil loss caused by failure of the oil pressure gauge line. The geographic reach of this legislation is national, as it pertains to airworthiness directives enforced by the Commonwealth of Australia. The legislation does not explicitly mention any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, and it does not extend or restrict application through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, include a schedule of airworthiness directives that govern the maintenance and operation of certain aircraft. Under this schedule, Airworthiness Directive AD/FU24/55 pertains to the FU 24 Series Aeroplanes manufactured by Airparts (NZ) Ltd. This directive mandates the fitting of a restrictor to the oil pressure gauge line (Section 105). The directive applies to all model FU24-950 aircraft and requires compliance within 200 hours of time in service after 31 July 1979 (Section 7/79). The directive was issued to prevent oil loss due to potential failure of the oil pressure gauge line, as documented in Aerospace Service Letter No. ASL/FU/74-3. Under this airworthiness directive, operators and maintenance personnel have specific obligations to ensure compliance. These include conducting a thorough inspection of the oil pressure gauge line and ensuring that a restrictor is fitted as specified in the directive. This requirement applies to all model FU24-950 aircraft, and compliance must be achieved within the specified timeframe of 200 hours of service post the directive's issuance date of 31 July 1979. The directive aims to enhance safety by mitigating the risk of oil loss, which could otherwise lead to engine failure or other critical issues. Failure to comply with this airworthiness directive can result in serious consequences. Section 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 outlines that non-compliance may lead to enforcement actions against the aircraft operator or owner. The potential penalties for breach of this directive include fines and other civil or criminal sanctions as prescribed by the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The exact penalties depend on the severity of the breach and the discretion of the court, but the directive is clear that non-compliance poses significant risks to the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.