AD/GENERAL/79 Amdt 1 - Testing for Ethylene Diamine (EDA) Contamination of Fuel Tanks

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Legislation au F2006B10303 Not in force Legislative Instrument

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Aircraft - General

 

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE


For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/GENERAL/79. and issues the following AD under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

 

AD/GENERAL/79

Amdt 1


Testing for Ethylene Diamine (EDA) Contamination of Fuel Tanks


3/2000 TX

 

Applicability: All piston engine aircraft declared unairworthy in accordance with AD/GENERAL/78 Amdt 1 or original issue, other than:

 

(a)     Aircraft compliant with the terminating action provisions in AD/GENERAL/78 Amdt 1; or

 

(b)     Aircraft that have had their fuel tanks flushed either during evaluation trials or using EDA decontamination procedures not yet approved; or

 

(c)     Aircraft that have exhibited physical evidence of contamination since the issue of AD/GENERAL/77.

 

Compliance with the original issue of this Directive constitutes compliance with this amendment to the Directive.

 

Note 1: This test is not applicable to aircraft that have had fuel tanks flushed either during evaluation trials or using EDA decontamination procedures not yet approved. Testing of these aircraft will be covered by the post decontamination test specified in AD/GENERAL/80 Amdt 2 or AD/GENERAL/81 Amdt 2, as applicable.

 

Note 2: Aircraft that have exhibited physical evidence of contamination since the issue of AD/GENERAL/77 are considered as “contaminated” and subject to the requirements of AD/GENERAL/80 Amdt 2 or AD/GENERAL/81 Amdt 2, as applicable.

COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY

SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

 

 

 

Requirement: 1. Carry out a test of each of the aircraft’s fuel tanks for evidence of EDA in accordance with the CASA Procedure No. ACSB-2000/001, Revision 1, using the test kit supplied by Mobil.

 

Note 3: Interconnected fuel cells are considered as one tank.

 

(a)          If the test indicates that the aircraft is contaminated with EDA, compliance with AD/GENERAL/80 Amdt 2 or AD/GENERAL/81 Amdt 2 (as applicable) is required before further flight.

 

(b)          If the test indicates that the aircraft is not contaminated with EDA, the aircraft can be returned to service. In accordance with CAR 48, certify the clearance endorsement in the aircraft maintenance records.

 

2.                  If the aircraft is found not contaminated, refuel the aircraft to maximum fuel capacity, adding isopropyl alcohol to each tank in quantities not exceeding 1% of the total tank fuel quantity during refuelling.

 

Note 4: Isopropyl alcohol in these quantities will scavenge residual water from fuel systems.

 

3.                  Remove aircraft primary fuel filter, and

 

(a)     Test the filter for evidence of EDA in accordance with Section 6 of CASA approved procedure ACSB-2000/001, Revision 1, using the EDA test kit supplied by Mobil, and

 

(b)     If EDA contamination is found, compliance with AD/GENERAL/80 Amdt 2 or AD/GENERAL/81 Amdt 2 is required before further flight, and

 

(c)     If no EDA contamination is found; in accordance with CAR 48, certify compliance in maintenance records, including the aircraft maintenance release and the aircraft log book.

 

 

 

Compliance: 1: Unless previously accomplished; before further flight. However, the aircraft may be flown direct to another location to enable this maintenance to be carried out, subject to:

 

(a)     An inspection of all aircraft fuel system and engine fuel system filters detailed in the aircraft manufacturer’s periodic inspection schedule for evidence of contamination; and

 

(b)     For aircraft engines fitted with a carburettor(s); an inspection of the carburettor needle and seat for evidence of contamination; and

 

(c)     The total flight time not exceeding 5 hours; and

 

(d)     Operating crew only being carried out in the aircraft; and

 

(e)     The aircraft being flown only in day/VFR operation; and

 

(f)      Flight over water being conducted within gliding distance of land. 2: As applicable; before further flight.

3: After 20 hours, but, no later than 25 hours time in service or 3 months from the effective date of this Directive, whichever occurs first.

 

This Amendment becomes effective on 11 February 2000.

 

Background:  This Directive follows previous Directives issued as a result of the distribution of suspect contaminated 100/130 AVGAS from the Mobil Altona Refinery.

 

This amendment references the latest versions of both the CASA fuel system test procedure and the latest amendment status of the de-contamination ADs.

 

The original issue of this Airworthiness Directive became effective on 23 January 2000.


 

Richard G Yates

Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 11 February 2000

 


The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 11 February 2000.

Overview

The Civil Aviation (Airworthiness) Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) established a framework for ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft in Australia. To address the problem of ethylene diamine (EDA) contamination in aircraft fuel tanks, which could lead to engine failure, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/GENERAL/79 in 2000. This directive was enacted to ensure the safe operation of piston engine aircraft by mandating specific testing and maintenance procedures to detect and address EDA contamination. The policy objective of this AD is to prevent unsafe conditions arising from EDA contamination, thereby enhancing aviation safety. CASA, acting under the authority of the CAR 1998, issued this directive to require testing of fuel tanks and filters for EDA contamination, with specific compliance timelines and operational restrictions to mitigate risks associated with contaminated aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Airworthiness Directive AD/GENERAL/79 Amdt 1 applies to all piston engine aircraft that have been declared unairworthy in accordance with AD/GENERAL/78 Amdt 1 or the original issue, except for aircraft compliant with the terminating action provisions in AD/GENERAL/78 Amdt 1, those that have had their fuel tanks flushed using unapproved EDA decontamination procedures, and those that have exhibited physical evidence of contamination since the issue of AD/GENERAL/77. The AD mandates the testing of fuel tanks for Ethylene Diamine (EDA) contamination, with specific instructions for conducting the test, refuelling, and filter inspection. Compliance must occur before further flight, with certain conditions applicable for initial flights post-maintenance. The AD is issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and falls within the Commonwealth of Australia’s jurisdiction. The directive became effective on 11 February 2000 and its requirements are enforced through subordinate instruments that detail specific procedures and thresholds for compliance.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of this Airworthiness Directive (AD) require specific actions to be taken regarding aircraft fuel systems and fuel tanks. Section 1 of the AD mandates testing of each of the aircraft's fuel tanks for evidence of ethylene diamine (EDA) contamination using a specified test kit (section 1(1)). If EDA contamination is detected, further action must be taken in accordance with other ADs before the aircraft can be flown again (section 1(1)(a)). If no contamination is detected, the aircraft can be returned to service and a clearance endorsement must be certified in the aircraft maintenance records (section 1(1)(b)). Additionally, if the aircraft is found not to be contaminated, the fuel tanks must be refueled to maximum capacity, with isopropyl alcohol added in specific quantities (section 1(2)). The primary fuel filter must also be removed and tested for EDA contamination (section 1(3)). Compliance with these testing and certification requirements must be achieved within specific timeframes; the tests must be carried out before further flight and within set periods after the AD becomes effective (section 2). The AD imposes several obligations on the parties governed by it. Primarily, it mandates that aircraft operators and maintenance personnel conduct the specified tests and follow the outlined procedures to ensure the safety of the aircraft. This includes testing for EDA contamination in fuel tanks and fuel filters, documenting the results, and taking appropriate action if contamination is detected. The AD also requires that maintenance records be updated to reflect compliance with the directive and that certain flight restrictions be observed if the aircraft is flown to a location where the required maintenance can be performed. Failure to comply with these obligations can result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy and subject to enforcement action. Breach of the requirements set out in this AD can result in significant consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with ADs can be considered an offence. This may lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which can include fines and other penalties. The maximum penalties for offences under the Civil Aviation Act can be substantial, reflecting the serious nature of aviation safety breaches. Additionally, failure to comply with ADs can result in the aircraft being grounded until the necessary actions are taken, potentially leading to significant operational disruptions for the aircraft operator.

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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.