AD/GY80/1 - Fuel System - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth Parliament, serve as a comprehensive regulatory framework to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. This piece of legislation, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the need for maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft through the issue of airworthiness directives. The policy objective of these regulations is to mitigate risks associated with aircraft operations by imposing mandatory safety standards and procedures, thereby safeguarding the public and enhancing the overall safety of the aviation industry. One specific directive under this legislation is AD/GY80/1, which pertains to Aerospatiale GY 80 (Horizon) Series Aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to address the problem of fuel supply line chafing, which could potentially lead to fuel leaks and compromise the safety of the aircraft. The requirement is to inspect and, if necessary, replace or protect the fuel supply lines where they pass through the wing-root/fuselage structure to prevent chafing. Compliance with this directive ensures that all affected aircraft are maintained to a standard that upholds the overarching goal of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998: to maintain the highest possible level of safety in civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as part of the legislative framework governing civil aviation in Australia, apply to a wide range of entities and individuals involved in the aviation industry, including aircraft manufacturers, operators, and maintenance providers. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives targets Aerospatiale GY 80 (Horizon) Series Aeroplanes, mandating compliance with safety directives for all models with serial numbers prior to No. 125. These directives include thorough inspections and modifications of the fuel system to prevent potential chafing of fuel supply lines passing through the wing-root/fuselage structure. Compliance with the directive is mandatory, with a specified compliance date of 25 November 1969, ensuring the maintenance of airworthiness standards for these aircraft. Subordinate instruments may further detail the specific methods and materials to be used in inspections and modifications, extending the application of the regulations to cover any additional requirements that may arise in the interest of safety.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, provide detailed instructions for the maintenance and safety of Aerospatiale GY 80 (Horizon) Series Aeroplanes. Section AD/GY80/1 outlines specific requirements for the fuel system (1). The primary requirement is to inspect the fuel supply lines where they pass through the wing-root and fuselage structure for any signs of chafing (1.1). If any chafing is detected, the affected pipes must be replaced (1.1). Furthermore, to prevent future chafing, the pipes in this critical area should be protected using a suitable piece of split rubber hose secured around the pipe (1.2). Alternatively, operators can follow Sud Aviation Service Bulletin No. 28 as an acceptable method of compliance (1.3). Compliance with these directives is mandatory and must be achieved by 25 November 1969 (1.4). Under these regulations, operators and owners of Aerospatiale GY 80 (Horizon) Series Aeroplanes are required to adhere to the outlined inspection and modification procedures. The regulations impose a duty on these parties to ensure that the specified fuel system checks are carried out and any necessary modifications or replacements are performed to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. This includes inspecting the fuel supply lines for chafing, replacing any affected pipes, and applying appropriate protective measures as stipulated in the directive (1). Failure to comply with these provisions may result in significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 include provisions for both civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. Civil penalties can include fines and other financial sanctions, while criminal penalties may involve imprisonment and additional fines. The exact penalties are determined based on the severity of the breach and the specific regulatory provisions that have been violated. Operators and owners must therefore ensure strict adherence to these directives to avoid these potential repercussions.