AD/HS 125/55 - Fuel Filler Neck Flap Valve - Installation

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted to establish and maintain standards for the safe operation of aircraft in Australia, ensuring compliance with international civil aviation conventions. The Regulations, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), cover a wide range of aviation safety requirements, including the installation of specific components like the fuel filler neck flap valve on British Aerospace BAe 125 Series Aeroplanes. The specific Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/HS 125/55, issued on 7 January 1981, mandates the installation of this rubber flap valve to each fuel tank filler neck to mitigate inflight risks associated with improperly closed fuel filler caps, as detailed in British Aerospace 125 Service Bulletin No. 28-60-(2465), Revision No. 2. Compliance with this directive was required before 31 January 1982, addressing a recognised safety gap in the aviation industry.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, mandate specific airworthiness directives for certain types of aircraft. One such directive, AD/HS 125/55, pertains to the installation of a fuel filler neck flap valve on British Aerospace BAe 125 Series Aeroplanes. This directive applies to the installation of a rubber flap valve on each fuel tank filler neck to mitigate the inflight effects of an improperly closed fuel filler cap. The directive requires compliance as specified in British Aerospace 125 Service Bulletin No. 28-60-(2465), Revision No. 2, and mandates that this installation must be completed before 31 January 1982. The regulation is applicable to all owners and operators of the specified aircraft, ensuring adherence to safety standards across the aviation industry within Australia's jurisdiction. The directive extends its reach to any entity or person involved in the operation of these aircraft, thereby enforcing a national standard for safety in civil aviation.

Key Provisions

The primary sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39, specifically pertaining to the British Aerospace BAe 125 Series Aeroplanes, mandate the installation of a fuel filler neck flap valve. Section 39-105 of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD/HS 125/55) requires that each fuel tank filler neck must be fitted with a rubber flap valve. This is to mitigate any inflight issues arising from an improperly closed fuel filler cap, as detailed in the requirement document. The directive is applicable as specified in the British Aerospace 125 Service Bulletin No. 28-60-(2465), Rev. No. 2, and compliance must be achieved before 31 January 1982. The obligations under this legislation primarily concern aircraft operators and maintenance providers. They must ensure that each BAe 125 Series aeroplane complies with the airworthiness directive by installing the specified rubber flap valve on each fuel tank filler neck. The directive requires that the installation of these valves must be performed in accordance with the instructions and specifications provided in the British Aerospace 125 Service Bulletin No. 28-60-(2465), Rev. No. 2. This ensures that all aircraft maintain a standard of airworthiness that meets the regulatory requirements set by CASA. Failure to comply with these provisions may result in civil or criminal consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to penalties. For instance, operators who fail to adhere to these requirements may face fines, which can be substantial depending on the severity and frequency of the breaches. Additionally, CASA has the authority to issue enforcement actions, including the suspension or revocation of the aircraft's airworthiness certificate, which could ground the aeroplane until compliance is achieved. These measures underscore the importance of adhering to the stipulated deadlines and specifications to avoid any legal repercussions.