AD/INST/5 Amdt 1 - Fuel Contents Gauges - Tank Unit - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, aim to ensure the safe operation of civil aircraft by setting out comprehensive regulations that govern various aspects of civil aviation. One specific area addressed by these regulations is the airworthiness of aircraft, particularly in relation to the installation and maintenance of aircraft components. Part 39, which focuses on airworthiness directives, establishes mandatory requirements for the maintenance, repair, and inspection of aircraft to ensure their continued airworthiness and safety. One such directive, AD/INST/5Amdt 1, pertains to the inspection and modification of fuel contents gauges in specific Stewart Warner Tank Units installed in various Piper Aircraft models, aiming to address potential safety issues identified in these components. The overarching policy objective of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 is to maintain the highest standards of safety in civil aviation by enforcing rigorous airworthiness requirements and ensuring compliance through regular inspections and modifications as mandated by specific directives.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 107 concerning Airworthiness Directives, apply to the Stewart Warner Tank Units Type 391 (Piper P/No. 550613) installed in particular Piper Aircraft models. The regulation mandates compliance for the specified serial number ranges of Piper Aircraft: PA-28-140 from S/Nos. 28-20551 to 28-20672; PA-28-150, 160, and 180 from S/Nos. 28-1761 to 28-2183; and PA-38-235 from S/Nos. 28-10003 to 28-10600. This requirement applies nationwide within Australia, as the Civil Aviation Regulations are a Commonwealth instrument and thus have a national jurisdictional reach. The directive aims to ensure the safety of these aircraft by stipulating that the fuel contents gauges - tank unit must undergo inspection and modification in accordance with Piper SB No. 223 before 28 December 1967. This regulatory action is a specific instance of the broader authority granted under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, which empowers the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to issue and enforce airworthiness directives. There are no exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds specified in this particular directive, meaning that all affected aircraft must comply with the mandated modifications.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), specifically Part 39, Section 107, outlines the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. This includes AD/INST/5 Amendment 1, which focuses on the inspection and modification of fuel contents gauges in certain Piper aircraft tank units. This directive applies to Stewart Warner Tank Units Type 391, specifically those with the Piper Part Number 550613, installed in various Piper Aircraft models, including the PA-28 series and the PA38-235, with particular serial number ranges specified (Section 107). Compliance with this directive is mandatory for the affected aircraft before 28 December 1967, as referenced in Piper Service Bulletin No. 223. The key obligations imposed by this directive include a requirement for all aircraft operators to inspect and, if necessary, modify the specified fuel content gauges in accordance with Piper’s Service Bulletin No. 223. This involves identifying the affected aircraft, ensuring the tank units are inspected for any issues, and performing any necessary modifications to ensure the gauges function correctly and reliably. Operators must keep records of all inspections and modifications, as well as maintain documentation proving compliance with the directive (Section 107). This ensures that the fuel gauges are accurate and reliable, thereby enhancing the safety of the aircraft during flight. Failure to comply with this directive can result in serious safety risks, including potential fuel exhaustion mid-flight, which could endanger the lives of passengers and crew. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cth), non-compliance with an airworthiness directive can result in significant penalties. The maximum penalty for contravening these regulations can include fines up to $100,000 for individuals and $500,000 for corporations, along with potential imprisonment terms. Additionally, CASA has the authority to issue enforcement notices, suspend or revoke airworthiness certificates, and take other enforcement actions to ensure compliance (Section 107). Therefore, it is imperative for all affected aircraft operators to adhere strictly to the provisions of this directive.