COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Consolidated Aeronautics, Colonial and LA-4 Series Aeroplanes
AD/LA-4/16 Fuel Filter - Inspection 8/76
Applicability: All models LA-4-200 fitted with the AC GF-416 fuel filter.
Requirement: 1. Remove the AC GF-416 fuel filter from the aircraft, cut open the housing and inspect the inside for corrosion. If corrosion is observed inspect the Bendix Fuel Injection Unit as follows:
(a) Remove and inspect fuel inlet strainer.
(b) Inspect housing area enclosing strainer.
(c) Remove and inspect each of the four injector nozzles P/N 2524107, including the shield P/N 2520418 and screen P/N 367687.
2. If corrosion contamination is found in the fuel injector nozzle assemblies, fuel inlet strainer or housing area, replace or recondition the fuel injection unit and the flow divider P/N 2524057-2.
Note: FAA AD 76-12-11 refers.
Compliance: For Para. 1 - For filters installed 60 days or more - before 30 September 1976.
For filters installed less than 60 days - prior to attaining 90 days.
Thereafter - inspect AC GF-416 replacement filters at intervals not exceeding 90 days.
For Para. 2 - Before flight.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, govern the operation of aircraft within Australia and address safety standards among other regulatory requirements. Specifically, the Regulations include detailed directives on airworthiness, with Part 39 outlining mandatory compliance for certain aircraft types. One such directive, AD/LA-4/16, concerns the inspection of fuel filters in Consolidated Aeronautics, Colonial, and LA-4 series aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to mitigate the risk of corrosion in fuel systems, which could compromise flight safety. The policy objective is to ensure that fuel filters and related components are regularly inspected and maintained to prevent contamination and system failure, thereby enhancing overall aviation safety.
The AD/LA-4/16 directive mandates a thorough inspection of the AC GF-416 fuel filter for signs of corrosion and requires specific actions if contamination is detected, such as inspecting and potentially replacing the fuel injection unit and related components. The compliance schedule varies based on the installation date of the filter, ensuring that inspections occur at critical intervals to maintain safety standards. This directive is critical in maintaining the integrity of the fuel system and preventing potential failures that could endanger aircraft operations.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to civil aviation safety directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, and includes detailed technical requirements for maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft. Within this framework, AD/LA-4/16 addresses the inspection of fuel filters on Consolidated Aeronautics, Colonial, and LA-4 Series aeroplanes. This directive applies to all LA-4-200 models equipped with the AC GF-416 fuel filter. The requirement involves a thorough inspection of the fuel filter for signs of corrosion, and if corrosion is detected, further inspections of related components such as the fuel injection unit and injector nozzles. If corrosion is found in any of these components, they must either be replaced or reconditioned. The directive sets specific timelines for inspections: filters installed for 60 days or more must be inspected before 30 September 1976, while those installed for less than 60 days need to be inspected before they reach 90 days of service. Following these initial inspections, replacement filters must be inspected at intervals not exceeding 90 days. This directive extends its application through the stipulated compliance dates and inspection intervals, ensuring the continued safety of aircraft operations.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (ADs), detailing specific requirements for ensuring aircraft safety. One such AD is AD/LA-4/16, which pertains to the inspection of the AC GF-416 fuel filter in Consolidated Aeronautics, Colonial, and LA-4 Series aeroplanes. This directive applies to all models of LA-4-200 fitted with the specified fuel filter. The main requirement, as per section 1, is to remove the AC GF-416 fuel filter from the aircraft, cut open the housing, and inspect the inside for corrosion. If corrosion is detected, further inspection of the Bendix Fuel Injection Unit must be conducted, including the removal and inspection of the fuel inlet strainer, the housing area enclosing the strainer, and the four injector nozzles, their shield, and screen. If corrosion contamination is found in any of these components, the fuel injection unit and the flow divider must be replaced or reconditioned.
The obligations imposed by this AD are specific and time-sensitive. For filters installed more than 60 days before 30 September 1976, the inspection must be completed before this date. For filters installed less than 60 days before 30 September 1976, the inspection must occur before the filter reaches 90 days of installation. For AC GF-416 replacement filters, inspections must be conducted at intervals not exceeding 90 days. Additionally, the fuel injection unit must be inspected and any necessary corrective actions taken before each flight.
Failure to comply with these ADs can lead to serious consequences. The regulations do not explicitly state the penalties for non-compliance, but non-compliance with ADs can result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy. This can lead to significant civil or criminal penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment, depending on the severity and impact of the non-compliance. The exact penalties would be determined by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and could vary based on the specific circumstances of the breach.