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-4/21 Auxiliary Fuel Tank Lines - Inspection
and Replacement, Modification
2/84
Applicability: All models LA-4 and LA-4-200 up to S/No. 1091 and Model LA-4-250 with S/Nos 2 and 3 fitted with AEROFAB 180004 Auxiliary Fuel system to supplemental type certificate SA B76EA.
Document: Lake Aircraft Division Consolidated Aeronautics SB No. B-65. Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 30 April 1984.
Background: The manufacturer has advised that there is a possibility of chafing of the fuel line from the auxiliary fuel tank pump to the main fuel tank.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, includes Airworthiness Directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). One such directive, AD/LA-4/21, was enacted to address a safety concern identified in the auxiliary fuel tank lines of certain LA-4 series aeroplanes. This legislation was introduced to ensure that the auxiliary fuel tank lines are properly inspected, maintained, and, if necessary, replaced or modified to prevent the risk of fuel line chafing, which could potentially lead to fuel leaks and compromise the safety of the aircraft. The directive applies to specific models of LA-4 and LA-4-200 series aircraft and mandates compliance within 100 hours of time in service following the directive’s issuance on 30 April 1984. The policy objective underpinning this regulation is to uphold stringent safety standards within the civil aviation sector to protect passengers and crew.
The AD/LA-4/21 was enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The directive responds to a safety recommendation issued by the manufacturer, Lake Aircraft Division Consolidated Aeronautics, following an identified risk of chafing of the auxiliary fuel tank lines in specified aircraft models. By implementing this directive, CASA aims to mitigate potential safety hazards associated with fuel line damage, thereby ensuring the continued airworthiness and safety of the affected aircraft.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, governs the maintenance and safety standards for various aircraft, including Consolidated Aeronautics, Colonial, and LA-4 Series Aeroplanes. In this context, Airworthiness Directive AD/LA-4/21 pertains to the inspection, modification, and replacement of auxiliary fuel tank lines on specified models of LA-4 and LA-4-200 aeroplanes, as well as on LA-4-250 models with serial numbers 2 and 3, that are equipped with the AEROFAB 180004 Auxiliary Fuel system under supplemental type certificate SA B76EA. Compliance with this directive is mandatory for all affected aircraft within 100 hours of time in service following 30 April 1984, as directed by the manufacturer due to potential chafing issues with the fuel lines. This regulation applies strictly within the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia and ensures that the specified aircraft meet the required safety standards to operate within Australian airspace.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39, Section 105, establish the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. Specifically, AD/LA-4/21 pertains to the inspection and replacement or modification of auxiliary fuel tank lines in Consolidated Aeronautics, Colonial, and LA-4 series aeroplanes. This directive applies to all LA-4 and LA-4-200 models up to serial number 1091, as well as LA-4-250 models with serial numbers 2 and 3 that are equipped with the AEROFAB 180004 Auxiliary Fuel system under supplemental type certificate SA B76EA (Section 1). Compliance with this directive is mandated within 100 hours of time in service following 30 April 1984.
The obligations under AD/LA-4/21 require operators of the specified aircraft to inspect the auxiliary fuel tank lines for any signs of chafing or damage. If any issues are found, the affected fuel lines must be replaced or appropriately modified as directed by Lake Aircraft Division Consolidated Aeronautics Service Bulletin No. B-65. Operators must ensure that these inspections and any necessary corrective actions are completed in accordance with the specified timeframe and comply with the manufacturer's guidelines to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft.
Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/LA-4/21 can result in severe consequences. Operators who do not adhere to the inspection and corrective action requirements may face enforcement actions from CASA. The potential penalties for non-compliance can include fines and other civil or criminal sanctions, depending on the severity and frequency of the breach. The specific penalties are determined by CASA in accordance with the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and related regulations, with maximum penalties potentially including substantial fines and other legal repercussions for serious breaches of aviation safety directives.