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-4/4 Fuel Filter - Installation 4/72
Applicability: All Lake LA-4 models with S/Nos. 246 and subsequent. Document: Consolidated Aeronautics SL No. 36.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 31 May 1972.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, serve as a comprehensive framework for the regulation of civil aviation in Australia, addressing various safety, operational and administrative aspects of aviation. A specific legislative instrument within this framework is the AD/LA-4/4 Airworthiness Directive concerning the installation of fuel filters in Consolidated Aeronautics, Colonial, and LA-4 Series Aeroplanes, particularly those with serial numbers 246 and subsequent. This directive was introduced to mitigate safety risks associated with fuel contamination in these aircraft models, ensuring that they comply with specified safety standards within a defined timeframe. The policy objective behind this directive is to enhance the overall safety of air travel by mandating adherence to stringent airworthiness criteria.
The AD/LA-4/4 Airworthiness Directive is part of a broader initiative by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to enforce compliance with safety standards across all aircraft operating within Australia. The directive specifically targets a known safety issue related to fuel filters in certain aircraft models, ensuring that operators take corrective action to prevent potential hazards that could compromise flight safety. By setting a clear compliance timeline and referencing relevant aeronautical documentation, the directive aims to maintain high safety standards and protect both the public and aviation personnel.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105 concerning Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, mandates the installation of a fuel filter for Consolidated Aeronautics, Colonial and LA-4 Series aeroplanes. This requirement applies to all Lake LA-4 models with serial numbers 246 and subsequent, as documented in Consolidated Aeronautics SL No. 36. Compliance must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1972. This directive ensures that the specified aircraft models meet stringent safety standards by requiring the installation of a fuel filter, which is essential for preventing potential fuel system contamination and ensuring the continued airworthiness of these aircraft within the Australian aviation sector. The regulation is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and applies to the relevant aircraft irrespective of their location within Australia, thereby maintaining consistent safety standards across the Commonwealth.
Key Provisions
The primary operative section of this legislative instrument, AD/LA-4/4 (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39-105), mandates the installation of a specific fuel filter for all Lake LA-4 models with serial numbers 246 and subsequent (section 4/72). This requirement is applicable to aeroplanes within the Consolidated Aeronautics, Colonial, and LA-4 series. The compliance deadline is within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1972. The document referencing this directive is the Consolidated Aeronautics SL No. 36.
The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and straightforward. Owners and operators of the specified Lake LA-4 models must ensure that the required fuel filter, as outlined in the directive, is installed in accordance with the specified timeline. This involves the acquisition and fitting of the correct fuel filter as detailed in the referenced Consolidated Aeronautics SL No. 36, ensuring that the aircraft meets the necessary safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
Failure to comply with this directive can result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 outline that non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive can lead to various civil and criminal penalties. Under section 91 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, an individual or entity that does not comply with a CASA directive may face significant fines. The maximum penalty for non-compliance can be substantial, reflecting the importance of adhering to safety regulations to prevent potential hazards and ensure the safety of all persons on board the aircraft. Additionally, continued operation of a non-compliant aircraft can lead to enforcement actions, including grounding of the aircraft until compliance is achieved.