COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Gates Learjet 35 and 36 Series Aeroplanes
AD/LEARJET 35/24
Amdt 2
Battery Vent System 5/86
Applicability: Learjet 35-001 to 35-570 and 35-589 to 35-600. Learjet 36-001 to 36-053 and 36-055.
Requirement: 1. Inspect the interior of the battery cases for evidence of fuel contamination. If evidence of fuel contamination exists inspect the fuel drain valves forward of the battery compartment for evidence of leakage. Replace any defective fuel drain valves.
2. Modify the battery venting system according to the requirements of Gates Learjet SB 35/36-24-10.
Note: FAA AD 86-05-05 Amdt 39-5248 refers.
Compliance: For Para 1: Within 25 hours time in service after 12 December 1985. Thereafter at intervals not exceeding 50 hours time in service until modified in accordance with para 2 of the Requirement.
For Para 2: Within 200 hours time in service after 31 January 1986.
Background: 1. To prevent fuel from being drawn into the battery vent system in the event of a fuel leak at the low side of the fuselage. An instance of significant contamination has been reported from overseas.
2. This Directive is amended to reflect the FAA Airworthiness Directive requirement designated in paragraph 2 of this Directive.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, aim to regulate and maintain airworthiness standards to ensure the safety of civil aviation. This legislative instrument specifically addresses the safety of Gates Learjet 35 and 36 series aeroplanes through Airworthiness Directives. One such directive, AD/LEARJET 35/24 Amendment 2, pertains to the battery vent system and was introduced to prevent fuel contamination in the battery cases, a problem identified through reports of overseas incidents. The policy objective is to mitigate risks associated with potential fuel leaks that could draw fuel into the battery vent system, thereby enhancing the overall safety of aircraft operations. Compliance with this directive involves inspecting and, if necessary, replacing defective fuel drain valves, and modifying the battery venting system as per specified guidelines.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, includes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically addressing Gates Learjet 35 and 36 Series Aeroplanes. This legislation applies to certain serial numbers of these aircraft models, specifically Learjet 35-001 to 35-570 and 35-589 to 35-600, as well as Learjet 36-001 to 36-053 and 36-055. The directive mandates inspections and modifications to the battery vent system to prevent fuel contamination, reflecting a requirement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airworthiness Directive. Compliance is required within specific timeframes related to the aircraft's time in service since certain dates, ensuring that any potential issues are addressed promptly. This regulation is nationally applicable within Australia, extending its scope to all relevant aircraft operating under the jurisdiction of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, outline the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Gates Learjet 35 and 36 series aeroplanes. This particular directive, AD/LEARJET 35/24 Amendment 2, focuses on the battery vent system, requiring specific inspections and modifications to prevent fuel contamination (Section 1). For Learjet 35 models ranging from 35-001 to 35-570 and 35-589 to 35-600, as well as Learjet 36 models from 36-001 to 36-053 and 36-055, the directive mandates a thorough inspection of the battery cases for signs of fuel contamination. If contamination is detected, the fuel drain valves located forward of the battery compartment must also be inspected for leaks, and any defective valves should be replaced (Section 1(1)). Additionally, the battery venting system must be modified as per Gates Learjet Service Bulletin 35/36-24-10, referencing the FAA Airworthiness Directive 86-05-05 Amendment 39-5248 (Section 1(2)).
Compliance with these directives is critical and must be met within specified timeframes. For the inspection and replacement of fuel drain valves, compliance is required within 25 hours of time in service following 12 December 1985, and then at intervals not exceeding 50 hours of time in service until the battery venting system is modified as per the second paragraph of the requirements (Section 2(1)). The modification of the battery venting system must be completed within 200 hours of time in service following 31 January 1986 (Section 2(2)). These requirements ensure that the aircraft remain airworthy and safe to operate by mitigating the risk of fuel contamination, which could potentially compromise the integrity of the battery system and the overall safety of the flight.
Failure to comply with these directives can result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose penalties for non-compliance, which can include fines and other legal actions. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the directive, the overarching regulations provide for potential civil or criminal liability for those found in breach of these safety requirements. The exact penalties may depend on the severity of the breach and the impact on flight safety, but they underscore the importance of adhering to the mandated inspection and modification schedules to ensure the continued airworthiness of the aircraft.