AD/M20/49 - Fuel Selector Valve

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, are intended to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation operations within the country. Part 39, specifically 105, addresses the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes the AD/M20/49 for Mooney M20 Series Aeroplanes, targeting the fuel selector valve. This directive was introduced to address the identified risk of malfunction in the Gerdes P/N A-2580 fuel selector valve in M20K series aircraft, which could lead to an unscheduled landing. The policy objective is to ensure compliance with safety standards by mandating corrective action within a specified timeframe to mitigate potential hazards. The Mooney M20 Series Aeroplanes AD/M20/49, issued in accordance with the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, requires action on the fuel selector valve within 50 hours of the aircraft being in service from 1 November 1995, unless the specified maintenance action has already been performed in accordance with Mooney Aircraft Corporation Service Bulletin M20-256. This directive is aligned with the Federal Aviation Administration's AD 95-18-12 Amendment 39-9359, reflecting a coordinated approach to aircraft safety across jurisdictions. The primary aim is to ensure that all applicable aircraft meet the necessary safety requirements to prevent in-flight emergencies.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, governs the operational safety of aircraft within Australia's airspace. This particular legislative instrument, AD/M20/49, applies to all M20K series Mooney aircraft that are equipped with the Gerdes P/N A-2580 fuel selector valve. The directive mandates compliance with the Mooney Aircraft Corporation Service Bulletin M20-256 or, alternatively, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) AD 95-18-12 Amendment 39-9359, unless such actions have already been undertaken. Operators must ensure compliance within 50 hours of the aircraft being in service from 1 November 1995, following the manufacturer's notification of a potential malfunction in the fuel selector valve that could lead to an unscheduled landing. This regulation extends across the Commonwealth, impacting all entities operating within Australia’s jurisdiction and mandates adherence to the specified safety measures to mitigate potential risks associated with the identified component.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, establish a schedule of airworthiness directives for various aircraft, including the Mooney M20 series aeroplanes. Specifically, AD/M20/49 pertains to the fuel selector valve for M20K series aircraft fitted with the Gerdes P/N A-2580 fuel selector valve (Section 13/95 DM). This airworthiness directive mandates certain actions to ensure the continued airworthiness of the affected aircraft. According to the directive, unless the action specified in Mooney Aircraft Corporation Service Bulletin M20-256 has already been carried out, the requirement is that these actions must be completed within 50 hours of time in service from 1 November 1995. This directive is in reference to FAA AD 95-18-12, Amendment 39-9359, which highlights the manufacturer's advisory about a potential malfunction of the Gerdes selector valve that could result in an unscheduled landing. The Civil Aviation Regulations impose specific obligations on the parties governed by AD/M20/49. Primarily, operators of M20K series aircraft equipped with the specified Gerdes fuel selector valve must ensure that the required actions are performed within the stipulated timeframe. This involves either completing the actions specified in Mooney Aircraft Corporation Service Bulletin M20-256 if they have not been previously executed, or taking equivalent corrective measures to address the potential for a valve malfunction. The directive also requires operators to keep records of compliance with this airworthiness directive, demonstrating that the specified actions have been completed within the required timeframe. This ensures that the aircraft remain compliant with safety standards and reduces the risk of in-flight emergencies due to fuel system issues. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/M20/49 may result in serious safety implications and potential regulatory consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations provide for both civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance. Operators found to be in breach of the airworthiness directive may face significant fines, with maximum penalties specified under the regulations. Additionally, non-compliance may result in the grounding of the affected aircraft until the required actions are completed, thereby impacting operational readiness and potentially leading to further regulatory scrutiny. It is crucial for operators to adhere strictly to the provisions of this directive to avoid these severe consequences and ensure the continued safe operation of their aircraft.