AD/ML-M5/7 - Fuel Crossover Supply Line

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39, introduced a legislative instrument known as F2006B11304 to address the safety concerns related to the fuel crossover supply line in Maule M-5 Series aeroplanes. This instrument was enacted to ensure the safety of flight operations by requiring inspections and modifications to prevent potential fuel line damage that could compromise fuel flow. The instrument applies to certain serial numbers of the Maule M-5-220C, M-5-210C, M-5-235C, and M-5-180C models, as well as any model that has been retrofitted with a 20'/40' flap ratchet according to specified service letters. Compliance with these requirements must be achieved within 10 hours of time in service after the directive was issued on 22 August 1986. The policy objective is to mitigate risks associated with the flap control handle potentially crushing the fuel crossover supply line, thereby ensuring safe and reliable flight operations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to a designated series of Maule M-5 aeroplanes, namely the M-5-220C, M-5-210C, M-5-235C, and M-5-180C models, as well as any aircraft retrofitted with specific flap ratchets in accordance with particular service letters. This regulation is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and mandates compliance with Airworthiness Directive AD/ML-M5/7 concerning the fuel crossover supply line. The directive requires that a detailed inspection and modification be conducted on these specified aircraft models to address a potential risk of the flap control handle crushing the fuel crossover supply line, which could restrict fuel flow and compromise safety. Compliance with these requirements is mandatory within 10 hours of time in service after the directive's issuance on 22 August 1986. The regulations cover all affected aircraft regardless of their location within Australia, ensuring a consistent standard of safety across the Commonwealth. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds specified in the directive, and its application extends uniformly across the affected aircraft models.

Key Provisions

The main operative section of the Airworthiness Directive AD/ML-M5/7 (section 1) applies to specific Maule M-5 Series Aeroplanes. These include models M-5-220C, M-5-210C, M-5-235C, and M-5-180C, along with any models retrofitted with certain flap ratchets, as listed in the applicability section. The directive requires that these aircraft be inspected and modified in accordance with Maule Service Bulletin No. 7 (section 2). The compliance requirement mandates that this inspection and modification be completed within 10 hours of time in service after 22 August 1986 (section 3). The obligations imposed by this directive are specific and mandatory. Owners or operators of the affected aircraft must ensure that the required inspection and modification are performed as detailed in Maule Service Bulletin No. 7. This involves a thorough examination of the fuel crossover supply line to identify any potential damage or risks, followed by necessary modifications to prevent future incidents. Compliance with this directive is essential for maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensuring safety during operation. Failure to comply with the provisions of this Airworthiness Directive can lead to serious consequences. While the specific legal consequences are not detailed in the text, non-compliance with airworthiness directives typically results in penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. Violations can lead to fines, and in severe cases, the aircraft may be grounded, leading to operational disruptions and potential safety risks. It is crucial for aircraft operators to adhere to these directives to avoid legal repercussions and ensure the continued safety and airworthiness of their aircraft.