AD/MSR/11 Amdt 1 - Flexible Hoses in Engine Compartment - Installation

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, encompasses a variety of directives aimed at ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft within Australia. One such directive, AD/MSR/11 Amendment 1, addresses the installation of flexible hoses in the engine compartment for Aerospatiale Rallye Series aeroplanes, including models MS880B, MS885, MS892A, MS893A, and MS894A. This amendment was introduced to address the risk of fatigue failure associated with the use of original copper fuel lines, mandating the installation of flexible fuel lines as per Rallye Service Bulletin No. 56 Parts 2 and 3. The directive aims to ensure compliance within 100 hours of time in service following 30 March 1973, unless the aircraft has already been modified in accordance with a previous directive, AD/MSR/7, in which case further modification of the fuel pressure indicator line is not required. This legislative instrument was enacted by the Australian Government under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) being the relevant regulatory body. The policy objective behind this amendment is to mitigate the risk of in-flight failures due to material fatigue, thereby enhancing the overall safety and reliability of the specified aircraft models. The requirement to use flexible fuel lines is intended to prevent the types of failures that could potentially lead to catastrophic outcomes.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, establish the requirements for airworthiness directives, which are applicable to certain types of aircraft within the Commonwealth of Australia. The regulation in question pertains to Aerospatiale Rallye series aeroplanes, encompassing models MS880B, MS885, MS892A, MS893A, and MS894A. The directive mandates that these aircraft must have their fuel systems modified by installing flexible fuel lines between the engine driven pump and the carburettor, and within the fuel pressure indicator line. This requirement aligns with Rallye SB No. 56 Part 2 and 3, and aircraft that have already been modified in accordance with AD/MSR/7 need only modify the fuel pressure indicator line if it has not already been addressed. Additionally, it is explicitly noted that parts of the original copper fuel line should not be used as adapters due to the risk of fatigue failure. Compliance with this airworthiness directive must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service following 30 March 1973, or if the modification has already been completed.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses modifications for Aerospatiale Rallye Series Aeroplanes. This directive, identified as AD/MSR/11 Amendment 1, pertains to the installation of flexible hoses within the engine compartment (section 2/73). The directive applies to models MS880B, MS885, MS892A, MS893A, and MS894A. The primary requirement is to modify the fuel system by installing flexible fuel lines between the engine-driven pump and the carburettor, and in the fuel pressure indicator line, in accordance with Rallye Service Bulletin No. 56 Part 2 and 3. It is noted that for aircraft already modified in compliance with AD/MSR/7, additional modification of the fuel pressure indicator line is unnecessary. Furthermore, parts of the original copper fuel line must not be used as adapters due to the risk of fatigue failure. Compliance with AD/MSR/11 Amendment 1 is mandatory and must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 30 March 1973, unless the modification has already been completed. This directive imposes specific obligations on the operators and owners of the affected aircraft. They must ensure that the required modifications are carried out by qualified personnel following the specified guidelines and service bulletins. These modifications are critical for maintaining the integrity and safety of the fuel system, thereby preventing potential failures that could lead to catastrophic outcomes during flight. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/MSR/11 Amendment 1 may result in serious consequences. The regulations establish offences for non-compliance, which may include administrative penalties or enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Although the specific penalties are not detailed within this particular directive, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations can typically result in substantial fines and potential criminal charges in severe cases. Operators and owners must be diligent in ensuring that all modifications are completed within the stipulated timeframe to avoid any adverse legal or safety repercussions.