AD/P166/4 - Drain Well for Fuel Tanks - Increased Capacity

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, were enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. This legislative framework was introduced to address various aviation safety issues and to ensure that civil aviation operations are conducted in a manner that protects the public and complies with international standards. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the body responsible for enforcing these regulations, with a policy objective to maintain and enhance the safety of civil aviation in Australia. One of the directives under this legislation is AD/P166/4, which pertains to the Piaggio P166 Series Aeroplanes and mandates an increased capacity for the drain well of fuel tanks. This directive applies to serial numbers prior to 362 and requires compliance with Piaggio Change Order No. 66-5, which must be achieved forthwith to ensure the airworthiness of the aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as part of the legislative instrument F2006B05330, specifically addresses the airworthiness directives for the Piaggio P166 series aeroplanes through Schedule 105. This regulation applies to all Piaggio P166 series aeroplanes with serial numbers prior to 362. It mandates compliance with Piaggio Change Order No. 66-5, which requires an increase in the capacity of the drain well for fuel tanks. The directive is intended to ensure the safety and compliance of these aircraft with civil aviation standards, imposing an immediate requirement for compliance from the date of the directive. The regulation applies nationally across the Commonwealth of Australia, governed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, and is not limited by state or territory boundaries. There are no specified exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds mentioned in this particular directive, and its application extends through the subordinate instrument, Piaggio Change Order No. 66-5, which provides the technical specifications and compliance measures necessary for adherence to the airworthiness directive.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes Airworthiness Directives (ADs) which are mandatory requirements to ensure aircraft safety. One such AD is AD/P166/4 which pertains to the Piaggio P166 Series Aeroplanes. This directive mandates an increase in the capacity of the drain well for fuel tanks (AD/P166/4). The directive applies to aircraft with serial numbers (S/Nos) prior to 362, and compliance with this directive must be achieved forthwith, meaning immediately. Under AD/P166/4, the key requirement is to enhance the capacity of the fuel tank drain well. This involves a specific change as outlined in Piaggio Change Order No. 66-5. The directive applies to a defined subset of Piaggio P166 aeroplanes, specifically those with serial numbers before 362, ensuring that these aircraft meet the updated safety standards for fuel tank drainage. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be achieved without delay. Operators and owners of affected Piaggio P166 aeroplanes must ensure that the fuel tank drain well capacity is increased as specified in the Piaggio Change Order No. 66-5. This involves making the necessary modifications to the aircraft to meet the new requirements set forth in the AD/P166/4. Failure to comply with this directive could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, potentially leading to grounding and legal repercussions. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose significant obligations on the operators and owners of the affected Piaggio P166 aeroplanes. They must ensure that the modifications required by AD/P166/4 are carried out in a timely manner. Non-compliance with the AD can lead to serious consequences, including potential enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The regulations are clear that compliance must be immediate, underscoring the importance of adhering to these safety directives. Breach of the requirements stipulated in AD/P166/4 can lead to various civil and criminal consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, failure to comply with airworthiness directives can result in fines and other penalties. Additionally, operating an aircraft that does not meet the safety standards set by CASA can lead to prosecution, with potential maximum penalties for serious breaches. Ensuring compliance with AD/P166/4 is therefore crucial to avoid these legal and financial repercussions.