AD/PA-18/3 - Fuel Selector Lever - Guard Installation

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the legislative instrument F2006B05394, address the issue of inadvertent operation of the fuel selector lever in Piper PA-18 and 19 (Super Cub) Series Aeroplanes. Enacted by the Australian Parliament, this legislation aims to enhance aviation safety by implementing specific airworthiness directives. The policy objective is to ensure that a guard is installed on the fuel selector lever to prevent any inadvertent changes to the fuel supply, which could potentially lead to operational hazards. The regulation requires the immediate installation of a suitable guard, such as a wooden block shaped to fit the lever's arc and attached to the existing indicator plate, to mitigate the risk of accidents due to lever manipulation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to all Piper PA-18 and 19 (Super Cub) series aeroplanes. This legislation mandates the installation of a suitable guard to prevent inadvertent operation of the fuel selector lever, with an example provided of a wooden block of at least 1 inch thickness, shaped to clear the arc of the lever and attached to the existing indicator plate. Compliance with this directive is required forthwith, indicating an immediate obligation for all relevant aircraft operators to implement the specified modifications. The regulation extends its jurisdictional reach across the Commonwealth of Australia, enforcing safety standards uniformly and ensuring that all aircraft within this category meet the specified safety criteria. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the directive, making it applicable to all relevant aircraft models and operators within the specified category. The broad applicability and the specific requirement to comply immediately underscore the critical nature of this safety measure.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39, Section 105, details a series of airworthiness directives that must be followed to ensure the safety of aircraft operations. One such directive, AD/PA-18/3, pertains to Piper PA-18 and 19 (Super Cub) Series Aeroplanes. This directive requires the installation of a suitable guard to prevent inadvertent operation of the fuel selector lever (Section 105). A wooden block at least 1 inch thick, shaped to clear the arc of the lever and attached to the existing indicator plate, is deemed suitable for this purpose. The directive mandates that this installation must be completed forthwith, ensuring that the operation of the aircraft does not pose a risk due to the fuel selector lever being inadvertently operated. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, the obligation imposed on aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance personnel is to ensure that all applicable airworthiness directives are followed meticulously. For AD/PA-18/3, this means that a suitable guard must be installed on the fuel selector lever of all Piper PA-18 and 19 Series Aeroplanes to prevent any risk of inadvertent operation. The requirement to comply forthwith indicates an urgent need to address this safety issue, highlighting the importance of timely action to maintain airworthiness standards. Failure to comply with the provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can result in significant consequences. Section 105 outlines the potential for offences and penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the provided excerpt, it is understood that breaches of these regulations can lead to civil and criminal penalties. The seriousness of the consequences underscores the importance of adhering to the specified directives to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft.