AD/PA-25/22 - Fuel Tank Vent System - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended through legislative instrument F2006B05560, were enacted to enhance the safety and reliability of civil aviation within Australia, addressing specific issues related to aircraft airworthiness and operational standards. This legislative instrument is a crucial component of the broader regulatory framework managed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the authority of the Australian Parliament. The policy objective behind these regulations is to ensure that all civil aviation activities are conducted in a manner that protects the public and maintains the highest standards of safety and efficiency. This particular legislative instrument focuses on Piper PA-25 (Pawnee) series aeroplanes, specifically mandating modifications to the fuel tank vent system to mitigate risks associated with fuel tank flammability and potential fire hazards. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, through the specified Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-25/22, target the modification of the fuel tank vent system in the PA-25-235 model aeroplanes that have undergone a specific fuel tank installation modification (Kit No. 514-1-235) by Ansett General Aviation. The directive requires the installation of a new vent fitting, re-positioning of the vent fitting, and drilling of vent holes in the tank's outer skin as per detailed instructions from Ansett General Aviation. Compliance with these directives is mandatory and must be achieved before 1 September 1971, underscoring the urgency and importance of these safety measures.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates the modification of the fuel tank vent system for the Piper PA-25 (Pawnee) Series Aeroplanes, model PA-25-235. This directive applies to aircraft that have incorporated the modified fuel tank installation kit No. 514-1-235 provided by Ansett General Aviation. The requirement is to ensure compliance with safety standards by installing a new vent fitting P/N 514-1-8 as detailed in Ansett General Aviation SL No. 2, Revision A, re-positioning the fuel tank vent fitting according to SL No. 4, and drilling vent holes in the tank outer skin per SL No. 5. The compliance deadline for these modifications is before 1 September 1971. This regulation is applicable nationally and enforces specific safety measures for the specified aircraft model within Australia. The scope of this regulation is confined to the specified model of the Piper PA-25 aeroplanes, and there are no exclusions or exemptions mentioned in the directive. The application of this regulation may be extended or clarified through subordinate instruments issued by CASA, which could provide additional technical details or enforcement mechanisms to ensure adherence to the safety directives.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, mandate modifications to the fuel tank vent system for the Piper PA-25 (Pawnee) series aeroplanes, model PA-25-235, which have the modified fuel tank installation kit No. 514-1-235 provided by Ansett General Aviation. This directive, AD/PA-25/22, requires the installation of a new vent fitting P/N 514-1-8 in accordance with Ansett General Aviation Service Letter No. 2, Revision A, and the re-positioning of the fuel tank vent fitting as outlined in Service Letter No. 4. Additionally, the directive mandates that vent holes be drilled in the tank outer skin as per Service Letter No. 5, and this compliance must be achieved before 1 September 1971. Entities governed by these regulations must adhere to the specified modifications to ensure the airworthiness of the Piper PA-25 (Pawnee) series aeroplanes. This involves installing the new vent fitting, re-positioning the existing vent fitting, and drilling the necessary vent holes in accordance with the detailed instructions provided by Ansett General Aviation. These actions are critical to maintaining the integrity of the fuel tank system and preventing potential hazards related to fuel tank pressurisation and venting. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in AD/PA-25/22 can result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 establish that non-compliance with airworthiness directives is a breach of the law. Such breaches may result in civil penalties, including fines, and criminal charges. The maximum penalties for non-compliance can be substantial, reflecting the importance of adhering to these safety directives to protect the public and ensure the safety of aviation operations.