AD/PC-12/10 - Fuel Storage - Vent Valve System

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, are a comprehensive set of rules governing civil aviation within Australia. A specific amendment within these regulations, F2006B06073, pertains to the Pilatus PC-12 Series Aeroplanes and was introduced to address the safety issue of abnormal automatic engagement of fuel booster pumps during normal operations, which could lead to failure of the inward vent valves and subsequent damage to the wing skin structure. This legislative instrument aims to ensure the continued airworthiness of the affected aircraft models by mandating the modification of the fuel storage vent valve system, replacing inward vent valves with float valves and flame arrestors as specified in Pilatus Service Bulletin No.28-005 dated 04 May 1998. The policy objective of this directive is to enhance aviation safety by mitigating the risk of structural damage caused by the aforementioned operational issues.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to airworthiness directives issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This particular airworthiness directive, AD/PC-12/10, applies to Pilatus PC-12 series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 101 to 230 (inclusive), mandating modifications to the fuel storage vent valve system. The directive requires the removal of inward vent valves and the installation of float valves and flame arrestors in accordance with Pilatus Service Bulletin No.28-005 dated 04 May 1998, superseding the previous directive AD/PC-12/9 Amdt 1 dated 4 December 1997. Compliance with this directive is mandatory within 60 days of its effective date of 27 May 1998, aiming to prevent the risk of abnormal automatic engagement of fuel booster pumps during normal operations, which could potentially cause damage to the wing skin structure. The directive’s scope is nationally consistent with Commonwealth regulations, ensuring uniform safety standards across Australia.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes AD/PC-12/10 which pertains to Pilatus PC-12 Series Aeroplanes. This Airworthiness Directive (AD) mandates a modification to the fuel storage vent valve system of the Pilatus PC-12 and PC-12/45 models, specifically for aircraft serial numbers 101 to 230. The requirement (Section 8/98 DM) is to remove the inward vent valves and replace them with float valves and flame arrestors, as outlined in Pilatus Service Bulletin No.28-005 dated 04 May 1998. This directive supersedes AD/PC-12/9 Amendment 1 dated 4 December 1997, which is now cancelled. The obligations imposed by this AD require that the specified modifications be completed within 60 days of the AD's effective date. The directive mandates that the changes to the fuel storage vent valve system must adhere to the technical specifications provided in the referenced Pilatus Service Bulletin. Compliance with AD/PC-12/10 is mandatory for all aircraft within the specified serial number range to ensure the safety and airworthiness of these aircraft. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in the aircraft not meeting the necessary safety standards, potentially leading to operational restrictions or grounding. There are potential civil and criminal consequences for non-compliance with the provisions of this AD. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce these regulations, and any breach may result in administrative penalties or legal action. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the AD itself, penalties for non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations can include fines and other sanctions as prescribed by law. The seriousness of the modifications required underscores the importance of adhering to the AD to prevent potential hazards, such as the abnormal automatic engagement of fuel booster pumps, which could lead to structural damage to the aircraft.