COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes
AD/PC-6/36 Engine Fuel Line - Replacement 4/76
Applicability: Model PC-6 with S/Nos. 1 to 685, fitted with Lycoming GSO-480-B1A6 engines. Requirement: 1. Replace aluminium fuel line P/N 6238.94. Pos. 80 with a stain- less steel fuel line
P/N 6238.94.Pos.80C or with an equivalent fuel line approved by the Secretary.
2. Replace aluminium fittings AN822-8D and AN823-8D with stainless steel fittings MS 20822-BC and MS 20823-8C or with equivalent fittings approved by the Secretary.
3. FAA AD 75-27-06, Amdt. 39-2478.
Compliance: Before 1 June 1976.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), were enacted to ensure the safe operation of civil aviation in Australia, addressing the need for robust safety standards and compliance measures in the industry. Specifically, the Regulations include directives such as AD/PC-6/36, which pertains to the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to address safety concerns associated with the engine fuel lines and fittings of the specified model, requiring the replacement of aluminium components with more durable stainless steel equivalents to prevent corrosion and ensure the reliability of fuel delivery systems. The overarching policy objective is to enhance the safety and operational integrity of aircraft, thereby protecting passengers, crew, and the general public from aviation-related hazards.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, governs the application of airworthiness directives for aircraft operated in Australia, with this particular directive concerning the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes. This legislation applies to aircraft manufacturers, operators, and maintenance personnel who service these aircraft, ensuring compliance with the set airworthiness standards. The directive mandates that all Model PC-6 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 1 to 685, and those equipped with Lycoming GSO-480-B1A6 engines, must undergo specific modifications to their fuel lines and fittings to mitigate potential safety hazards. The directive requires the replacement of specific aluminium fuel lines and fittings with stainless steel alternatives or their approved equivalents, a requirement that must be met before 1 June 1976. This directive extends across the Commonwealth and is overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, with enforcement extending to all relevant entities operating within the Australian jurisdiction. There are no specific exclusions or exemptions mentioned in this directive, meaning it applies broadly to the specified aircraft models. Compliance with this directive may also be influenced by subordinate instruments that may further detail the requirements and enforcement mechanisms.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, specify the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives, including AD/PC-6/36 for Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes. This directive mandates the replacement of specific components to enhance safety and compliance with airworthiness standards. For Pilatus Porter PC-6 models with serial numbers ranging from 1 to 685 and equipped with Lycoming GSO-480-B1A6 engines, the directive requires replacing the aluminium fuel line part number 6238.94. Pos. 80 with a stainless steel fuel line part number 6238.94. Pos. 80C or an equivalent fuel line approved by the Secretary. Additionally, aluminium fittings AN822-8D and AN823-8D must be replaced with stainless steel fittings MS 20822-BC and MS 20823-8C or with equivalent fittings approved by the Secretary. The directive references FAA AD 75-27-06, Amendment 39-2478, and compliance is required before 1 June 1976.
The Civil Aviation Regulations impose specific obligations on aircraft operators and maintenance personnel to ensure that the Pilatus Porter PC-6 aeroplanes comply with the AD/PC-6/36 directive. Operators must conduct a thorough inspection to confirm that the specified aluminium fuel lines and fittings are replaced with the required stainless steel components or their approved equivalents. Maintenance personnel must perform the replacement of the fuel lines and fittings as per the directive's specifications and ensure that all replaced parts are logged and certified. Additionally, operators must ensure that all modifications are completed before the specified deadline of 1 June 1976.
Failure to comply with the AD/PC-6/36 directive can result in serious consequences under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. The act of operating an aircraft that does not meet the airworthiness directive's requirements can be considered a breach of safety regulations, leading to potential enforcement actions. The consequences may include fines, operational restrictions, or even grounding of the aircraft until compliance is achieved. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, it is clear that non-compliance can have significant repercussions for both the aircraft operator and the safety of the flight. Therefore, it is imperative for all involved parties to adhere strictly to the directive to avoid any legal or safety issues.