AD/PC-6/42 - Collector Tank Venting

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted to provide comprehensive regulatory oversight of civil aviation in Australia, ensuring safety and compliance within the aviation industry. Within this legislative framework, Part 39 specifically addresses airworthiness directives to maintain aircraft safety standards. One such directive, AD/PC-6/42, pertains to the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes, addressing the issue of fuel starvation during parachute operations. This directive was introduced to mitigate risks associated with the collector tank not fully refilling, which could lead to fuel starvation during specific missions such as parachute dropping or skydiving. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, as the enforcing body, aims to ensure that all affected aircraft comply with the specified requirements to maintain operational safety. The policy objective behind this directive is to enhance the safety of aircraft used in specialised operations by ensuring that the fuel system functions correctly under all conditions. By mandating specific modifications and compliance actions, the regulations seek to prevent potential safety hazards that could arise from inadequate fuel management during critical missions. The directive was enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, highlighting the government's commitment to stringent safety standards in civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives, pertains to the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series aeroplanes. This legislative instrument mandates the incorporation of specific maintenance requirements for the collector tank venting on all PC-6 aircraft up to and including serial number 915, which are fitted with a turboprop engine. Notably, the directive excludes aircraft serial number 902, which has already been modified according to Pilatus Service Bulletin No 171. To comply with the directive, actions stipulated in Pilatus Service Bulletin No 118, issued in December 1972, must be completed before adhering to this directive. The requirement necessitates compliance prior to 30 April 1996. This regulation is intended to prevent fuel starvation during parachute dropping or sky-diving missions due to the collector tank not fully refilling, as advised by the manufacturer. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, operating under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia, establish a comprehensive framework for civil aviation safety. This particular directive applies nationally and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, impacting all relevant aircraft operators and maintenance entities within Australia. The directive extends its reach to ensure compliance with safety standards across the aviation industry, underscoring the importance of adhering to specific maintenance protocols to safeguard operational safety. The exclusion of a specific aircraft serial number (902) highlights the precision with which these regulations are applied, ensuring that only those aircraft requiring the specified modifications are subject to the directive.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39, particularly Schedule of Airworthiness Directives AD/PC-6/42, address the collector tank venting issue for Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series aeroplanes. Section 39-105 of these regulations specifically targets all PC-6 aircraft up to and including aircraft serial number 915 fitted with a turboprop engine, excluding aircraft serial number 902 which has already been modified by Pilatus. The directive requires that, unless the action specified in Pilatus Service Bulletin No 171 has already been carried out, the requirements outlined in Pilatus Service Bulletin No 118, issued in December 1972, must be incorporated before complying with this directive. The obligations imposed by this directive require all applicable aircraft to ensure that the collector tank venting modifications are completed in accordance with the specified bulletins. Owners and operators of the affected aircraft must verify that any previous modifications by Pilatus are documented and, if not, must implement the requirements of Pilatus Service Bulletin No 118 before proceeding with any actions under AD/PC-6/42. This directive aims to prevent fuel starvation issues, particularly during parachute dropping or skydiving missions, by ensuring the collector tank refills completely. Failure to comply with these airworthiness directives may result in serious consequences. Section 97 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 states that non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to penalties under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. The potential penalties for non-compliance can include significant fines and the grounding of the aircraft until the required modifications are completed. In severe cases, continued operation of a non-compliant aircraft can result in criminal charges, with maximum penalties including substantial fines and imprisonment. It is crucial for aircraft owners and operators to adhere to these directives to ensure the safety and airworthiness of their aircraft.