Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, address various safety issues related to civil aviation operations. A specific legislative instrument, F2006B06242, focuses on the Pitts S-1 and S-2 series aeroplanes and mandates a modification to the fuselage-mounted main fuel tank filler cap. This directive, AD/PITTS S-2/13, was introduced to address the problem of engine failure due to fuel exhaustion, which had occurred when the main fuel tank cap was lost during flight. The requirement to install a positive retention device for the main fuel tank cap, acceptable to the Secretary, aims to prevent such incidents. Compliance with this directive is mandatory before further flight after 30 June 1984, underscoring the policy objective of enhancing flight safety through structural modifications.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105, mandate the Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning Pitts S-1 and S-2 series aeroplanes. This directive applies universally to all aircraft within the specified series, focusing on the installation of a positive retention device for the main fuel tank filler cap to prevent in-flight loss of the cap, which has previously led to engine failure due to fuel exhaustion. The directive necessitates compliance before any further flight undertaken after 30 June 1984, and the retention device must be installed using a means that is acceptable to the Secretary of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The regulation is enforced across the Commonwealth, ensuring a standardised approach to airworthiness for this specific aircraft series. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in this directive, and compliance is mandatory for all entities operating these aircraft within Australian jurisdiction.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39, Section 105, establish the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to issue Airworthiness Directives (ADs) for specific aircraft types. In this instance, AD/PITTS S-2/13 applies to all Pitts S-1 and S-2 series aeroplanes and mandates the installation of a positive retention device for the fuselage-mounted main fuel tank filler cap (Section 4/84). This requirement is grounded in the necessity to prevent in-flight loss of the fuel tank cap, which has previously caused engine failures due to fuel exhaustion. The primary obligation under this AD is the installation of a retention device that ensures the main fuel tank cap remains securely attached during flight. This device must be acceptable to the Secretary of CASA, indicating that the authority has specific criteria that must be met for the retention device to be considered compliant (Section 4/84). The directive requires that this modification be completed before any further flight of the aircraft after 30 June 1984, underscoring the urgency and importance of the safety measure. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/PITTS S-2/13 could result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Act 1988 outlines that non-compliance with an AD can lead to enforcement actions. If an operator fails to adhere to the directive, CASA can take measures such as grounding the aircraft or imposing fines. The specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the AD but can include substantial fines and other legal repercussions as stipulated in the broader regulatory framework. Ensuring compliance is critical to maintaining the airworthiness of the Pitts S-1 and S-2 series aeroplanes and safeguarding flight safety.