AD/R22/47 - Fuel Tank Vent System

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which concerns the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes AD/R22/47 addressing Robinson R22 Series Helicopters. Enacted in 1998 by the Commonwealth of Australia, this legislation was introduced to tackle the problem of uncommanded loss of engine power in R22 helicopters, which had been linked to kinking of the fuel tank vent system. The policy objective is to ensure the safety and reliability of the Robinson R22 Series helicopters by mandating inspections and necessary modifications to the fuel tank vent system in accordance with specified service bulletins. Compliance with this directive must be achieved within 25 hours of time in service or 30 days from the directive's effective date of 14 October 1998, whichever comes first.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to Robinson R22 Series Helicopters with serial numbers ranging from 0002 to 1451, excluding those overhauled by Robinson after January 1991. This regulation pertains to the requirement for inspecting and modifying, if necessary, the fuel tank vent system as per Robinson R22 Service Bulletin No. 84. Compliance with this directive must occur within 25 hours of time in service or 30 days from the effective date of the directive, whichever comes first. This directive was issued on 14 October 1998 in response to incidents of uncommanded loss of engine power attributed to kinking of the fuel tank vent system. The regulation extends to the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensuring that the specified Robinson R22 helicopters meet the required safety standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, contain the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Robinson R22 Series Helicopters. One such directive, AD/R22/47, pertains to the fuel tank vent system. This directive applies to Robinson R22 helicopters with serial numbers ranging from 0002 to 1451, except those that have undergone overhaul by Robinson after January 1991 (section 13/98). The directive mandates that the fuel tank vent system must be inspected and, if necessary, modified according to Robinson R22 Service Bulletin No. 84 (section 1). It is also noted that Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Priority Letter AD 98-21-09 and Robinson Service Bulletin No. 83 also address modifications to the fuel tank vent system (section 1, Note 1 and Note 2). Compliance with this directive is mandatory. Operators must ensure that the inspection and modification of the fuel tank vent system are carried out within 25 hours of time in service or within 30 days from the effective date of this directive, whichever comes first. This directive became effective on 14 October 1998 (section 1). The directive is a response to reports of uncommanded loss of engine power in R22 helicopters, which have been linked to kinking of the fuel tank vent system (section Background). Operators and owners of the affected helicopters must ensure that the fuel tank vent system is inspected and modified as required by the directive to maintain the airworthiness of their aircraft. Failure to comply with this directive may result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, potentially leading to grounding and further regulatory action. It is imperative that operators adhere to the specified compliance timeframe to avoid any potential safety risks or regulatory repercussions.