AD/ROBIN/11 - Carburettor Inlet Fitting

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), aim to ensure the safety of civil aviation operations within Australia. Part 39, specifically, addresses airworthiness directives for various aircraft models, including the Robin Aviation Series Aeroplanes, and establishes compliance requirements to maintain the safety standards of these aircraft. One such directive, AD/ROBIN/11, issued in 1989, focuses on the Robin Aviation Series Aeroplanes equipped with Lycoming O-235, O-320, or O-360 series engines. The directive mandates that the inlet fitting of the aeroplane’s carburettor be inspected and replaced if any leaks are detected, or at the next 50-hourly inspection if no leaks are found, in accordance with Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No 112. This directive seeks to address the potential safety risks associated with inlet fitting failures in these aircraft models, ensuring the ongoing airworthiness and safety of civil aviation operations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 and the Airworthiness Directives for Robin Aviation Series Aeroplanes, apply to all models equipped with Lycoming O-235, O-320 or O-360 series engines. This regulation mandates that aircraft operators must adhere to the manufacturer's directive detailed in Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No 112, which pertains to the inspection and replacement of the carburettor inlet fitting. The requirement necessitates immediate replacement if any leaks are detected, and if no leaks are evident, the fitting must be replaced during the next 50-hourly inspection. This directive is in alignment with the DGAC AD 89-05-2(A) and must be complied with by 26 May 1989. The regulation applies nationally across Australia, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, and is applicable to all relevant aircraft operating within Australian airspace. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in this directive, and compliance is mandatory for all affected aircraft to ensure continued airworthiness.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), specifically Part 39 - 105, include an Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning the Robin Aviation Series Aeroplanes. AD/ROBIN/11 focuses on the Carburettor Inlet Fitting and applies to all models equipped with Lycoming O-235, O-320 or O-360 series engines. The directive references Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No 112 and aligns with DGAC AD 89-05-2(A). The primary requirement is that the inlet fitting must either be inspected and replaced immediately if any leaks are detected, or replaced at the next 50-hour inspection if no leaks are found. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be achieved by 26 May 1989. This legislation imposes several obligations on the operators and owners of the affected aircraft. Firstly, they must ensure that the inlet fitting is inspected as per the directive’s requirements. If any leaks are detected during the inspection, immediate replacement is necessary. If no leaks are present, the fitting must still be replaced during the next scheduled 50-hour inspection. These obligations are intended to maintain the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft, ensuring that the potential risks associated with the inlet fitting are mitigated. Failure to comply with AD/ROBIN/11 can result in serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cth), non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive can lead to significant penalties. For an individual, the maximum penalty includes a fine of up to $21,000 and/or imprisonment for up to two years. For a corporation, the penalties can be substantially higher, reaching up to $1,050,000 for serious breaches. Additionally, the non-compliance could result in the grounding of the aircraft, which would prevent the aircraft from being operated until the issue is rectified, potentially leading to further financial and operational disruptions.