AD/ROCK-114/6 - Fuel Selector Valve - Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, serve to regulate various aspects of civil aviation safety, including the issuance of airworthiness directives. Part 39, specifically, pertains to directives that must be followed to ensure aircraft meet safety standards. One such directive, AD/ROCK-114/6, was introduced to address a safety concern regarding the fuel selector valve in Gulfstream (Rockwell) 114 Series Aeroplanes. This directive was enacted to ensure the replacement of the fuel selector valve to prevent potential safety issues, thereby maintaining the airworthiness of these specific aircraft models. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, as part of its regulatory role, issued this directive to ensure compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 30 June 1978 for the specified serial numbers.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, governs the application of Airworthiness Directives, including AD/ROCK-114/6, which pertains to the replacement of fuel selector valves on Gulfstream (Rockwell) 114 series aeroplanes. This directive applies to aircraft within the specified model 114 and serial number range from 14001 to 14134, mandating compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 30 June 1978. The directive is issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and is intended to ensure the continued airworthiness of these aircraft, thus ensuring safety standards are met across the aviation industry. The directive's scope is nationally consistent, affecting all operators within the Commonwealth of Australia, with compliance monitored by relevant aviation authorities. This regulation does not specify any exclusions or exemptions but necessitates adherence to the specified compliance timeframe and procedures outlined in Rockwell International Service Bulletin No. SB-114-4A.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, provides detailed guidance on the airworthiness directives for specific aircraft models, including the Gulfstream (Rockwell) 114 Series Aeroplanes. Section 39.105(1) pertains to the airworthiness directives, which in this case, are specifically targeted at the fuel selector valve of the mentioned aircraft series. The directive, AD/ROCK-114/6, mandates the replacement of the fuel selector valve on Model 114 aircraft with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 14001 to 14134. The directive references Rockwell International Service Bulletin No. SB-114-4A as the document that details the compliance requirements. The primary obligations under this directive require that the fuel selector valve be replaced within 100 hours of time in service after 30 June 1978. The replacement must be carried out in accordance with the instructions and specifications provided in the referenced Rockwell International Service Bulletin. This ensures that the aircraft maintain their airworthiness and comply with safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Compliance is not only a matter of operational procedure but also a legal requirement under these regulations. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directives can lead to serious consequences. Section 39.105(2) outlines that non-compliance with these directives can result in penalties. The Civil Aviation Act 1988 and associated regulations stipulate that any breach of these airworthiness directives can be subject to enforcement actions. This includes both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties can include fines, and in severe cases, criminal penalties may apply. The maximum penalties are not explicitly stated in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 but can be found in the Civil Aviation Act 1988, where penalties for non-compliance can be substantial, reflecting the critical nature of ensuring airworthiness in aviation safety.