AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CASR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
Short SD3-60 Series Aeroplanes
AD/SD3-60/67 Fuel Tank Bonding and Inspection 11/2004
DM
Applicability: All model SD3-60 aeroplanes.
Requirement: 1. Insert Shorts Flight Manual Advance Amendment Bulletin1/2004 or later EASA approved revision in the Aircraft Flight Manual.
2. Perform the following tasks in accordance with Shorts Service Bulletin (SB) SD 360-28-23 initial issue dated June 2004 or later EASA approved revision:
- Carry out an insulation resistance check of the fuel tank float switches in accordance with Section 2 Part A of the SB.
b. Inspect the condition of the Fuel Quantity Gauging System sensor cables and the cable supports inside the fuel tanks in accordance with Section 2 Part B of the SB.
c. Inspect the integrity of the existing bonding of the 2 off vent pipes inside cell 2 of the forward fuel tank in accordance with Section 2 Part C of the SB.
d. Install new bonding jumper wires between the forward and aft fuel tank vent pipes and the aircraft structure in accordance Section 2 Part D of the SB.
3. Rectify any defect identified as a result of performing the tasks specified in Requirement 2.
4. Compliance with section 5-20-01 and 5-20-02 of the Aircraft Maintenance Manual introduced Aircraft maintenance Manual (AMM) Temporary Revisions TR360-AMM-33 and TR330-AMM-34 dated Juny 2004 (or later approved AMM revision) is mandatory.
Note: CAA(UK) AD G-2004-0021 (EASA Approval 2004-9032) refers.
Compliance: For Requirement 1 - Within one month after the effective date of this Directive. For Requirement 2 - Within six months after the effective date of this Directive For Requirement 3 - Prior to further flight.
Short SD3-60 Series Aeroplanes
AD/SD3-60/67 (continued)
For Requirement 4 - Following compliance with Requirement 2.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 22 September 2004.
Background: The European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) has determined that the actions identified in CAA(UK) AD G-2004-0021, which are reflected in this Directive, were necessary to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks.
This Directive initially requires the amendment of the AFM followed by the installation of two additional bonding jumpers between the fuel vent pipes and the aircraft structure together with additional inspections including bonding/insulation checks on internal components of the fuel tank.
James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 15 September 2004
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 22 September 2004.
Overview
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR) by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is designed to address specific safety concerns related to the SD3-60 Series Aeroplanes. The directive, identified as AD/SD3-60/67, was enacted to rectify potential ignition sources within the fuel tanks of these aircraft, ensuring compliance with international safety standards set by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This legislative instrument was introduced to mandate critical safety measures, including the amendment of the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM), installation of bonding jumpers, and additional inspections to mitigate risks associated with fuel tank integrity and insulation. The directive aims to enhance the safety of air travel by ensuring that all SD3-60 Series Aeroplanes meet the stringent requirements for airworthiness set forth by both CASA and EASA.
Scope and Application
This Airworthiness Directive applies specifically to all model SD3-60 aeroplanes and is issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under subregulation 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998. The directive mandates that certain actions be undertaken to address identified unsafe conditions concerning the fuel tanks of these aircraft. These actions include inserting an approved revision into the Aircraft Flight Manual, conducting various inspections and checks on the fuel tank components as per specified service bulletins, installing new bonding jumper wires between the fuel vent pipes and aircraft structure, and rectifying any defects discovered during the inspections. Compliance with these requirements must occur within specified timeframes, with some actions needing to be completed prior to further flight. This AD becomes effective from 22 September 2004 and is aimed at mitigating the risk of ignition sources within the fuel tanks, as determined by the European Aviation Safety Authority.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) pertains specifically to all model SD3-60 aeroplanes. According to section 11(1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR), the CASA delegate has issued this directive to address an identified unsafe condition related to the fuel tanks of these aircraft models. The directive requires several actions to ensure the airworthiness of the aircraft. Firstly, as per section 1(a) of the AD, it is mandatory to insert the Shorts Flight Manual Advance Amendment Bulletin 1/2004 or any subsequent EASA approved revision into the Aircraft Flight Manual. Following this, several tasks need to be performed in line with the Shorts Service Bulletin (SB) SD 360-28-23, initial issue dated June 2004, or any later EASA approved revision. These tasks include conducting an insulation resistance check of the fuel tank float switches, inspecting the condition of the Fuel Quantity Gauging System sensor cables and their supports, inspecting the bonding integrity of the vent pipes inside the forward fuel tank, and installing new bonding jumper wires between the vent pipes and the aircraft structure.
The AD further mandates that any defects identified during the inspection and testing procedures must be rectified, as per section 1(c). Additionally, compliance with sections 5-20-01 and 5-20-02 of the Aircraft Maintenance Manual, as introduced by the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) Temporary Revisions TR360-AMM-33 and TR330-AMM-34 dated June 2004 (or later approved AMM revision), is compulsory. The directive references CAA(UK) AD G-2004-0021, which has received EASA approval (2004-9032). The compliance deadlines are set out clearly: within one month for the amendment of the Aircraft Flight Manual, within six months for the performance of the specified tasks, prior to further flight for the rectification of any identified defects, and following compliance with the inspection and testing tasks for adherence to the Aircraft Maintenance Manual revisions.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this Airworthiness Directive can result in significant legal and operational consequences. The directive, which became effective on 22 September 2004, was issued to mitigate the potential ignition risks within the fuel tanks of the SD3-60 series aeroplanes. Non-compliance with the AD could lead to safety hazards, potential grounding of the aircraft, and legal penalties. The directive was published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 22 September 2004, ensuring that all relevant parties are duly informed of the mandatory actions required to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft.