AD/SF340/33 - Inner Wing Fuel Tanks

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Government, form a critical part of the legislative framework governing aviation safety in the country. This specific legislative instrument, F2006B06962, pertains to Part 39 – 105, which focuses on the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Saab SF340 Series Aeroplanes. The regulation was introduced to address a safety issue identified in the inner wing fuel tanks of the Saab SF340B models with serial numbers ranging from 160 through 226. The problem arose from a blockage in the vent line during pressure refuelling, which led to pressure build-up and subsequent structural deformation of the wing. The policy objective of this directive is to ensure that the specified aircraft models comply with the requirements set forth by SAAB Service Bulletin 340-28-013, mandating corrective action within 250 hours of time in service from 20 April 1992 or by 31 July 1992, whichever is sooner.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertain to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives. This particular directive applies to the SAAB SF340 series aeroplanes, more precisely to the models 340B with serial numbers ranging from 160 to 226 inclusive. The directive mandates action in accordance with SAAB Service Bulletin 340-28-013, referencing Swedish Airworthiness Directive (SAD) No 1-046 and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) AD 92-03-10 Amdt 3908165. The directive necessitates compliance within 250 hours of time in service from 20 April 1992 or by 31 July 1992, whichever comes first, arising from an incident where a piece of foam obstructed the vent line between the inner and outer fuel cell during pressure refuelling, leading to a pressure build-up that deformed the ribs and wing skin. This regulation underscores the importance of maintaining specific structural integrity for the continued airworthiness of the aircraft within this model range.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, contains a schedule of airworthiness directives (AD) that are critical for ensuring the safe operation of aircraft. One such directive is AD/SF340/33, which pertains to the inner wing fuel tanks of the Saab SF340 series aeroplanes (section 39-105). This directive applies to model 340B aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 160 to 226, inclusive (section 39-105(1)). The requirement is to take action in accordance with Saab Service Bulletin 340-28-013 (section 39-105(2)). The directive references the Swedish Airworthiness Directive (SAD) No 1-046 and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) AD 92-03-10 Amendment 3908165 for further context and guidance (section 39-105(3)). Operators and owners of the affected Saab SF340 series aeroplanes are obligated to comply with the directive within 250 hours of time in service from 20 April 1992, or by 31 July 1992, whichever comes first (section 39-105(4)). This involves implementing the actions specified in the Saab Service Bulletin 340-28-013, which are aimed at addressing a specific safety issue identified during pressure refuelling operations. The issue, as documented, involved a piece of foam obstructing the vent line between the inner and outer fuel cells, leading to a pressure build-up that caused structural deformation of the wing ribs and skin (section 39-105(5)). Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/SF340/33 can lead to significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) enforces these regulations, and non-compliance may result in civil or criminal penalties (section 39-105(6)). The specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed within the text of the directive, but generally, penalties for breaches of aviation safety regulations can include substantial fines and potential criminal charges. Additionally, operators may face operational restrictions or be subject to additional oversight and scrutiny to ensure compliance in the future.