AD/TSA-600/21 - Engine Nacelle Drain Tubes - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the Legislative instrument F2006B07486, address specific safety concerns associated with the Aerostar (Piper/Ted Smith) 600 and 700 Series Aeroplanes, particularly focusing on the engine nacelle drain tubes. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, this regulation was introduced to mitigate the risk of fuel accumulation and potential ignition during engine startup, which could occur due to a wing tank fuel leak. The policy objective behind this legislation is to ensure the safety and reliability of the aircraft by mandating timely modifications to the engine nacelle drain tubes, thereby preventing hazardous situations that could compromise flight safety. The regulation applies to all models of the Aerostar (Piper/Ted Smith) 600 and 700 Series Aeroplanes with Airframe Sequence Numbers below 0660. Compliance with the directive requires that the specified modifications be completed within 100 hours of time in service following 30 June 1979. This legislative measure underscores the importance of proactive maintenance and safety checks to safeguard against potential fire hazards in aircraft operations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended and specifically within Part 39, address the safety requirements for certain aircraft, including the Aerostar (Piper/Ted Smith) 600 and 700 series aeroplanes. The legislation mandates specific modifications to the engine nacelle drain tubes, particularly for models with Airframe Sequence Numbers below 0660, to mitigate the risk of fuel ignition during engine startup in the event of a fuel leak. The compliance period for these modifications is set within 100 hours of time in service after 30 June 1979. This regulation applies to all relevant aircraft within the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The authority may extend or restrict the application of these directives through subordinate instruments, ensuring that the safety standards are consistently maintained across the industry.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, contain specific airworthiness directives pertinent to certain aircraft models. One such directive, AD/TSA-600/21, addresses the modification of engine nacelle drain tubes for Aerostar (Piper/Ted Smith) 600 and 700 series aeroplanes (section 39-105). This directive applies to all models with an Airframe Sequence Number below 0660 (section 6/79). The directive's applicability is confirmed through either Piper Aerostar Service Bulletin No. SB600-80, Part II, or the FAA AD 79-08-05, Amendment 39-3449 (section 1). Compliance with this directive is required within 100 hours of the aeroplane being in service after 30 June 1979 (section 6/79). The directive was issued due to the potential risk of fuel accumulation in the lower nacelle compartment aft of the firewall, which could lead to ignition during engine startup in the event of a wing tank fuel leak (section 6/79). Entities governed by this directive must adhere to specific obligations to ensure compliance. This involves modifying the engine nacelle drain tubes in accordance with the specified documentation, ensuring that the modifications are completed within the stipulated timeframe of 100 hours of service post-June 1979. The modifications must be carried out in a manner that ensures the safety of the aeroplane and its occupants, conforming to the standards outlined in Piper Aerostar SB No. SB600-80, Part II, or the FAA AD 79-08-05, Amendment 39-3449. Proper documentation and records of the modifications must be maintained to demonstrate compliance with the airworthiness directive (section 6/79). Failure to comply with AD/TSA-600/21 may result in various consequences, including potential civil and criminal penalties. The specific consequences for non-compliance with airworthiness directives under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 are not detailed within the legislative instrument provided. However, generally, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can result in the grounding of the aeroplane, fines, and potential legal action. The exact penalties may vary depending on the severity of the non-compliance and could include substantial financial penalties. Additionally, non-compliance could lead to criminal charges under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, which could result in imprisonment if found guilty in a court of law. It is imperative for operators and maintenance personnel to adhere to these directives to avoid any legal repercussions and ensure the safety of their operations.