COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Aerostar (Piper/Ted Smith) 600 and 700 Series Aeroplanes
AD/TSA-600/29 Wing Tank Fuel Line - Inspection 5/81
Applicability: All models.
Requirement: Inspect both LH and RH wing fuel tank lines, in the area where they pass through the main spar, for chafing on the aileron push rod. The area is illustrated in the Parts Catalogue, Fig. 66, Detail C.
Compliance: Before further flight.
Background: During an inspection of the fuel system lines on one aircraft it was discovered that the fuel line had been almost chafed through by the aileron push rod. The aircraft TSN was 61 hours.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, were enacted to regulate the safety and operational standards of civil aviation in Australia. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 establishes a schedule of airworthiness directives that ensure the safety of aircraft operations by mandating specific maintenance and inspection requirements. The legislative instrument F2006B07494, concerning Aerostar (Piper/Ted Smith) 600 and 700 Series Aeroplanes, addresses the identified issue of fuel line chafing on these aircraft models. This directive was introduced following the discovery of severe chafing on the fuel line caused by the aileron push rod, which necessitated immediate corrective action to prevent potential in-flight failures and ensure the continued airworthiness of the affected aircraft.
The policy objective of this airworthiness directive is to mitigate the risk of fuel line failure due to chafing, thereby enhancing the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. By requiring a thorough inspection of the fuel tank lines in the specified area before further flight, CASA aims to prevent similar incidents and maintain the high safety standards required under Australian aviation law.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all persons, entities, and industries involved in the operation and maintenance of Aerostar (Piper/Ted Smith) 600 and 700 Series aeroplanes within Australia. This legislation mandates the inspection of both the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) wing fuel tank lines, particularly where they pass through the main spar and are susceptible to chafing by the aileron push rod. The requirement to inspect these fuel lines aims to ensure compliance with safety standards, as demonstrated by the incident where a fuel line was almost chafed through after only 61 hours of flight time. This inspection must be completed before any further flight to prevent potential safety hazards. The regulations are enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and are applicable across all states and territories within the Commonwealth of Australia. The regulations do not explicitly exclude any specific types of operations or circumstances, and compliance is mandatory for all relevant aircraft.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 and the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes a directive (AD/TSA-600/29) pertaining to Aerostar (Piper/Ted Smith) 600 and 700 Series Aeroplanes (Section 105). This directive mandates an inspection of the wing tank fuel lines for all models in the series. The primary requirement (Section 5/81) is to inspect both the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) wing fuel tank lines, focusing on the area where these lines pass through the main spar. The inspection must specifically check for chafing caused by the aileron push rod. The exact area for inspection is detailed in the Parts Catalogue, Figure 66, Detail C.
The obligations imposed by this directive are straightforward but crucial for ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. Operators must conduct the inspection before any further flight to ensure the integrity of the fuel lines. This requirement underscores the importance of regular and thorough maintenance to prevent potential fuel leaks, which could lead to catastrophic outcomes during flight. The directive necessitates a proactive approach to maintenance, ensuring that any signs of wear or damage are identified and addressed promptly.
Failure to comply with the requirements outlined in the directive can result in significant consequences. While the regulations do not explicitly state the specific penalties for non-compliance, it is implied that such failures could lead to civil or criminal charges under broader aviation safety laws. Non-compliance might result in penalties that could include fines or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach and its impact on aviation safety. The overarching goal is to ensure that all aircraft meet the stringent safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), thereby safeguarding the well-being of passengers and crew.