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.
Univair Corporation Ercoupe, Forney, Alon, and Mooney M10 Series Aeroplanes
AD/UNIVAIR/3 Fuel Line Nipple 7/2003
Applicability: All ERCO Model 415-C, 415-CD, 415D, 415-E and 415-G aeroplanes and all Forney Model F-1 and F-1A aeroplanes that have a gascolator connected to the side of the carburettor.
Note 1: This Directive does not affect those aeroplanes with a gascolator mounted on the firewall.
Requirement: 1. Inspect the fuel line nipple and elbow located between the carburetor and gascolator for cracks or misalignment.
2. Replace any faulty components and/or fittings detected during Requirement 1 of this Directive, in accordance with Univair Service Bulletin (S/B) No. 24B.
3. Replace any aluminum fuel line nipple with one made of brass or steel in accordance with Univair S/B No. 24B.
4. Replace any aluminum fuel line elbow fitting with one made of brass or steel in accordance with Univair S/B No. 24B.
5. Inspect for the existence of double support tubes on the gascolator and install these tubes if they do not exist, in accordance with Univair S/B No. 24B as follows:
- For all affected aeroplanes except for (Forney) F–1 and (Forney) F–1A aeroplanes, install part numbers 48076 and 48096 (or FAA-approved equivalent part numbers) double support tubes; and
- For all affected (Forney) F–1 and (Forney) F1–A aeroplanes, install part numbers 48098 and 48099 (or FAA-approved equivalent part numbers) double support tubes.
- Do not install on any affected aeroplane an aluminium fuel line nipple or aluminium elbow.
- Do not install a gascolator on the side of the carburettor on any affected aeroplane, unless the double support tubes specified in Requirement 4a or 4b of this Directive are installed.
Univair Corporation Ercoupe, Forney, Alon, and Mooney M10 Series Aeroplanes
AD/UNIVAIR/3 (continued)
Note: FAA AD 2002-16-04 Amdt 39-12843 refers.
Compliance: 1. Within 25 hours Time In Service (TIS) from the effective date of this Directive.
Replacement of faulty fittings found during the inspection detailed in Requirement 1 prior to further flight.
2. Before further flight immediately following the Requirement 1 inspection.
3. Within 25 hours TIS from the effective date of this Directive.
4. Within 25 hours TIS from the effective date of this Directive.
5. Within 25 hours TIS from the effective date of this Directive.
6. From the effective date of this Directive.
7. From the effective date of this Directive.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 10 July 2003.
Background: There have been failures of the fuel line nipple located between the gascolator and the elbow on the carburettor. Incorrect installation of the fuel line nipple, the elbow and removal of the bracing that supports the gascola tor lead to failure of the fuel line nipple and the elbow. Failure of the fuel line nipple or elbow can lead to fuel leakage causing engine stoppage or fire.
Jim Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 26 May 2003
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 18 June 2003.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued Airworthiness Directive (AD) UNIVAIR/3 in 2003, specifically on 10 July 2003, in response to recurring failures of fuel line nipples in certain ERCO and Forney model aeroplanes that could lead to fuel leakage, engine stoppage, or fire. The AD mandates inspections, replacements, and installations of specific components to rectify unsafe conditions and ensure airworthiness. This directive was enacted to address safety concerns associated with fuel line nipple failures, ensuring that these aeroplanes meet safety standards and are safe for operation. The policy objective is to prevent unsafe conditions that could lead to catastrophic failures during flight.
Scope and Application
This Airworthiness Directive applies to all ERCO Model 415-C, 415-CD, 415D, 415-E and 415-G aeroplanes and all Forney Model F-1 and F-1A aeroplanes that have a gascolator connected to the side of the carburettor. It does not apply to aeroplanes with a gascolator mounted on the firewall. The AD is issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) delegate, Jim Coyne, under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998. The directive requires the inspection and replacement of the fuel line nipple and elbow, and the installation of double support tubes for the gascolator in accordance with specific instructions and timeframes, to address the unsafe condition of the fuel line nipple. The directive is applicable within the Commonwealth of Australia and extends to all relevant aircraft and aeronautical products within its jurisdiction. Compliance must be achieved within specified timeframes from the effective date of the directive.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under subregulation 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR 1998) by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) delegate mandates specific actions to rectify an unsafe condition with certain aircraft models. The AD pertains to Univair Corporation Ercoupe, Forney, Alon, and Mooney M10 Series aeroplanes that have a gascolator connected to the side of the carburettor. This directive does not apply to aeroplanes with a gascolator mounted on the firewall.
The main requirements outlined in this AD (sections 1 to 5) demand thorough inspections and corrective actions. Firstly, operators must inspect the fuel line nipple and elbow for cracks or misalignment (section 1). If any faulty components or fittings are detected, they must be replaced immediately before further flight (section 2). Furthermore, operators must replace any aluminium fuel line nipple with one made of brass or steel and any aluminium fuel line elbow with one made of brass or steel (sections 3 and 4). The AD also requires the installation of double support tubes on the gascolator if they do not already exist, with specific part numbers or FAA-approved equivalents to be used depending on the aeroplane model (section 5). Operators are prohibited from installing an aluminium fuel line nipple, aluminium elbow, or a gascolator on the side of the carburettor without the specified double support tubes.
The AD imposes several obligations on the parties it governs, including operators of the specified aircraft. Operators must ensure compliance with the inspection and replacement requirements within specified time frames post the effective date of the AD. Specifically, inspections must be carried out within 25 hours of Time In Service (TIS) from the effective date, and replacements or installations must also be completed within 25 hours TIS (sections 1-5). The AD further specifies that certain actions must be undertaken from the effective date onwards, such as the prohibition of installing an aluminium fuel line nipple or elbow and the mandatory installation of double support tubes.
Breaches of this AD can result in serious civil or criminal consequences. While the AD does not explicitly detail penalties, non-compliance with CASA directives can lead to enforcement actions by CASA, including fines, suspension, or revocation of airworthiness certificates. The maximum penalties for non-compliance with aviation safety regulations can include substantial fines and imprisonment, reflecting the serious nature of ensuring aircraft safety.