COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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.
Cessna 120 and 140 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 120/5 Fuselage Rear Bulkhead 5/2003
Applicability: Model 120 and 140 aircraft, with serial numbers up to and including 14289.
Requirement: Inspect the lower right hand corner of the cut-out in the fuselage rear bulkhead for cracks, which usually extend down to the rivet holes at the nearest anchor nut.
If cracks are found, before further flight, install the new type bulkhead with reinforcement channel added in accordance with Cessna Drawing No. 0412169.
Note: FAA AD 47-50-02 and Cessna Service Letter No. 46 refer.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service or 12 months after 15 May 2003, whichever occurs first, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours time in service; until the fuselage rear bulkhead (tail post) has been reinforced.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 15 May 2003.
Background: The FAA requires inspection of the fuselage rear bulkhead until modified.
David Alan Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 4 April 2003
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 23 April 2003.
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Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR) were enacted to ensure the safety of civil aviation within Australia. Among these regulations, Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives specifically targets the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These directives address identified safety issues with particular aircraft models, ensuring they meet the necessary safety standards to operate. The enactment of these regulations by the Australian Parliament aims to provide a comprehensive framework for maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft, thereby protecting public safety in the aviation sector. This specific AD for Cessna 120 and 140 Series Aeroplanes, issued on 15 May 2003, was introduced to address a safety issue with the fuselage rear bulkhead, requiring inspections and modifications to prevent potential structural failures.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure the safety of civil aviation operations within Australia. The AD discussed pertains to Cessna 120 and 140 series aeroplanes with serial numbers up to and including 14289, requiring inspections of the fuselage rear bulkhead for cracks and subsequent reinforcement if necessary. This directive applies to all aircraft within the specified model series and serial numbers, mandating that the inspections and any required repairs be conducted in accordance with the instructions provided by CASA, within set timeframes. The AD is effective across the Commonwealth, ensuring a uniform approach to safety compliance within Australia's airspace. The regulation does not specify exclusions or exemptions but requires compliance with the detailed instructions to rectify identified safety issues, highlighting the importance of regular maintenance and adherence to safety standards.
Key Provisions
The main sections of the Airworthiness Directive (AD) for Cessna 120 and 140 Series Aeroplanes (AD/CESSNA 120/5) focus on ensuring the safety of these aircraft through specific actions that must be taken. According to section (a) of the requirement, it is necessary to inspect the lower right-hand corner of the fuselage rear bulkhead for cracks in model 120 and 140 aircraft with serial numbers up to and including 14289. If any cracks are found extending down to the rivet holes at the nearest anchor nut, the AD mandates the installation of a new type bulkhead with reinforcement channel, as per Cessna Drawing No. 0412169. These actions are to be carried out under the conditions and instructions outlined in the requirement section.
The AD imposes specific obligations and requirements on the entities governed by it. Owners and operators of the affected aircraft must ensure that the inspection of the fuselage rear bulkhead is conducted within the stipulated timeframes: either within 100 hours of time in service or within 12 months after 15 May 2003, whichever comes first. Furthermore, once the inspection reveals cracks, the installation of the new type bulkhead with reinforcement must be completed before the aircraft is flown again. The AD also references FAA AD 47-50-02 and Cessna Service Letter No. 46, which should be consulted for further details and technical specifications.
Failure to comply with the AD can result in significant consequences. Although the AD itself does not specify penalties, non-compliance with civil aviation regulations can lead to severe outcomes, including fines, suspension of airworthiness certificates, and potential criminal charges. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce these regulations, and violations can be pursued in court, resulting in both civil and criminal penalties depending on the severity and intent of the non-compliance. Ensuring adherence to AD/CESSNA 120/5 is critical for maintaining the airworthiness and safety of the aircraft in question.