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 120/6 Horizontal Stabiliser to Fin
Post Attachment
5/2003
Applicability: Model 120 and 140 aircraft, serial numbers 8001 through 14329.
Requirement: Inspect the two bolts attaching the horizontal stabiliser to the fin post for tightness and correct length. If no bolt threads extend through the fibre lock rings of the anchor nuts inside the stabiliser attachment fitting, or if the bolts show any indication of having backed off when check torqued; replace the bolts with AN 4-5A on aircraft serial numbers 10091 and subsequent, or AN 3-5A bolts on aircraft serial numbers up to and including 10090.
If the new bolts do not develop at least 3- inch pounds torque in the anchor nut, substitute AN 4-H5A or AN 3-H5A (drilled head) bolts, as applicable, and lockwire the bolts together.
Check the clearance of the elevator horn and horn bolts with respect to the cutouts in the fin spar, and increase to a minimum of 0.125- inch wherever necessary.
Note: FAA AD 48-07-01 and Cessna Service Letter No. 52 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 12 months.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 15 May 2003.
Background: The FAA requires repetitive inspections and any necessary follow- up actions to ensure the security of the horizontal stabiliser to fin attachment.
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.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, addresses the requirement for Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to ensure aircraft safety. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, the ADs aim to rectify any unsafe conditions identified in aircraft operations. This particular AD, AD/CESSNA 120/6, focuses on the Cessna 120 and 140 series aeroplanes, serial numbers 8001 through 14329. The directive requires inspections and actions to secure the attachment of the horizontal stabiliser to the fin post. If the bolts are found to be loose or incorrect, they must be replaced with specified types of bolts. Additionally, the clearance of the elevator horn and horn bolts must be adjusted to meet a minimum standard. The objective of this directive is to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the affected aircraft by adhering to the compliance schedule of 100 hours or 12 months post the directive's effective date, whichever comes first.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, pertains to the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (AD) by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure the safety of aircraft and aeronautical products. This particular AD applies to Cessna 120 and 140 series aeroplanes, targeting those with serial numbers ranging from 8001 through 14329. The directive mandates specific actions to address an identified unsafe condition related to the attachment of the horizontal stabiliser to the fin post. This requirement involves inspecting the bolts for tightness and correct length, replacing them if necessary, and ensuring that the elevator horn and horn bolts meet a specified clearance to the fin spar cutouts. The directive is designed to be enforced within 100 hours of service or 12 months after its effective date of 15 May 2003, whichever occurs first, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 12 months. The AD is applicable across the Commonwealth, with its stipulations extending to all relevant aircraft within the specified serial numbers, and is subject to compliance and enforcement by CASA.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, under PART 39 - 105, establish specific Airworthiness Directives (AD) for certain aircraft models to ensure their continued safety. The AD/CESSNA 120/6, for example, pertains to the Cessna 120 and 140 series aeroplanes, specifically those with serial numbers between 8001 and 14329. The directive mandates that the two bolts attaching the horizontal stabiliser to the fin post be inspected for tightness and correct length. If the bolts do not meet the required specifications, they must be replaced according to the aircraft's serial number, either with AN 4-5A or AN 3-5A bolts. If the replacement bolts do not achieve the necessary torque, further substitution with AN 4-H5A or AN 3-H5A bolts is required, followed by locking them together. Additionally, the clearance of the elevator horn and horn bolts with respect to the fin spar cutouts must be checked and adjusted to a minimum of 0.125 inches where necessary.
The obligations under this AD are stringent and specific. Aircraft operators must conduct the required inspections within 100 hours of time in service or within 12 months from the AD's effective date of 15 May 2003, whichever comes first. The inspections must then continue at intervals not exceeding 12 months. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to significant safety issues, potentially compromising the structural integrity of the aircraft.
Breach of the AD's requirements can lead to serious consequences. While the AD itself does not explicitly state penalties, non-compliance with ADs can be considered non-compliance with the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations, which may result in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Such actions can include fines, operational restrictions, or even grounding of the aircraft until compliance is achieved. The seriousness of these consequences underscores the importance of adhering to the specified requirements and ensuring the safety of the aircraft and its passengers.