AD/CESSNA 150/13 - Glove Box

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by F2006B04912, introduced specific airworthiness directives aimed at ensuring the safety of aircraft operations. This legislative instrument, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, was designed to address safety concerns associated with the Cessna 150, F150, 152 and F152 series aeroplanes. The primary objective of this regulation is to mitigate potential risks posed by inadequate clearance between the glove box and the aileron control chain and sprocket, which could lead to operational hazards. By mandating inspections and modifications to the glove box, the regulation seeks to prevent any interference with the control mechanisms, thereby enhancing flight safety and compliance with established aviation standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39, pertains to a range of safety directives that ensure the airworthiness of aircraft operating in Australia. These regulations apply to all aircraft registered in Australia, irrespective of their operational base, and are enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Within this regulatory framework, AD/CESSNA 150/13 addresses the specific safety directive concerning Cessna 150, F150, 152 & F152 series aeroplanes. This directive mandates the inspection and, if necessary, modification of the glove box in model 150G and 150H aircraft to prevent any interference with the aileron control chain and sprocket. Such inspections and modifications must be carried out by certified personnel, including the pilot, and must be completed within a specified timeframe to maintain the aircraft's airworthiness. This legislation thus applies to aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance personnel, ensuring compliance with stringent safety standards across the aviation industry in Australia.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, contain various provisions to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. One such directive is AD/CESSNA 150/13, which applies to Cessna 150, F150, 152 & F152 series aeroplanes. This directive mandates specific actions to be taken concerning the glove box of model 150G and 150H aircraft (section 1). The primary requirement is to inspect the forward upper edge of the glove box to ensure it has adequate clearance from the aileron control chain and sprocket when the control wheel is in the elevator full up position (section 2). This inspection can be performed and certified by the pilot. Additionally, the directive requires that the glove box mountings be modified by bracing to ensure there is no possibility of fouling the controls, or alternatively, the glove box must be removed (section 3). The entities governed by this directive, which includes aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance personnel, have clear obligations under the Civil Aviation Regulations. Firstly, they must conduct a thorough inspection of the glove box as specified, ensuring that the clearance and positioning meet the stipulated safety standards. This inspection must be carried out before the aircraft is flown further. Secondly, if the inspection reveals any issues, the entities must take corrective action by either modifying the glove box mountings with appropriate bracing or removing the glove box entirely to prevent any interference with the aircraft's control mechanisms. These steps are essential to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensure safe operation (section 4). Failure to comply with the requirements outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations and the specific AD/CESSNA 150/13 directive may result in significant legal consequences. Non-compliance with airworthiness directives is taken seriously, as it poses a risk to aviation safety. The Regulations may impose penalties for breaches, which could include fines or other enforcement actions. The exact penalties depend on the nature and severity of the breach, but under Australian law, severe non-compliance with safety directives can lead to criminal charges, resulting in substantial fines and potential imprisonment for responsible parties (section 5). The specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text but generally align with the strict regulatory framework designed to uphold high safety standards in aviation.