AD/CESSNA 150/18 Amdt 1 - Aileron Mass Balance Weight Attachment Rivets

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by the legislative instrument F2006B04916, were enacted to address specific safety concerns related to civil aviation in Australia. This legislation, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, was designed to fill gaps in the existing regulatory framework, ensuring that aircraft operations meet stringent safety standards. The objective of this directive, which applies to Cessna 150, F150, 152 & F152 Series Aeroplanes, is to mandate regular inspections of the aileron mass balance weight attachment rivets to prevent corrosion. This proactive approach aims to maintain the structural integrity and airworthiness of these aircraft models, thereby enhancing overall aviation safety. The legislative instrument, introduced by the Commonwealth of Australia, targets the critical issue of corrosion in specific components of the mentioned aircraft models. By requiring periodic inspections and the replacement of any corroded or damaged rivets, the regulation aims to mitigate potential safety risks associated with these components. This directive not only ensures compliance with safety standards but also underscores the importance of regular maintenance checks to prevent any operational hazards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, governs the airworthiness directives for aircraft in Australia, and includes detailed provisions for the maintenance and inspection of various aircraft models, including the Cessna 150, F150, 152 & F152 series aeroplanes. The scope of the regulations applies to all persons, entities, and industries involved in the operation, maintenance, and repair of these aircraft models, ensuring that all such activities comply with the prescribed standards and procedures. These regulations extend to the entire Commonwealth of Australia, thereby establishing a national standard for the safe operation of these aircraft. The directive in question, AD/CESSNA 150/18 Amendment 1, mandates that inspections of the rivets attaching the lower aileron skin to the balance weight must be conducted for any signs of corrosion. If corrosion is detected under the rivet heads, attempts should be made to remove the rivet heads using a light sharp sideways blow with a screwdriver, and all damaged or corroded rivets must be replaced. This inspection and compliance must occur within 100 hours of time in service after 29 September 1972, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service following that date. The regulations do not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, thereby applying broadly to all relevant aircraft within the specified models and timeframes.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, contain the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for the Cessna 150, F150, 152 & F152 series aeroplanes. This legislation mandates specific maintenance and inspection requirements to ensure the airworthiness of these aircraft models. The AD/CESSNA 150/18 Amendment 1 focuses on the inspection and replacement of aileron mass balance weight attachment rivets (section 1). The directive applies to all models within the specified series and mandates that the rivets attaching the lower aileron skin to the balance weight be inspected for corrosion (section 1). If corrosion is suspected under the rivet heads, attempts should be made to remove the rivet heads using a light, sharp sideways blow with a screwdriver. Any damaged or corroded rivets must be replaced (section 1). The Act imposes clear obligations on aircraft operators and maintenance personnel. They must ensure that the specified inspection and maintenance tasks are carried out in accordance with the defined intervals. Specifically, the rivets must be inspected within 100 hours of time in service after 29 September 1972, and thereafter, inspections must be conducted at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service after the same date (section 1). The operators and maintenance personnel are responsible for ensuring that all identified issues are addressed promptly to maintain the aircraft's airworthiness. This includes not only the inspection but also the replacement of any rivets found to be damaged or corroded. Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can lead to serious consequences. The Act does not specify particular offences or penalties within the text provided, but non-compliance with CASA directives generally can result in enforcement actions by CASA. These may include fines, suspension or revocation of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness, and potential criminal charges if the non-compliance leads to an accident or serious incident. The exact penalties and consequences would be determined by the severity of the breach and the specific circumstances of each case.