COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Cessna 150, F150, 152 & F152 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 150/39 Rudder Pedal Torque Tube 4/84
Applicability: All models listed in Cessna Service Information Letter SE83-31 which have not been modified in accordance with that document.
Requirement: Visually inspect the rudder pedal torque tubes for cracking in the vicinity of the welded joints between the torque tube and the pedal arm spigots.
Compliance: Prior to issue of the next Maintenance Release after 30 April 1984, and thereafter at each issue of a new Maintenance Release.
Background: Several failures of rudder pedal torque tubes have occurred in Cessna 150 series aircraft causing loss of rudder and braking control.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, include Airworthiness Directives aimed at ensuring the safety and reliability of aircraft. Enacted by the Parliament of Australia, this regulation addresses the critical issue of maintaining airworthiness standards, particularly in the context of the Cessna 150, F150, 152, and F152 series aeroplanes. The policy objective behind these regulations is to mitigate risks associated with mechanical failures that could compromise flight safety. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 150/39, focuses on the inspection of rudder pedal torque tubes to prevent failures that have previously resulted in loss of rudder and braking control. This directive mandates a visual inspection of the rudder pedal torque tubes for cracks, particularly around the welded joints, to ensure the continued airworthiness of the affected models. Compliance with this directive is required before the issuance of a new Maintenance Release following a specified date, underscoring the importance of proactive maintenance in aviation safety.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39, addresses the safety standards and compliance requirements for certain aircraft models, including the Cessna 150, F150, 152, and F152 series aeroplanes. The legislation mandates a visual inspection of the rudder pedal torque tubes for any signs of cracking, particularly at the welded joints between the torque tube and the pedal arm spigots, to mitigate risks associated with structural failures. This applies to all aircraft models specified in Cessna Service Information Letter SE83-31, unless they have been modified in accordance with the document. Compliance with these Airworthiness Directives is required before the issuance of the next Maintenance Release following 30 April 1984, and subsequently at each new Maintenance Release. The regulations are intended to ensure ongoing airworthiness and safety of these aircraft in Australian airspace, thereby protecting both the aircraft's occupants and the public from potential hazards.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, detail the Airworthiness Directives (AD) that govern the maintenance and safety standards for various aircraft models, including the Cessna 150, F150, 152 & F152 Series Aeroplanes. The AD/CESSNA 150/39 pertains to the rudder pedal torque tubes of these models, highlighting a specific requirement to prevent structural failures. Section 39-105 directs operators to visually inspect the rudder pedal torque tubes for any signs of cracking, particularly around the welded joints between the torque tube and the pedal arm spigots. This directive applies to all models specified in the Cessna Service Information Letter SE83-31, unless these models have been modified in accordance with that document.
Operators of the affected Cessna aircraft models are required to comply with this directive by conducting the necessary inspections before the issue of the next Maintenance Release after 30 April 1984, and then at each subsequent issue of a new Maintenance Release. The inspections are crucial to ensure that the rudder pedal torque tubes are in a safe condition, thereby preventing any potential loss of rudder and braking control, which could compromise the safety of the aircraft. Failure to adhere to these inspection requirements could result in the aircraft not meeting the necessary airworthiness standards, which could lead to operational restrictions or grounding of the aircraft.
The regulations impose a clear obligation on aircraft operators to conduct these visual inspections regularly as stipulated. This is not just a one-time requirement but a recurring obligation tied to the Maintenance Release schedule. Operators must ensure that their maintenance and inspection procedures are documented and that the inspections are performed by appropriately qualified personnel. Any detected cracking or other defects must be addressed immediately, potentially requiring repairs or even replacement of the affected components, to maintain the aircraft's airworthiness.
Failure to comply with these ADs can lead to serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may take enforcement actions against non-compliant operators, which can include fines, penalties, or even more severe measures such as grounding of the aircraft until the required inspections and repairs are satisfactorily completed. The specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the AD itself but are governed by other sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which can include substantial financial penalties and potential criminal charges for serious safety breaches. Ensuring adherence to these directives is therefore not only a regulatory requirement but also a critical aspect of maintaining safe aviation operations.