AD/CESSNA 150/41 - Elevator Torque Tube

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which were enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, contain a comprehensive set of rules governing aviation safety, including the issuance of airworthiness directives. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 150/41, addresses specific safety concerns with the Cessna 150, F150, 152 & F152 series aeroplanes, particularly focusing on the elevator torque tubes. This directive was introduced to address a problem identified by the manufacturer regarding potential cracking or incomplete welds in the specified torque tubes of certain Reims models. The policy objective is to ensure that these aircraft maintain their airworthiness and comply with safety standards by requiring compliance with the directive at the next inspection following the specified date. The directive mandates that specific aircraft models adhere to the requirements outlined in Cessna Service Bulletin 87-9, which likely includes detailed inspection, repair, or replacement procedures to rectify the identified issues. This approach aims to mitigate the risk of in-flight failure due to structural weaknesses, thereby enhancing overall aviation safety.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which includes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to the Cessna 150, F150, 152 & F152 series aeroplanes, particularly those identified as Reims models FA152 with serial numbers ranging from FA1520390 to FA1520425, and F152 with serial numbers from F15201966 to F15201980. This regulation mandates action in accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin 87-9, which addresses issues of cracked or incomplete welds in the elevator torque tubes. The directive requires compliance at the next inspection for Maintenance Release issue after 24 March 1988. The regulation applies across the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the specified aircraft within its jurisdiction. This regulation does not extend to other aircraft models or series not explicitly mentioned, and compliance is mandatory for the listed serial numbers to maintain operational safety standards.

Key Provisions

The primary sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR) relevant to this legislative instrument are Part 39, which governs airworthiness directives, and specifically, the AD/CESSNA 150/41 concerning the elevator torque tube for certain Cessna 150, F150, 152, and F152 series aeroplanes. This directive (paragraph 3/88) applies to Reims models FA152 with serial numbers ranging from FA1520390 to FA1520425 and F152 with serial numbers from F15201966 to F15201980. The directive mandates that any action taken must be in accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin (SEB) 87-9. Compliance with this directive must be achieved at the next inspection for maintenance release after 24 March 1988. This legislation imposes specific obligations on aircraft operators and maintenance personnel. Operators of the specified Reims Cessna models must ensure that the elevator torque tubes are inspected and, if necessary, repaired or replaced in accordance with the instructions provided in Cessna SEB 87-9. Maintenance personnel must be trained and authorised to perform these inspections and any required repairs. The directive requires operators to document the compliance process, ensuring that records are kept for future reference and inspections. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which could lead to grounding and potential legal consequences. In terms of consequences, there are no specific civil or criminal penalties outlined in this directive for failure to comply. However, non-compliance could result in significant operational issues, as the aircraft may be grounded until the required inspections and repairs are completed. Additionally, there may be indirect consequences, such as financial penalties or legal actions if the non-compliance leads to an accident or incident. The primary focus of the legislation is ensuring the safety of the aircraft and its occupants, rather than imposing specific fines or imprisonment. Nevertheless, the safety and operational implications of non-compliance can be severe, underscoring the importance of adhering to the directive's requirements.