AD/CESSNA 170/2 - Right Wing Rear Spar

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted to provide for the regulation of civil aviation and associated safety measures in Australia, ensuring compliance with international standards and the safety of air travel. The enactment of these regulations by the Commonwealth of Australia aimed to address the need for comprehensive oversight and safety protocols in the aviation industry, particularly in response to the growing complexities and risks associated with air travel. This legislation is overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which is tasked with the responsibility of enforcing these regulations to maintain the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency within the civil aviation sector. The overarching policy objective is to protect the public and ensure the integrity of civil aviation operations through stringent regulatory measures and continuous monitoring.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the application of airworthiness directives to ensure the safety of aircraft operations within Australian airspace. This particular legislative instrument pertains to the Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172, and 175 series aeroplanes, focusing on the right wing rear spar. It applies to aircraft within the specified serial number ranges, such as Model 170B with serial numbers 27107 to 27124 and Model 172 with serial numbers 28675 to 28815. Compliance with these regulations is mandatory, and the directive necessitates actions in accordance with Cessna Service Letter No 170/172-6. Importantly, any non-compliance prior to 1 September 1971 is not subject to enforcement under this directive. The regulations extend nationally, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensuring all relevant aircraft meet the specified safety standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 – 105, outlines the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives for certain Cessna aeroplanes. The directive in focus, AD/CESSNA 170/2, addresses the right wing rear spar of specific Cessna 170 and 172 series models. This directive applies to Model 170B with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 27107 to 27124 and Model 172 with S/Nos. from 28675 to 28815. The primary requirement is that these aircraft must be actioned in accordance with Cessna Service Letter No. 170/172-6. This action is mandated to ensure compliance before 1 September 1971. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear: operators of the specified Cessna models must adhere to the specified service letter, which likely includes detailed instructions on the inspection, repair, or replacement of the right wing rear spar. The directive aims to ensure that these aircraft meet the safety standards set by CASA. Operators are responsible for ensuring that the required actions are completed before the specified compliance date, which is 1 September 1971. Failure to comply with this directive can result in serious safety implications, as the structural integrity of the wing could be compromised. Breaching the requirements set forth in AD/CESSNA 170/2 can lead to severe consequences. CASA has the authority to enforce these regulations, and non-compliance could result in penalties. The exact penalties are not detailed in the provided text, but they could include fines, suspension or revocation of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness, or other regulatory actions. Such breaches not only risk financial penalties but also could result in the grounding of the aircraft, which would prevent its operation until the required actions are completed and compliance is verified. Ensuring adherence to this directive is crucial for maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the affected Cessna models.