AD/CESSNA 170/24 Amdt 2 - Aileron Mass Balance Weight Attachment Rivets

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted to provide a comprehensive regulatory framework for civil aviation within Australia, addressing various safety, operational, and administrative aspects of the industry. This legislation, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, was introduced to ensure the safety and efficiency of air travel by setting out rules and standards that must be met by all civil aviation activities and aircraft within Australia. One of the specific amendments, AD/CESSNA 170/24, pertains to the Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172, and 175 series aeroplanes, stipulating the requirement to inspect and address the rivets attaching the lower aileron skin to the balance weight for corrosion. The policy objective behind this directive is to ensure that these aircraft maintain a high standard of airworthiness by preventing structural failures that could arise from corroded rivets. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, overseen by the Australian Parliament, aim to mitigate the inherent risks associated with civil aviation by implementing stringent safety measures and periodic inspections. The specific amendment AD/CESSNA 170/24 reflects the continuous effort to adapt and refine safety directives based on operational data and technological advancements. This legislative instrument mandates inspections and corrective actions to be performed at specific intervals to maintain the integrity of the aircraft, thereby safeguarding the safety of passengers and crew.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives pertains to the Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172, and 175 series aeroplanes and applies to all models within these series. This legislation sets forth specific maintenance and inspection requirements designed to ensure the airworthiness of these aircraft. Compliance with these directives is mandatory for any person or entity that operates or maintains these aircraft within Australia, including commercial airlines, private operators, and maintenance service providers. The geographic reach of this legislation is national, extending to all areas under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia. While the primary focus is on the structural integrity of the aileron mass balance weight attachment rivets, the application of the directive is not limited to these components alone and may encompass other aspects of aircraft maintenance as stipulated by the CAO. The legislation does not specify any exclusions or exemptions but relies on subordinate instruments to provide further detail and enforce compliance. This ensures that the regulations can be updated and refined in response to emerging safety concerns and technological advancements.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of this legislation, specifically AD/CESSNA 170/24 Amendment 2, pertain to the inspection and maintenance of aileron mass balance weight attachment rivets for Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172, and 175 series aeroplanes (section 39-105). It mandates that these rivets, which attach the lower aileron skin to the balance weight, must be inspected for corrosion. If corrosion is suspected under the rivet heads, the rivet heads should be removed using a light sharp blow with a screwdriver, and any damaged or corroded rivets must be replaced (section 39-105). This inspection is required within 100 hours of time in service after 29 September 1971, and it must be repeated at each issue of a new Maintenance Release (section 39-105). The obligations imposed by this Act on the parties or entities it governs include ensuring that the specified inspection and maintenance procedures are carried out on the rivets in question. The responsibility lies with the aircraft owner or operator to ensure that these inspections and any necessary replacements are performed in accordance with the outlined schedule and methods. Maintenance personnel must be trained and competent to conduct these inspections and to replace rivets if necessary, ensuring adherence to the specified maintenance intervals. Failure to comply with the requirements of this Airworthiness Directive may result in serious safety implications, as the integrity of the aileron mass balance could be compromised, potentially leading to flight safety issues. While the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not specify penalties for non-compliance with AD/CESSNA 170/24 Amendment 2, non-compliance could lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which may include grounding the aircraft until the required inspections and repairs are completed. The consequences of non-compliance could also extend to civil liability for any accidents or incidents that occur as a result of the non-compliance.