AD/CESSNA 170/25 - Engine Power Limitations - Placard

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth) are a comprehensive set of rules established to ensure the safety of civil aviation in Australia, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. This legislation was enacted to create a unified regulatory framework for all aspects of civil aviation, addressing issues such as airworthiness, licensing, and operational safety. One specific legislative instrument, F2006B04956, concerns the Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172 and 175 Series Aeroplanes, focusing on the engine power limitations for certain models. This directive was introduced to mitigate risks associated with improper placarding on these aircraft, ensuring that pilots are correctly informed of the engine's power limitations. The policy objective is to maintain the highest safety standards in civil aviation by enforcing precise operational guidelines.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 applies specifically to the Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172 and 175 series aeroplanes. The particular directive AD/CESSNA 170/25 pertains to model 172I, 172K and 172L aircraft equipped with McCauley IC172 MTM 7653 propellers. This directive mandates the requirement for an engine power limitations placard in accordance with Cessna Service Letter SE70-31, which must be implemented within 100 hours of the aircraft's time in service post 26 February 1971. The regulation applies across the Commonwealth of Australia and is overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensuring that the specified aircraft meet the necessary safety standards for operation.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), particularly Part 39 - 105, mandates specific airworthiness directives for various aircraft models. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 170/25, pertains to engine power limitations and placard requirements for certain Cessna aeroplanes. This directive applies to all model 172I, 172K, and 172L aeroplanes fitted with McCauley IC172 MTM 7653 propellers (Regulation 39.105). The primary requirement of this directive is to ensure that the affected aircraft comply with the action outlined in Cessna Service Letter SE70-31, which likely involves installing or updating an engine power limitation placard. This compliance must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service following 26 February 1971. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and specific. Owners and operators of the specified Cessna models must ensure that the required action, as per Cessna Service Letter SE70-31, is completed within the stipulated timeframe. This involves either installing a new placard or updating an existing one to reflect the engine power limitations. Failure to comply with this directive within the specified 100 hours could lead to the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, potentially resulting in grounding until the necessary compliance is achieved. Breach of this airworthiness directive can have serious legal and safety implications. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cth), non-compliance with airworthiness directives is considered an offence. If an aircraft is operated in a non-compliant state, the owner or operator could face significant penalties. The maximum penalty for such an offence can include substantial fines and, in severe cases, imprisonment. Additionally, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may issue enforcement actions, which could range from demanding immediate compliance to more severe measures such as suspending or revoking the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness. Ensuring adherence to these directives is critical not only for legal compliance but also for the safety of all persons on board the aircraft.