AD/CESSNA 170/28 - Wing Strut Attachment Strap

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which were enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, contain provisions under Part 39 that address the safety of civil aircraft. The regulations, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, were introduced to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating in Australia, thereby protecting the public and mitigating the risk of accidents. One specific legislative instrument, F2006B04959, pertains to Airworthiness Directives concerning Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172, and 175 series aeroplanes, outlining particular safety requirements. This directive addresses the issue of ensuring the structural integrity of the wing strut attachment strap in certain model 172 aircraft, aiming to prevent potential failures that could compromise safety. The policy objective is to mandate specific maintenance actions to be undertaken within a defined timeframe to maintain the airworthiness of these aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, governs the airworthiness of aircraft within Australia and applies to a broad range of entities including aircraft manufacturers, operators, maintenance providers, and pilots. The scope of this regulation extends to ensuring that specific aircraft models adhere to prescribed safety directives to maintain their airworthiness. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 170/28, pertains to the Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172, and 175 series aeroplanes with serial numbers within the specified range, mandating compliance with Cessna SL SE 73-20 regarding the wing strut attachment strap. This requirement necessitates corrective action within 100 hours of time in service after 24 September 1973. The regulation applies nationally and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensuring that all relevant aircraft meet the specified safety standards to mitigate potential risks to aviation safety.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly under Part 39, mandate specific Airworthiness Directives for certain aircraft models, including the Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172, and 175 series aeroplanes (Part 39, s. 105). One such directive, AD/CESSNA 170/28, pertains to the wing strut attachment strap for model 172 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 17261664 to 17261808. This directive requires compliance with the action outlined in Cessna Service Letter SE 73-20, ensuring the safety and airworthiness of these specific aircraft models. Under this directive, the primary requirement is that the action specified in Cessna Service Letter SE 73-20 must be carried out. This service letter provides detailed instructions on how to rectify the issue related to the wing strut attachment strap. The directive stipulates that this corrective action must be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 24 September 1973. Failure to adhere to this timeline could potentially compromise the aircraft’s safety and compliance with aviation standards. Entities and individuals governed by these regulations, including aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance personnel, have specific obligations. They must ensure that the required actions are meticulously followed as per the Cessna Service Letter SE 73-20. This includes conducting necessary inspections, repairs, or replacements to the wing strut attachment strap within the stipulated timeframe. Compliance with these directives is crucial to maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensuring safety standards are met. Failure to comply with the directives outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce these regulations, and non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions. These actions may include fines, suspension or revocation of aircraft operating certificates, or other regulatory penalties. The severity of the penalties may vary based on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, but the overarching goal is to ensure that all aircraft meet the necessary safety standards to protect passengers and crew.