AD/CESSNA 170/30 - Wing Flap Actuator Ball Nut Assemblies

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, address the regulation of civil aviation safety and operational standards across the nation. Among these regulations, Part 39 - 105 pertains specifically to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives. This legislative instrument, F2006B04962, was introduced to rectify issues identified in certain Cessna aeroplane models, specifically targeting the Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172, and 175 series. The primary objective of this directive is to ensure the continued safety and airworthiness of these aircraft by mandating specific inspections and, where necessary, repairs or replacements of the wing flap actuator ball nut assemblies. This measure aims to mitigate potential risks associated with these components, ensuring compliance with safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the safety and airworthiness directives pertinent to certain aircraft models, including Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172, and 175 series aeroplanes. This regulation applies to the aircraft specified in the directive, particularly those with serial numbers detailed in Cessna Service Letter SE76-25, mandating compliance with the outlined procedures to ensure safe operation. The directive applies nationally, as it falls under the Commonwealth's jurisdiction, thereby encompassing all operators within Australia who are subject to civil aviation regulations. This regulation does not specify any exclusions or exemptions but mandates strict adherence to the prescribed inspection and replacement procedures to maintain airworthiness. The applicability of these directives is extended through subordinate instruments, ensuring that all affected aircraft meet the stipulated safety standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, outlines the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for certain Cessna aircraft models, namely the 170, 172, F172, FR172, and 175 series aeroplanes. The key provision of this particular regulation, AD/CESSNA 170/30, pertains to the inspection, placarding, and replacement of wing flap actuator ball nut assemblies (section 1). This requirement is applicable to Model 172 and R172 aircraft with serial numbers specified in Cessna Service Letter SE76-25. The directive mandates that the P/N C301002-0101 wing flap actuator be inspected for a date stamp code detailed in the aforementioned service letter (section 2). If the date stamp code on the actuator is OH, HH, WH, or ZH, a placard must be installed near the flap control, indicating "FLAP EXTENSION PROHIBITED" (section 2). This placard can be removed once the requirement in section 3 is fulfilled. The affected wing flap actuator ball nut assemblies must be replaced in accordance with Cessna Service Letter SE76-25 (section 3). The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and specific. Owners or operators of the affected Cessna aircraft models must ensure compliance with the inspection and placarding requirements before further flight after 28 January 1977 (section 1 and 2). Furthermore, they are required to replace the affected wing flap actuator ball nut assemblies within 100 hours of time in service after the same date (section 3). These obligations are critical to maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensuring the safety of all those on board. Non-compliance with these requirements could result in severe consequences, as outlined in the subsequent sections of the regulation. In the event of non-compliance with the requirements of AD/CESSNA 170/30, the regulation stipulates various offences and potential penalties. The regulation does not explicitly detail the specific penalties for non-compliance, but it is reasonable to infer that breaches of airworthiness directives are subject to the broader penalties outlined in the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and associated regulations. For instance, under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, a person who contravenes an airworthiness directive may be liable to a fine of up to $16,200 for an individual and $81,000 for a body corporate, or both. Additionally, such breaches could result in the grounding of the affected aircraft until the required actions are completed, potentially leading to significant operational disruptions and financial losses for the operator. Furthermore, in the most severe cases, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can result in criminal charges being laid against the responsible parties, including potential imprisonment.