COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172 and 175 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 170/33
Amdt 1
Flap Actuator 10/82
Applicability: Model 172RG with S/Nos. 172RG0001 to 172RG0005, 172RG0007 to 172RG0012, 172RG0014, 172RG0016 and 172RG0019.
Requirement: Modify the flap actuator assembly P/N C301002-0108 by installing a new mechanical stop nut in accordance with Cessna Service Information Letter SE79-57, or install a replacement flap actuator assembly, P/N C301002-0110.
Note: Although Cessna SIL SE79-59 does not include the model 172RG, the actuator modification for this model is the same as that provided for the model 152.
FAA AD 80-01-06, Amendment 39-3649 refers.
Compliance: If not already accomplished, within 100 hours time in service after 31 October 1982.
Background: This amendment includes the option to replace the actuator with a new type which provides shorter travel. Overtravel may lead to an asymmetric flap condition.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically amended by AD/CESSNA 170/33 Amendment 1, was enacted to address safety concerns related to the flap actuator of certain Cessna 172RG series aeroplanes. This amendment applies to specific serial numbers within the model range, and it was introduced to rectify potential issues of overtravel that could lead to an asymmetric flap condition. The regulation was issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the authority granted by the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The primary policy objective of this amendment is to enhance the airworthiness and operational safety of the specified aircraft models by mandating modifications to the flap actuator assembly to prevent mechanical failure or improper flap operation.
Compliance with this directive is mandatory, requiring the specified modifications to be completed within 100 hours of time in service following 31 October 1982. This directive is an integral part of CASA’s ongoing efforts to maintain high safety standards in civil aviation by addressing specific mechanical vulnerabilities identified in certain aircraft models. The regulation references FAA AD 80-01-06, Amendment 39-3649, and aligns with Cessna Service Information Letter SE79-57, ensuring that the modifications are carried out in accordance with recognised industry standards and practices.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives for various Cessna aeroplane models, including the 170, 172, F172, FR172, and 175 series. This regulation applies to certain model 172RG aircraft with specific serial numbers, requiring modifications to the flap actuator assembly to ensure compliance with safety standards. The directive mandates either the installation of a new mechanical stop nut in the existing flap actuator assembly or the replacement of the flap actuator assembly entirely, as per Cessna Service Information Letter SE79-57. The requirement must be fulfilled within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1982, or if not already done. This directive is applicable nationally across Australia, governed by the Commonwealth of Australia, and is enforced through CASA to maintain the airworthiness of the specified aircraft models.
The regulation is specific to model 172RG Cessna aeroplanes with serial numbers within the specified range, ensuring that these aircraft meet the necessary safety standards to prevent potential asymmetric flap conditions due to overtravel. The directive extends its application to ensure that the modifications are implemented correctly and within the stipulated timeframe. This legislative instrument underscores the importance of adhering to safety protocols and the regulatory oversight exercised by CASA to ensure the safety of civil aviation in Australia.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, mandate certain airworthiness directives for the Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172 and 175 series aeroplanes. One such directive is AD/CESSNA 170/33 Amendment 1, which concerns the flap actuator (Section 10/82). This directive applies to Model 172RG with specific serial numbers (172RG0001 to 172RG0005, 172RG0007 to 172RG0012, 172RG0014, 172RG0016 and 172RG0019). The requirement is to modify the flap actuator assembly P/N C301002-0108 by installing a new mechanical stop nut in accordance with Cessna Service Information Letter SE79-57, or alternatively, to install a replacement flap actuator assembly, P/N C301002-0110. This modification is intended to address issues related to overtravel, which can lead to an asymmetric flap condition.
Entities governed by these regulations must ensure compliance with the directive's requirements. This includes modifying the specified flap actuator assemblies within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1982, if the modification has not already been completed. Failure to comply with the specified requirements can result in serious safety implications, as the directive aims to mitigate risks associated with overtravel and asymmetric flap conditions.
The regulations do not explicitly state penalties or specific civil or criminal consequences for non-compliance with this directive. However, non-compliance with airworthiness directives generally falls under the broader regulatory framework that governs civil aviation safety. Potential consequences may include enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), such as grounding of the aircraft, fines, and other administrative penalties. The severity of these consequences can depend on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, as well as any resultant safety risks or incidents.