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 170/37
Amdt 1
Wing Flap Operating System 6/81
Applicability: All models 172N with S/Nos. 17261445, 17267585 to 17272447 and FR172 with S/Nos. FR1720591 to FR1720655.
All models R172K with S/Nos. R1722000 to R1723127.
Requirement: Modify the wing flap operating system by installing a Cessna P/N 0560037-1 flap follow-up cable clamp and associated hardware in accordance with instructions in Cessna Single Engine Customer Care Service Information Letters SE79-16 and SE79- 16 (Supplement No. 1) and Cessna Service Kit S.K. 172-60A.
Note: FAA AD 80-06-03 Amendment 39-3713 and SB Reims Aviation No. 21 and Bureau Veritas Consigne De Navagabilite 81-46-IMP(A) refer.
Compliance: 1. For aeroplanes which have achieved 1000 hours time in service; unless already accomplished, within 100 hours time in service after 30 June 1981.
2. All other aeroplanes; before achieving 1000 hours time in service.
Background: The modification is required to prevent possible sudden unexpected retraction of the left wing flap. This amendment adds aeroplanes of Reims Manufacture to the applicability list.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, address the issue of maintaining the airworthiness of certain Cessna aeroplane models, particularly the Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172, and 175 series. Enacted by the Australian Commonwealth, this regulation aims to ensure safety and compliance with airworthiness directives as prescribed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 170/37 Amendment 1, focuses on modifying the wing flap operating system to prevent the sudden unexpected retraction of the left wing flap, a critical safety concern. This legislative instrument underscores the importance of regular maintenance and timely modifications to enhance aviation safety.
The policy objective of these regulations is to mandate specific maintenance actions and modifications to ensure that aircraft meet safety standards, thereby protecting both passengers and crew. This particular amendment, which includes aircraft manufactured by Reims, demonstrates a commitment to addressing potential safety issues proactively and ensuring that all applicable aircraft are brought up to the necessary safety standards.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/CESSNA 170/37 Amendment 1, pertains to the modification of the wing flap operating system for certain Cessna 172 series aeroplanes. This legislative instrument applies to specific models and serial numbers of Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172, and 175 series aeroplanes, namely models 172N, FR172, and R172K within particular serial number ranges. The requirement mandates the installation of a Cessna P/N 0560037-1 flap follow-up cable clamp and associated hardware, as detailed in specific service information letters and kits, to prevent sudden unexpected retraction of the left wing flap. This directive applies federally under Australian law and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, impacting the aviation industry by ensuring the airworthiness of the specified aircraft models. The compliance timeline varies, with a requirement for modification within 100 hours for aeroplanes that have already achieved 1000 hours of service, and before reaching 1000 hours for others.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39, specifically Section 105, detail the Airworthiness Directives (AD) concerning the Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172 and 175 series aeroplanes. This particular amendment, AD/CESSNA 170/37 Amendment 1, pertains to the wing flap operating system and applies to specific serial numbers of certain Cessna models. Essentially, it mandates the modification of the wing flap operating system by installing a specific flap follow-up cable clamp and associated hardware as outlined in Cessna's service information and kit specifications. This action is intended to prevent the sudden and unexpected retraction of the left wing flap, a potential safety hazard.
The obligations imposed by this AD are clear and must be followed by the relevant parties. For aeroplanes that have already accumulated 1000 hours of time in service, the required modifications must be completed within 100 hours of service after 30 June 1981 if they have not already been performed. For all other aeroplanes, these modifications must be made before they reach 1000 hours of service. This timeline ensures that all affected aircraft are brought up to the required safety standards as quickly and efficiently as possible, minimising potential risks.
Failure to comply with the requirements set out in this AD can have significant consequences. Although specific penalties are not detailed within the text of this amendment, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations generally can result in both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties can include substantial fines, while criminal penalties might involve imprisonment, reflecting the serious nature of ensuring airworthiness and safety in aviation. The exact penalties would be determined by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and could vary based on the severity and impact of the non-compliance.