AD/CESSNA 170/42 - Oil Pressure Line

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, form the cornerstone of civil aviation safety regulation in Australia. Among the various amendments and directives issued over the years, Part 39 - 105 specifically addresses airworthiness directives to ensure the ongoing safety of aircraft operations. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 170/42, pertains to the Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172, and 175 series aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to address the potential risk of oil loss due to the fracturing of the oil pressure line. The directive mandates compliance with Cessna S.I.L. SE81-5 and requires action to be taken within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1981 for specified serial numbers. The policy objective behind this directive is to mitigate safety risks associated with oil system failures, thereby ensuring the continued airworthiness and safety of the affected aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under the jurisdiction of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, specifically target the maintenance and safety standards for certain aircraft models, including the Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172 and 175 series aeroplanes. This legislative instrument applies to specific serial number ranges within the model 172 and F172 variants, mandating actions to address potential oil pressure line fracturing which could lead to oil loss. The directive applies to any person or entity operating these specific aircraft models within Australia and its territorial waters, ensuring compliance with the outlined safety requirements. The legislation does not explicitly state exclusions or thresholds, but compliance is mandatory for the specified aircraft serial numbers within the stipulated timeframe. The regulation extends its reach through subordinate instruments, such as the Cessna Service Information Letter SE81-5, which provides detailed compliance instructions.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the Safety Authority's directives for certain Cessna aeroplane models (sections 170/42). These regulations mandate actions to be taken to ensure the airworthiness of Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172, and 175 series aeroplanes. For instance, AD/CESSNA 170/42 focuses on the oil pressure line and applies to models 172 with serial numbers ranging from 17274010 to 17274579 and 17274587, and F172 with serial numbers from F17202040 to F17202149. The directive requires compliance in accordance with Cessna Service Information Letter (S.I.L.) SE81-5 and mandates that the action be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1981. The obligations under these regulations are clear and must be adhered to by the operators of the specified Cessna aeroplanes. They must ensure that the oil pressure line is addressed according to the Cessna S.I.L. SE81-5 guidelines. This involves carrying out the necessary maintenance actions to prevent potential oil loss due to the risk of fracturing the oil pressure line. Failure to comply with these directives could result in the aeroplane being deemed unairworthy, thus affecting its ability to operate legally. Breach of the requirements set out in these airworthiness directives can lead to significant legal consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, failure to comply with an airworthiness directive can be considered an offence. The penalties for such breaches can be severe, including fines and potential imprisonment. For instance, the maximum penalty for contravening these regulations can include fines up to a specified amount, and in more serious cases, imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years. The exact penalties can vary depending on the nature and extent of the breach, but the overarching principle is to ensure compliance to maintain safety standards in civil aviation.