AD/CESSNA 170/49 - Right Hand (Co-Pilots) Control Wheel Yoke Guide

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, establish a comprehensive regulatory framework to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. One such legislative instrument, F2006B04977, focuses on addressing specific safety concerns associated with certain models of Cessna aircraft. This particular legislative instrument, which is part of the broader regulatory schedule concerning airworthiness directives, aims to mitigate risks associated with the control wheel guide in Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172, and 175 series aeroplanes. The primary objective is to ensure that the control wheel guide roller does not become dislodged, which could otherwise restrict control and compromise flight safety. Compliance with the specified actions and timeframes is mandated to uphold the highest standards of aviation safety. The problem this legislation addresses is the potential for the right-hand control wheel guide roller in certain Cessna aircraft models to become dislodged, which could lead to restricted control during flight. This risk was identified following a series of incidents where the control wheel guide roller became dislodged and subsequently restricted control if the right-hand control wheel was rapidly forced against the down stop limit. To address this issue, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority issued Airworthiness Directive AD/CESSNA 170/49, which requires specific actions to be taken in accordance with Cessna Service Information Letters SE82-38 and its revision, SE82-38 Rev 1. The directive mandates that these actions must be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 30 November 1983, ensuring that the identified safety risks are effectively managed.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, address the safety directives for certain Cessna aeroplane models, including the 170, 172, F172, FR172, and 175 series. This legislation mandates compliance with specific airworthiness directives for these models, particularly focusing on the right-hand control wheel yoke guide. The directive applies to all models 172 and R172 with specified serial numbers, as well as all models 172 with particular serial numbers listed in the regulation. Compliance with these directives is essential to prevent potential issues such as the control wheel guide roller becoming dislodged, which could restrict control if the right-hand control wheel is forcefully pushed against the down stop limit. The requirement necessitates action in accordance with the relevant Cessna Service Information Letters and Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Directives, with compliance expected within 100 hours of time in service following 30 November 1983. This regulation does not specify any exclusions or exemptions and extends its applicability through the subordinate instruments mentioned.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, include a schedule of airworthiness directives applicable to certain Cessna aeroplanes. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 170/49, pertains to the right-hand (co-pilot’s) control wheel yoke guide. This directive applies to specific models and serial numbers of Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172, and 175 series aeroplanes. The directive mandates that the action stipulated in Cessna Service Information Letters (S.I.L.) SE82-38 and its revision, Rev 1, must be undertaken. This action is intended to address a safety issue where the control wheel guide roller might dislodge, potentially restricting control if the right-hand control wheel is forcefully pushed against the down stop limit. The requirement under this directive is that the specified action must be taken unless it has already been completed within 100 hours of time in service after 30 November 1983. The obligations imposed by this airworthiness directive are primarily on the operators and owners of the specified Cessna aeroplanes. These parties must ensure that the action detailed in the referenced Cessna Service Information Letters is performed within the stipulated timeframe. Compliance with this directive is critical to maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. The directive specifically references FAA AD 83-10-03, indicating that this requirement aligns with international safety standards and practices. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive may result in significant consequences. Non-compliance could potentially lead to the restriction of control in the right-hand control wheel, which could compromise the safety and handling of the aeroplane. While specific penalties are not detailed in the text, non-compliance with airworthiness directives generally can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Such actions may include fines, penalties, or more severe measures such as grounding of the aircraft until compliance is achieved. The exact penalties would depend on the severity of the non-compliance and the specific circumstances of each case.