Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under PART 39 - 105, include Airworthiness Directives (AD) aimed at maintaining the safety standards of civil aircraft. AD/CESSNA 170/51, introduced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), addresses a specific issue with the 1985 Model 172 Skyhawk series of Cessna aircraft, namely the reinforcement of the console and the proper securing of the fuel selector shaft roll pin. This legislation was enacted to rectify the manufacturers' omissions that could potentially compromise the structural integrity and operational safety of these aircraft. The policy objective is to ensure that these aircraft meet necessary safety standards prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Airworthiness, thereby safeguarding against in-flight risks.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, pertains to Airworthiness Directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), with a focus on ensuring the safety and airworthiness of certain aircraft models. This legislation applies to Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172, and 175 series aeroplanes, with a particular directive (AD/CESSNA 170/51) targeting Model 172 aircraft with serial numbers between 17276260 and 17276303. The directive mandates the installation of a console reinforcement angle to the fuel selector bracket and the proper securing of the fuel selector shaft roll pin, actions that must be carried out in accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin No SEB85-3, before the issuance of a Certificate of Airworthiness. This directive is geographically applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced by CASA to ensure compliance with safety standards for specified aircraft models. The application of these regulations is not extended or restricted by subordinate instruments as per the information provided.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes AD/CESSNA 170/51, which pertains to the Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172, and 175 series aeroplanes. This directive applies to Model 172 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 17276260 to 17276303. The directive mandates that these aircraft must comply with Cessna Service Bulletin No. SEB85-3, which requires the installation of a reinforcement angle to the fuel selector bracket and ensures the proper securing of the fuel selector shaft roll pin. This action must be completed before a Certificate of Airworthiness is issued, with the compliance date set for 6th August 1985. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and specific. Aircraft owners, operators, or maintenance personnel must adhere to the instructions outlined in Cessna SB No. SEB85-3, which includes reinforcing the fuel selector bracket with an angle and securing the fuel selector shaft roll pin. These actions are critical to ensure the aircraft's airworthiness and to mitigate potential risks associated with fuel system failures. The directive explicitly states that these modifications must be carried out prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Airworthiness, underscoring the importance of these safety measures. Failure to comply with AD/CESSNA 170/51 may result in significant legal and operational consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly outline penalties for non-compliance in this context, but the broader regulatory framework implies severe repercussions. Non-compliance can lead to the denial of a Certificate of Airworthiness, which is a prerequisite for the aircraft to legally operate in Australian airspace. Additionally, continued operation of an aircraft that does not meet the airworthiness directive requirements could be considered a breach of civil aviation safety regulations, potentially leading to enforcement actions, fines, or other legal penalties as deemed appropriate by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Furthermore, the operational safety of the aircraft and its passengers could be compromised, leading to potential accidents or incidents. These outcomes not only have legal ramifications but also ethical and safety implications, as the primary responsibility of aircraft operators is to ensure the safety of all individuals onboard and on the ground. The directive thus serves as a crucial safety measure, and adherence to its requirements is non-negotiable to maintain the high standards of aviation safety set by Australian regulations.