Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172 and 175 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 170/53
Amdt 2
Seat Adjustment Mechanism 13/88
Applicability: Model Serial Number
170, 170A, 170B 18000 to 27169
172, 172A, 172B, 172C, 172D, 172E, 172F, 172G,
172H, 172I, 172K, 172L, 172M, 172N, 172P, 172Q
ALL
P172 P17257120 to P17257188
R172, R172E, R172F, R172G, R172H, R172J ALL
R172K R1722000 to R1723454
172RG 172RG0001 to 172RG1191
175, 175A 55001 to 56777
175B, 175C 17556778 to 17557119
FP172 FP172-0001 to FP172-0003
F172D, F172E, F172F, F172G, F172H, F172K, F172L, F172M, F172N, F172P, FR172E, FR172F, FR172G, FR172H, FR172J, FR172K.
Requirement: Part 1:
ALL
(a) Measure each hole in the seat track(s) for excessive wear. If the wear dimension across any hole exceeds 10.67mm (0.42") to a maximum depth of 3.81mm (0.15"), replace the seat track prior to further flight.
Figure 1 - SECTION OF SEAT TRACK SHOWING HOLE WEAR
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
(b) Visually inspect the seat rail holes for dirt and any debris which may preclude engagement of the seat pin(s). Remove any such material prior to further flight.
(c) Lift up on the forward edge of each seat to eliminate all vertical play. With the seat in this position, measure the depth of engagement of each seat pin. If the engagement of any pin is less than 3.81mm (0.15") (see Figure 2), replace or repair necessary components to achieve a seat pin engagement of 3.81mm (0.15") or greater prior to further flight.
FIGURE 2
(d) Visually inspect seat rollers for flat spots. Ensure all rollers and washers turn freely on their axle bolts (or bushings if installed) and move freely on the seat rails. Replace rollers having flat spots and any worn washers prior to further flight. If there is any binding between the bores of the rollers, washers, and axle bolts (or bushings if installed), remove, clean, and reinstall these parts prior to further flight.
Note: Do not lubricate rollers, washers, axle bolts or bushings as the lubrication will attract dust and other particles which can cause binding.
(e) Measure the wall thickness of the roller housing and the tang (see Figure 2). If the tang thickness has worn to less than 1/2 the housing thickness, replace the roller housing prior to further flight.
(f) Check the spring(s) that keep the lock pin(s) in position in the track holes for positive engagement action. Replace any spring which does not provide positive engagement prior to further flight.
(g) Visually inspect the seat tracks for cracks in accordance with Cessna SIL SE83-6, dated 11 March 1983. Any limitations imposed as a result of seat track cracking shall be endorsed on the Maintenance Release. Replace any seat rail exceeding the crack criteria as specified in SE83-6 with a serviceable rail prior to further flight.
Part 2:
In accordance with temporary schemes approved by the Secretary, modify seat adjustment mechanisms to permanently limit seat travel to 255mm (10") or to 153mm (6") as applicable, aft of the forward stop.
Note: FAA AD 87-20-03 R1 refers.
Compliance: A. i. For aircraft with less than 1000 hours time in service as at 28 January 1988, prior to attaining 1100 hours time in service; or
ii. For aircraft with more than 1000 hours time in service as at 28 January 1988, at the next inspection for Maintenance Release issue after 28 January 1988; and
iii. Thereafter at each inspection for Maintenance Release issue.
B. Pending any component replacement necessary to fully comply with Requirement: Part 1, compliance with Requirement:
Part 2 is an acceptable alternative until 30 June 1989.
Background: There has been a history of seat adjustment mechanism failure that has resulted in accidents. As there will probably be a high demand for replacement items, Part 2 of the Requirement enables continued flight. Schemes acceptable to the Secretary are available from Regional Offices.
This Amendment adds the 172 RG.
Overview
The Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172 and 175 Series Aeroplanes AD/CESSNA 170/53Amdt 2Seat Adjustment Mechanism, enacted in 1988, addresses issues related to seat adjustment mechanisms in specified Cessna aircraft models that have historically been prone to failure, potentially resulting in accidents. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) introduced this legislation to ensure the safety of these aircraft by mandating specific inspections and repairs to the seat adjustment mechanisms. The primary objective of this Airworthiness Directive is to prevent seat adjustment mechanism failures by requiring thorough inspections and necessary repairs, thereby reducing the risk of accidents due to seat malfunction. Compliance with this directive is required for certain aircraft models and serial numbers, depending on their time in service, and it remains effective until all specified requirements are met.
Scope and Application
The AD/CESSNA 170/53 Amendment 2 applies to specific models and serial numbers of Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172, and 175 series aeroplanes, as detailed in the applicability section of the legislation. This legislation pertains to the maintenance and safety requirements of these aircraft, specifically focusing on the seat adjustment mechanism. It applies to certain serial numbers within the specified models and mandates that these aircraft comply with the outlined requirements to ensure continued airworthiness. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this legislation is national, as it is issued under the Commonwealth of Australia's Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. This regulation extends to all aircraft registered in Australia, enforcing stringent safety standards across the aviation industry. The legislation does not explicitly state any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds but relies on subordinate instruments for detailed compliance protocols. These subordinate instruments likely include technical specifications, inspection guidelines, and procedures for addressing non-compliance, thereby extending and detailing the application of the primary Act.
Key Provisions
The AD/CESSNA 170/53 Amendment 2 primarily focuses on the inspection and maintenance of the seat adjustment mechanisms in specific Cessna aeroplane models, such as the 170, 172, F172, FR172, and 175 series. The main sections of the amendment outline the specific requirements and compliance procedures that must be followed. For instance, Section 1(a) mandates that each hole in the seat track be measured for excessive wear; if the wear exceeds specified dimensions, the seat track must be replaced before further flight (Part 1(a)). Additionally, Section 1(b) requires a visual inspection of the seat rail holes for debris and dirt, which must be removed before further flight (Part 1(b)). These inspections are critical to ensuring the safety of the seat adjustment mechanisms.
The obligations imposed by the amendment require aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance personnel to meticulously follow the outlined procedures. They must inspect and measure the seat tracks, rails, and rollers, and ensure that all components are in good working condition. For example, Section 1(c) states that the vertical play of the seats must be eliminated and the depth of engagement of each seat pin measured, with any pin engagement less than 3.81mm (0.15") needing to be corrected (Part 1(c)). Similarly, Section 1(d) mandates the inspection of seat rollers for flat spots and the replacement of any worn parts (Part 1(d)).
Failure to comply with the provisions of this amendment can result in serious consequences. Non-compliance with the specified requirements may lead to the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which can result in grounding the aircraft until the necessary repairs are made. Section 1(e) and Section 1(f) stress the importance of checking the wall thickness of the roller housing and the engagement of the springs, respectively, with non-compliance potentially leading to severe safety issues. The penalties for breaches can include substantial fines, suspension or revocation of the aircraft’s airworthiness certificate, and potential criminal charges if the non-compliance leads to an accident or incident.