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 170/61 Alternate Static Source Valve Inspection 3/98 DM
Applicability: All Cessna Model 172R Aircraft with the following serial numbers: 17280003 through 17280171 inclusive;
17280173 through 17280175 inclusive;
17280177 through 17280179 inclusive;
17280182 through 17280184 inclusive;
17280186, 17280189, 17280190, 17280192 through 17280212 inclusive;
17280214, 17280216 through 17280221 inclusive;
17280214, 17280216 through 17280221 inclusive;
17280223 through 17280236 inclusive;
17280239 through 17280251 inclusive;
17280253 through 17280263 inclusive;
17280265, 17280268, 17280270 through 17280272 inclusive; and
17280283, 17280297, and 17280301 inclusive.
Requirement: 1. Fabricate placards with the following words, using letters at least 3mm (1/8-inch) in height, and install these placards in the cockpit within the pilot's clear view:
- 'IFR operation is prohibited.'
b. 'Use of the alternate static air source is prohibited.'
2. Inspect the alternate static air source valve to assure that the alternate static air source valve is not restricted by the identification placard and to assure that the valve body does not separate from the valve flange in accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin No. SB97-34-02, Revision 1, dated December 22, 1997.
3. If the alternate static air source valve is restricted, rework the alternate static air source assembly in accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin No. SB97-34-02, Revision 1, dated December 22, 1997.
4. If the valve body separates from the valve flange, replace the alternate static air source assembly in accordance with the maintenance manual.
Note: FAA Priority Letter AD 98-01-01.
Compliance: 1. Prior to further flight, after the effective date of this AD.
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
2. Within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD or the 21st May 1998, whichever occurs first. Accomplishment of the applicable parts of Requirement 2 is terminating action for the placard requirements detailed in Paragraph 1 if no fault is found.
3. Prior to further flight after the inspection detailed by Requirement 2 of this AD. Rework of the alternate static air source assembly is terminating action for the placard requirements detailed in Paragraph 1.
4: Either:
- Prior to further flight to eliminate the operating limitations required by the placards in paragraph 1; or
b. Within the next 25 hours time in service after the inspection provided the operating limitations required by the placards in Paragraph 1 of this AD are adhered to.
This airworthiness directive becomes effective on 21 January 1998.
Background: The FAA has received reports from Cessna about the improper installation of the identification placard on the alternate static source. The placard was installed on the valve body in a location that covers the external orifice, which is the inlet for static air reference into the valve. If these assemblies are not corrected selection of alternate static air source will cause the altimeter, airspeed and vertical speed indicators to display erroneous indications.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, form the backbone of civil aviation regulation in Australia, providing a comprehensive framework for ensuring the safety and efficiency of aviation operations. Part 39, in particular, focuses on airworthiness directives, which are legally binding orders issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address identified safety issues. The Airworthiness Directive AD/CESSNA 170/61, issued under this part, targets a specific problem identified with certain Cessna 172R aircraft models. This problem involves the improper installation of the identification placard on the alternate static source, which can lead to erroneous readings on critical flight instruments, posing a safety risk. The directive mandates placard installation, inspection, and corrective actions to mitigate these risks and ensure continued airworthiness. The policy objective is to maintain and enhance aviation safety by addressing specific aircraft maintenance issues promptly and effectively.
Scope and Application
The AD/CESSNA 170/61 airworthiness directive applies specifically to certain models of Cessna 172R aircraft, identified by their serial numbers within a particular range. The directive is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which are applicable throughout Australia and its territories. The directive mandates the fabrication and installation of placards in the cockpit to clearly prohibit Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operation and the use of the alternate static air source. It also requires an inspection and possible rework or replacement of the alternate static air source valve to ensure it is not restricted or separated from the valve flange. The directive applies to aircraft within the specified serial number range and requires compliance prior to further flight and within specific timeframes post the directive's effective date. The directive does not explicitly exclude any aircraft or operators, but compliance is mandatory for those within the specified serial number range. The requirements can be extended or modified through further CASA notices or service bulletins.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), under Part 39 - 105, mandate specific actions concerning the airworthiness of certain Cessna aeroplanes. For the Cessna Model 172R Aircraft with particular serial numbers, the regulations require the fabrication and installation of placards within the cockpit that specify 'IFR operation is prohibited' and 'Use of the alternate static air source is prohibited' (Section 39-105). Additionally, these regulations mandate an inspection of the alternate static air source valve to ensure it is not restricted by the identification placard and that the valve body does not separate from the valve flange (Section 39-105). If the valve is restricted, the alternate static air source assembly must be reworked according to Cessna Service Bulletin No. SB97-34-02, Revision 1 (Section 39-105). Should the valve body separate from the valve flange, the alternate static air source assembly must be replaced in accordance with the maintenance manual (Section 39-105).
The obligations imposed by these regulations include the timely installation of placards, ensuring the alternate static air source valve is correctly installed and operational, and adhering to specific maintenance procedures if any faults are discovered. Compliance with these requirements is mandatory, and the actions must be completed either before further flight or within specified time frames following the effective date of the airworthiness directive (Section 39-105). The directive is designed to prevent erroneous indications on the altimeter, airspeed, and vertical speed indicators due to improper installation of the identification placard.
Failure to comply with the airworthiness directives outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth) can result in significant consequences. Violations of these regulations may lead to severe civil penalties, including fines and imprisonment. The exact penalties depend on the severity of the breach and the specific provisions of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cth), but they can include substantial fines and lengthy prison terms for those found guilty of non-compliance (Section 39-105). Additionally, operators of non-compliant aircraft risk having their aircraft deemed unsafe, leading to potential grounding and operational bans until the required modifications are made.