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 170/62 Aeroquip Engine Exhaust Mufflers 7/98 DM
Applicability: Cessna 172R aeroplanes as detailed by serial number in Cessna Single Engine Service Bulletin SB98-78-01.
Requirement: In accordance with the procedures detailed in Cessna Single Engine Service Bulletin SB98-78-01:
1: Inspect the engine exhaust muffler, and if applicable: 2: de-activate the cabin heating system, and
3: install a placard, and
4: replace the engine exhaust muffler.
Note: FAA Airworthiness Directive 98-02-05 refers.
Compliance: Effective 6 May 1998:
1: Before further flight. 2: Before further flight. 3: Before further flight.
4: Within 50 hours time in service from the effective date of this directive. This airworthiness directive becomes effective on 6 May 1998.
Background: This directive has been issued to require an inspection of the engine exhaust muffler, and if applicable, action to ensure a defective muffler does not result in carbon monoxide contamination of the aircraft heating system or the aircraft cabin. The requirement follows advice that certain mufflers produced by Aeroquip may have inadequate or failed welded joints.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), were enacted to ensure the safety of civil aviation in Australia, including the maintenance and operation of aircraft. Part 39 of these regulations specifically addresses airworthiness directives to mitigate identified risks. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 170/62, was introduced on 6 May 1998 to address the potential issue of carbon monoxide contamination in Cessna 172R aeroplanes due to inadequate or failed welded joints in certain Aeroquip engine exhaust mufflers. The directive mandates inspections and necessary actions such as deactivating the cabin heating system, installing a placard, and replacing the muffler to ensure compliance before further flight and within a specified timeframe. This measure aligns with the overarching policy objective of maintaining the highest safety standards in civil aviation.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to the Cessna 172R aeroplanes as detailed by serial number in Cessna Single Engine Service Bulletin SB98-78-01. The directive mandates inspection, deactivation of the cabin heating system, placard installation, and muffler replacement to address potential carbon monoxide contamination risks due to inadequate or failed welded joints in the engine exhaust mufflers produced by Aeroquip. This directive applies on a national level across Australia, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The directive is effective from 6 May 1998, and compliance is required before further flight for inspections and deactivation, and within 50 hours time in service from the effective date for muffler replacement. The directive refers to FAA Airworthiness Directive 98-02-05 for additional guidance.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, particularly AD/CESSNA 170/62, focus on the maintenance and safety of engine exhaust mufflers on certain Cessna aeroplanes. This airworthiness directive applies specifically to Cessna 172R aeroplanes identified by their serial numbers, as detailed in Cessna Single Engine Service Bulletin SB98-78-01. The directive mandates several actions: first, an inspection of the engine exhaust muffler (section 1); second, if applicable, de-activation of the cabin heating system (section 2); third, installation of a placard (section 3); and fourth, replacement of the engine exhaust muffler if necessary (section 4). These requirements are intended to ensure that any potential issues with the muffler do not lead to carbon monoxide contamination within the aircraft.
The obligations imposed by this directive on the relevant parties, such as aircraft operators and maintenance personnel, are quite specific. They must follow the procedures outlined in Cessna Single Engine Service Bulletin SB98-78-01 and ensure that all actions are completed before further flights. For instance, the inspection must be conducted prior to any subsequent flight (section 1), the cabin heating system must be de-activated if necessary before further flight (section 2), and a placard must be installed before further flight (section 3). Additionally, the replacement of the engine exhaust muffler must occur within 50 hours time in service from the effective date of this directive (section 4).
Failure to comply with these requirements can result in significant consequences. Although the specific penalties are not detailed within the text provided, under general civil aviation regulations, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to severe penalties. These could include fines, potential grounding of the aircraft, and other administrative actions taken by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. In severe cases, criminal charges may also be considered, particularly if the non-compliance leads to safety incidents or accidents.