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 170/63 Flight Control System 10/98
Applicability: Cessna model 172R aeroplanes, serial numbers 17280001 through 17280475 and serial number 17280506.
Requirement: 1. For aircraft listed in Cessna Service Bulletin (SB) No. SB98-27-02, dated May 11, 1998: Inspect the aileron control cables in the centre console area for incorrect routing over the cable guard, fraying or damage in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions in Cessna SB No. SB98-27-02, dated May 11, 1998. Correct any problems found during this inspection before further flight.
2. For aircraft listed in Cessna SB No. SB98-27-05, dated June 1, 1998, that were not factory equipped with an auto pilot: Inspect the right hand wing for an incorrectly routed aileron control cable in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions in Cessna SB No. SB98-27-05, dated June 1, 1998. Correct any problems found during this inspection before further flight.
3. For aircraft serial numbers 17280001 through 17280349 only: Inspect for a loose or incorrectly installed centre lock clamp on the forward aileron control cable drum in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions in Cessna SB No. SB98-27-03, dated June 1, 1998. Correct any problems found during this inspection before further flight.
4. For aircraft serial numbers 17280001 through 17280475 only: Inspect for loose or missing elevator trim actuator mounting screws, loose rudder circuit pulleys, missing rudder cable guard pins, incorrect elevator trim cable routing, aileron control cable clearance and flight control cable tension or rigging outside the design specification in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Cessna SB No. SB98-27-06, dated June 15, 1998. Correct any problems found during this inspection before further flight.
Note: FAA AD 98-13-41 refers.
Compliance: Unless already accomplished, perform requirements 1 to 4 as applicable by aircraft serial number, before 25 hours time in service after 10 September 1998.
Certifications in the aircraft log book of compliance with the requirements of the referenced Cessna SB’s, on or before 10 September 1998, satisfies the requirements of this directive and may be used to certify compliance with this directive.
This airworthiness directive becomes effective on 10 September 1998.
Background: This directive has been issued to require inspection of certain areas of the aircraft flight control system. The inspections are intended to detect and correct potential problems in the flight control system that may lead to loss of aileron or elevator control, which may result in the loss of directional control of the aircraft.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, are fundamental in governing the safety and airworthiness of aircraft within Australian airspace. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 of these regulations addresses the issuance of airworthiness directives, which are critical for ensuring the safety of aircraft operations. This legislative instrument, AD/CESSNA 170/63, was introduced to address issues related to the flight control systems of certain Cessna aeroplane models, particularly the 170, 172, F172, FR172, and 175 series. The directive aims to mitigate risks associated with potential control system failures by mandating specific inspections and corrective actions to prevent loss of control during flight. The objective is to maintain the highest safety standards in civil aviation, ensuring that aircraft remain airworthy and safe for operation.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates the inspection and correction of certain flight control system issues in specified Cessna 172R aeroplanes. This directive applies to aircraft within the serial number range 17280001 through 17280475, with an exception for serial numbers 17280350 through 17280505, and serial number 17280506. The requirements necessitate detailed inspections of aileron control cables, elevator trim actuator mounting screws, rudder circuit pulleys, and other flight control system components to ensure they are correctly installed and functioning as per the manufacturer's specifications. Failure to comply with these directives before the specified service hours can result in operational restrictions until the required inspections and repairs are completed and certified. Compliance with this directive must be logged in the aircraft's log book, and adherence to this schedule is crucial to maintaining the airworthiness and safety of the affected aircraft.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, details specific requirements for the inspection and correction of various flight control system components in certain Cessna 172 series aeroplanes. Section 10/98 of this regulation pertains to the inspection and correction of aileron control cables, control cable routing, and other flight control system components in specific models and serial numbers of Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172, and 175 series aeroplanes. The directive mandates that inspections must be conducted on aileron control cables for incorrect routing, fraying, or damage (Section 1), and for loose or incorrectly installed components such as the centre lock clamp on the forward aileron control cable drum, elevator trim actuator mounting screws, rudder circuit pulleys, and rudder cable guard pins (Sections 2, 3, and 4). These inspections must be completed within 25 hours of time in service after 10 September 1998, and certifications of compliance must be logged in the aircraft log book by the same date.
The obligations imposed by this regulation are clear and stringent. Aircraft owners or operators must ensure that the specified inspections are carried out on their Cessna aeroplanes, and any identified issues must be rectified before further flights. This involves following the accomplishment instructions provided in the referenced Cessna Service Bulletins, which outline the specific steps and procedures for conducting these inspections and making necessary corrections. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in significant safety risks, including potential loss of control over the aircraft. Additionally, the directive allows for the use of certifications in the aircraft log book, dated on or before 10 September 1998, to demonstrate compliance with these inspection and correction requirements.
Breaching the requirements of this airworthiness directive can lead to serious consequences. The primary concern is the potential for loss of control over the aircraft, which could result in accidents and endanger lives. Legally, non-compliance with the directive can result in penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988. The specific penalties for non-compliance can include fines and potential criminal charges for individuals found to be in breach of these regulations. The exact penalties are not detailed in the directive but can be severe, reflecting the critical importance of adhering to these safety requirements. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce these regulations and may take action against non-compliant aircraft, operators, or individuals to ensure aviation safety standards are maintained.