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 170/65 Control Yoke Pivot Bolt 11/99 DM
Applicability: The following serial numbers of Model 172R aircraft; that are equipped with a Cessna Modification Kit MK172-27-01 that was shipped sometime between September 21, 1998, and April 18,1999:
Serial Numbers
17280003 through 17280016, 17280018 through 17280060, 17280062, 17280063,
17280065 through 17280071, 17280073 through 17280083, 17280085 through
17280088, 17280090, 17280091, and 17280093 through 17280096.
Note 1: Modification Kit MK172-27-01 was issued to reduce friction in the elevator control system.
Requirement: Inspect the control yoke pivot bolt to assure positive clearance between the threaded end of the pivot bolt and the aileron direct cable in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions section of Cessna Service Bulletin SB99-27-01, dated July 12 1999.
If positive clearance is not found, before further flight, accomplish the following in accordance with SB99-27-01:
- Replace the control yoke pivot bolt; and,
b. Inspect the adjacent aileron control cables for damage and replace any damaged aileron control cable.
As of the effective date of this Directive, no person may incorporate on any aircraft, a Cessna Modification Kit MK172-27-01 that was shipped sometime between September 21, 1998, and April 18, 1999, unless a replacement control yoke pivot bolt is obtained from the manufacturer, and incorporated with the modification kit.
Note 2: FAA AD 99-18-14 Amdt 39-11280 refers.
Compliance: Within 25 hours time in service after 29 September 1999, unless already accomplished.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 29 September 1999.
Background: The FAA received information from the manufacturer of incorrect length control yoke pivot bolts supplied in certain Cessna Modification Kits MK172-27-01. The actions specified by this Directive are intended to prevent failure of an aileron control cable because of an incorrect length control yoke pivot bolt rubbing on one of these cables, which could result in loss of aileron control with loss of directional control of the aircraft.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, was enacted to ensure the safety of civil aviation in Australia. The regulations were introduced to address the problem of ensuring aircraft meet minimum airworthiness standards, thereby protecting public safety and promoting a consistent approach to air safety across the industry. This particular legislative instrument was introduced by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, aiming to ensure that all aircraft operating within Australian airspace meet stringent safety standards. The policy objective is to prevent accidents by addressing specific design and maintenance issues that could compromise the safety of aircraft, such as the one identified in this Airworthiness Directive concerning the Cessna 172 series aeroplanes.
Scope and Application
The AD/CESSNA 170/65 applies specifically to certain Cessna 172R aircraft, identifiable by their serial numbers, that have been equipped with a specific Cessna Modification Kit MK172-27-01 shipped between September 21, 1998, and April 18, 1999. The legislation mandates an inspection of the control yoke pivot bolt to ensure there is positive clearance between the threaded end of the pivot bolt and the aileron direct cable. If this clearance is not present, the control yoke pivot bolt must be replaced, and any damaged aileron control cables must also be replaced, in accordance with the instructions outlined in Cessna Service Bulletin SB99-27-01. Furthermore, it prohibits the incorporation of any Cessna Modification Kit MK172-27-01 shipped within the specified timeframe without obtaining a replacement control yoke pivot bolt from the manufacturer. Compliance with this directive is required within 25 hours of time in service after September 29, 1999, unless the required actions have already been completed. This Airworthiness Directive is enforced under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 and applies to aircraft within the Commonwealth of Australia.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, mandates specific requirements for the airworthiness of certain Cessna aircraft models. Section AD/CESSNA 170/65 focuses on the control yoke pivot bolt for particular Model 172R aircraft equipped with a specific modification kit. The regulation requires an inspection of the control yoke pivot bolt to ensure it maintains positive clearance from the aileron direct cable. This is to prevent potential damage to the aileron control cables due to an incorrectly sized pivot bolt. If the inspection reveals insufficient clearance, the pivot bolt must be replaced, and any damaged aileron control cables must also be replaced before the aircraft can be flown again. This inspection and subsequent corrective actions must be carried out in accordance with the instructions provided in Cessna Service Bulletin SB99-27-01, dated July 12, 1999.
The obligations imposed by these regulations are clear and specific. Aircraft operators must ensure that any installation of a Cessna Modification Kit MK172-27-01 shipped between September 21, 1998, and April 18, 1999, includes a replacement control yoke pivot bolt obtained from the manufacturer. This compliance must be achieved within 25 hours of the aircraft being in service after September 29, 1999, unless the actions have already been taken. Failure to comply with this directive can lead to significant safety risks, including the potential loss of control over the aircraft.
The consequences for non-compliance with the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 are severe. Any breach of the specified airworthiness directives could result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, which could lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The potential penalties for such breaches can include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and possible criminal charges if the non-compliance leads to an accident or incident. The specific penalties would depend on the severity of the breach and its impact on aviation safety, but they can be substantial, reflecting the critical nature of maintaining aircraft airworthiness.