Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, provides the legal framework for civil aviation safety, among other aspects of aviation regulation. The Act addresses gaps and problems in ensuring safe and efficient air travel within Australian airspace. One of the legislative instruments under this Act is the Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address specific safety concerns. For instance, AD/CESSNA 170/69, issued in 2001, was a response to multiple reports of failures of main landing gear pivot assemblies on Model 172RG aircraft, which had led to gear-up landings or loss of braking. The policy objective behind this AD was to ensure the safety of the aircraft by mandating inspections and, if necessary, the replacement of affected parts to prevent further incidents. This directive became effective on 12 July 2001, requiring compliance within 100 hours of time in service after the date of issuance.

Scope and Application

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) pertains specifically to Model 172RG aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 691 through 172RG1191. This directive mandates that these aircraft undergo an inspection of their main landing gear pivot assemblies to detect any cracks, following the specific instructions outlined in the Cessna Service Bulletin (SB) SEB90-1 Revision 3 dated 15 March 1999, and the Model 172RG Series Service Manual. If cracks are identified during this inspection, the affected pivot assembly must be replaced before the aircraft can take another flight, using the part number detailed in the aforementioned bulletin. Additionally, new bushings must be installed on both main landing gear pivot assemblies using the applicable kit referenced in the bulletin before any further flight. This directive applies within 100 hours of time in service after its effective date of 12 July 2001 and serves to address the safety concerns arising from reports of failures in the main landing gear pivot assemblies, which have led to gear-up landings or loss of braking.

Key Provisions

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) pertains specifically to the Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172, and 175 series aeroplanes, particularly those with serial numbers 691 and 172RG0001 through 172RG1191 (section 1). The AD mandates an inspection of the main landing gear pivot assemblies for any cracks (section 2). This inspection must be carried out in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions in Cessna Service Bulletin (SB) SEB90-1 Revision 3, dated 15 March 1999, and the Model 172RG Series Service Manual (section 2). If any cracks are detected, the affected main landing gear pivot assembly must be replaced with the part referenced in SB SEB90-1 Revision 3 before further flight (section 2). Additionally, before any subsequent flight, new bushings must be installed on both main landing gear pivot assemblies using the applicable kit referenced in SB SEB90-1 Revision 3 (section 2). The AD imposes specific obligations on the parties or entities it governs, particularly on aircraft operators who must ensure compliance with the inspection and repair requirements stipulated in the AD (section 3). Operators are required to perform the inspection of the main landing gear pivot assemblies within 100 hours of time in service after the AD's effective date of 12 July 2001 (section 3). They must follow the precise instructions outlined in the referenced service bulletin and service manual to conduct the inspection and any necessary repairs (section 3). Failure to adhere to these obligations could result in non-compliance with regulatory standards, potentially compromising the safety of the aircraft. There are potential civil and criminal consequences for breaches of this Airworthiness Directive. CASA has the authority to enforce compliance through various means, including issuing compliance orders, imposing fines, or taking legal action against operators who fail to adhere to the AD's requirements (section 4). The maximum penalties for non-compliance can include substantial fines and, in more severe cases, imprisonment. These consequences underscore the importance of adhering to the AD to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the affected aircraft (section 4).