AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CASR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172 and 175 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 170/75 Upper Shoulder Harness
Adjuster Spring
13/2004
Applicability: Models 170, 170A, 170B, 172, 172A, 172B, 172C, 172D, 172E, 172F, 172G, 172H,
172I, 172K, P172D, 175, 175A, 175B, and 175C aircraft, with serial numbers listed in Cessna Single Engine Service Bulletin (SB) SEB86-8 Revision 1, dated 28 July 2003.
Requirement: 1. Inspect only the upper shoulder harness adjuster (part number 443030-401) for the presence of a retainer spring, in accordance with SB SEB86-8 Revision 1.
If a retainer spring is found during the above inspection of the upper shoulder harness adjuster (part number 443030-401), before further flight, remove the spring by cutting each side, and stamp out the -401 identification number; in accordance with SB SEB86-8 Revision 1.
If a retainer spring is not found during the above inspection of the upper shoulder harness adjuster (part number 443030-401), before further flight, make an entry in the aircraft log book showing compliance with this Directive.
2. Only incorporate Cessna Accessory Kits that have been identified, inspected, and modified in accordance with the Requirement document.
Note: FAA AD 2004-19-01 Amdt 39-13795 refers.
Compliance: 1. Within the next 25 hours time in service or at the next annual inspection after 23 December 2004, whichever occurs first.
2. As of the effective date of this Directive.
Note: Compliance with SB SEB86-8 original issue, dated 21 November 1986, constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this Directive, if shoulder harness adjuster part number 443030-401 was used.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 23 December 2004.
Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172 and 175 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 170/75 (continued)
Background: The manufacturer determined that some of the shoulder harness belt adjusters included in the affected shoulder harness accessory kits may have had a small wire spring inadvertently installed on the belt friction pin. The actions required by this Directive are intended to prevent slippage of the pilot/co-pilot shoulder harness, which could result in failure of the shoulder harness to maintain proper belt length adjustment and tension.
David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 10 November 2004
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 1 December 2004.
Overview
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR 1998) by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) addresses a safety concern identified in the Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172, and 175 series aeroplanes. Specifically, AD/CESSNA 170/75 targets a potential issue with the upper shoulder harness adjuster spring, which may inadvertently affect the harness's proper adjustment and tension. This directive, effective from 23 December 2004, mandates inspections and specific actions to mitigate the risk of shoulder harness slippage, ensuring that affected aircraft maintain compliance with safety standards. Compliance with this AD is required within 25 hours of time in service or at the next annual inspection after the directive's issuance, whichever is sooner.
Scope and Application
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) applies to specific models of Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172, and 175 Series Aeroplanes, namely those listed in Cessna Single Engine Service Bulletin SEB86-8 Revision 1, dated 28 July 2003, with the identified serial numbers. The directive mandates specific actions to address an unsafe condition related to the upper shoulder harness adjuster spring, aiming to prevent potential slippage of the shoulder harness, which could lead to inadequate belt length adjustment and tension, posing safety risks. This AD is issued under subregulation 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 by a delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), and it became effective on 23 December 2004. Compliance with this AD is mandatory for aircraft within the specified models and serial numbers, requiring inspections and necessary modifications to be completed within the next 25 hours of time in service or at the next annual inspection after the AD's effective date, whichever occurs first.
Key Provisions
The main sections of this Airworthiness Directive (AD) specify the requirements for the inspection and modification of the upper shoulder harness adjusters on certain Cessna 170, 172, F172, FR172, and 175 series aeroplanes. Section 1, the applicability section, identifies the specific models and serial numbers of the aircraft that must comply with the AD. Section 2, the requirement section, details the actions that need to be taken, such as inspecting the upper shoulder harness adjuster for a retainer spring and making modifications if necessary. Section 3, the compliance section, sets the timeframe within which the required actions must be completed, either within the next 25 hours of time in service or at the next annual inspection after 23 December 2004.
The obligations imposed by the AD are primarily on the aircraft operators and maintenance personnel. Operators must ensure that the upper shoulder harness adjusters on the specified aircraft are inspected and modified as required, either by removing the retainer spring or by making an entry in the aircraft logbook if no retainer spring is found. Maintenance personnel are responsible for performing the inspection and any necessary modifications in accordance with the instructions provided in the Cessna Single Engine Service Bulletin SEB86-8 Revision 1.
Breaches of this AD can lead to significant consequences. Non-compliance with the AD may result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which could lead to grounding of the aircraft. Civil penalties can include fines, and in severe cases, criminal charges may be brought against the operator or maintenance personnel responsible for the non-compliance. The exact penalties depend on the severity of the breach and are determined by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in accordance with the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988. The seriousness of the issue—preventing potential slippage of the shoulder harness—underpins the importance of strict compliance with the AD.