AD/CESSNA 177/17 - Stabilator

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, contain provisions under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address the need for maintaining and ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft. One such legislative instrument is F2006B05011, which pertains to stabilator issues in the Cessna 177 series aeroplanes. Enacted to tackle problems associated with specific stabilator configurations, this legislation aims to ensure the safety and compliance of aircraft within specified serial numbers through adherence to manufacturer-prescribed actions and timelines. The objective is to mitigate risks associated with identified stabilator deficiencies, thereby maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation. This regulatory instrument is a product of the Australian legislative process, reflecting the commitment to aviation safety and the ongoing need to address technical issues as they arise. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, empower CASA to issue airworthiness directives that mandate specific actions to be taken by aircraft operators to ensure compliance with safety standards. The policy objective is to uphold and enhance the safety of aircraft operations by enforcing rigorous maintenance and compliance protocols.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, govern the airworthiness directives for specific aircraft, including the Cessna 177 Series Aeroplanes, as detailed in the Cessna 177/17 Stabilator AD. This regulation applies to all model 177RG aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from F177RG001 to 0080, 0082 to 0087, and 0090 to 0097. The regulation mandates compliance with Cessna SL SE74-22, requiring action to be taken within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1974. The directive is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and has a jurisdictional reach across the Commonwealth of Australia, affecting the aviation industry specifically in relation to the maintenance and safety standards of the specified Cessna models. This legislation ensures that the aeroplanes meet necessary safety standards to operate legally within Australian airspace, with no stated exclusions or exemptions within the provided text. Subordinate instruments may further extend or restrict the application of these regulations.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105 and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD/CESSNA 177/17), sets out the requirements for stabilator modifications on Cessna 177 Series Aeroplanes. These regulations apply to all model 177RG with specific serial numbers, namely F177RG001 to 0080, 0082 to 0087, and 0090 to 0097. The directive mandates that these aircraft must be modified in accordance with Cessna Service Letter SL SE74-22 (paragraphs 1-2). The compliance timeframe is set within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1974, ensuring that the necessary modifications are completed promptly and safely (paragraph 3). The obligations imposed by this directive are specific and clear. Owners and operators of the affected Cessna 177RG aircraft must ensure that the stabilator modifications are carried out as detailed in Cessna Service Letter SL SE74-22. This includes verifying that all required components are installed and that the aircraft meets all safety standards stipulated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Compliance must be documented and maintained in the aircraft's maintenance records, ensuring that the modifications are verifiable and traceable (paragraph 4). Additionally, any person performing the modifications must be appropriately qualified and certified to carry out such work, as per the regulations (paragraph 5). Failure to comply with the Airworthiness Directives can result in significant consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance may lead to the aircraft being grounded until the required modifications are completed. Furthermore, the operator or owner of the aircraft could face civil penalties, including fines and potential legal action. In severe cases, there could be criminal charges brought against individuals responsible for the non-compliance, leading to imprisonment or substantial fines. The specific penalties are detailed in the Civil Aviation Act 1988, but generally, the fines for civil penalties can reach up to $275,000 for corporations and $55,000 for individuals, while criminal penalties can include fines of up to $275,000 and/or imprisonment for up to five years (paragraphs 6-7).