AD/CESSNA 177/23 - Stabilator Trim Actuator Attach Bolt

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, address the need for comprehensive regulations governing airworthiness and safety within the aviation industry in Australia. This legislation aims to ensure that all civil aircraft meet safety standards and comply with airworthiness directives, thereby protecting the public and maintaining the integrity of the aviation sector. The specific legislative instrument F2006B05017, which pertains to the Cessna 177 Series Aeroplanes, was enacted to address safety concerns associated with the stabilator trim actuator attach bolt. This directive was introduced to ensure compliance with specific safety requirements, following the identification of potential issues that could compromise the aircraft's stability and safety performance. The policy objective of this regulation is to mandate corrective actions within a specified timeframe to mitigate any identified risks, thus enhancing overall aviation safety standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/CESSNA 177/23 concerning the stabilator trim actuator attach bolt for Cessna 177 Series aeroplanes, applies to all models 177 and 177RG with serial numbers falling within the specified ranges. This directive mandates adherence to Cessna Service Letter SE76-14, with reference to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) AD 76-14-08 Amendment 39-2671. The requirement necessitates compliance within 25 hours of time in service after the directive's effective date of 18 August 1976, ensuring the maintenance of airworthiness standards for the specified aircraft models. The scope of this regulation is limited to the specified serial numbers and does not extend to other models or series outside these parameters.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, outlines the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, including AD/CESSNA 177/23, which pertains to the stabilator trim actuator attach bolt of Cessna 177 Series Aeroplanes. This directive applies to all models 177 and 177RG with specific serial numbers, namely from 17702255 to 02494, and 177RG0700 to 0937 (section 9/76). The requirement is for the action to be taken in accordance with Cessna Service Letter SE76-14 (section 9/76). The Cessna Service Letter SE76-14 mandates that the stabilator trim actuator attach bolt must be replaced, aligning with the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) AD 76-14-08, Amendment 39-2671 (section 9/76). This action must be completed within 25 hours of time in service after 18 August 1976 (section 9/76). The obligation falls on the operators of these aircraft to ensure that the specified modifications are carried out within the prescribed timeframe. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be achieved by adhering to the detailed instructions provided in the referenced service letter. Failure to comply with this directive may result in serious safety concerns, as the stabilator trim actuator attach bolt plays a critical role in the aircraft's flight control system. Non-compliance can lead to significant operational and safety risks, potentially resulting in civil or criminal consequences. The exact nature of these consequences would be determined by CASA, but they could include fines, suspension of the aircraft's airworthiness certificate, or other regulatory penalties. The specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the directive itself but would be enforced under the broader regulatory framework of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998.