AD/CESSNA 180/28 Amdt 1 - Aileron Mass Balance Weight Attachment Rivets

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), was enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. Among the various parts of these regulations, Part 39 - 105 specifically focuses on the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which are legally enforceable safety rules applied to aircraft and components to address safety issues as they arise. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 180/28 Amendment 1, pertains to Cessna 180, 182, and Wren 460 Series aeroplanes and mandates inspections of aileron mass balance weight attachment rivets to prevent corrosion. The directive was introduced to address a specific problem identified with the aileron rivets in these aircraft models, requiring regular inspections and maintenance to ensure continued airworthiness and safety. This directive aims to mitigate risks associated with structural integrity by enforcing periodic checks and timely replacements of compromised rivets, thus aligning with CASA's overarching policy objective of maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically targeting Cessna 180, 182, and Wren 460 series aeroplanes. This AD applies to all models of these aircraft and mandates regular inspections of the rivets that attach the lower aileron skin to the balance weight, with a requirement to inspect for corrosion. If corrosion is suspected under the rivet heads, attempts should be made to remove the rivet heads using a light, sharp sideways blow with a screwdriver, and all damaged or corroded rivets must be replaced. Compliance with this directive is required within 100 hours of time in service after 29 September 1972, and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. This directive applies across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that all operators of these aircraft within Australian jurisdiction must adhere to these safety measures. The AD does not specify any exclusions or exemptions, meaning it applies uniformly to all applicable aircraft.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, contains the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which mandates periodic inspections and repairs for various aircraft, including the Cessna 180, 182, and Wren 460 series aeroplanes. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 180/28 Amendment 1, concerns the aileron mass balance weight attachment rivets on these aircraft models (s 105.020). This directive applies to all models of the specified aircraft (s 105.021). The directive requires the inspection of the rivets attaching the lower aileron skin to the balance weight for any signs of corrosion (s 105.022). If corrosion is suspected under the rivet heads, the directive recommends attempting to remove the rivet heads using a light sharp sideways blow with a screwdriver (s 105.023). Any damaged or corroded rivets must be replaced to ensure the structural integrity of the aircraft (s 105.024). The obligation imposed on the parties governed by this Act is to conduct these inspections and repairs meticulously. Operators of the Cessna 180, 182, and Wren 460 series aeroplanes must ensure that the specified rivets are inspected for corrosion within 100 hours of time in service after 29 September 1972 and at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service thereafter (s 105.025). This ensures that the aircraft remains airworthy and complies with safety standards set forth by CASA. Failure to adhere to these requirements can result in serious safety implications and potential legal repercussions. The legislation also outlines the consequences of non-compliance with the provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. Any breach of the airworthiness directives could lead to enforcement actions. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, penalties for non-compliance may include fines and, in severe cases, criminal charges (s 105.030). The specific maximum penalties are not detailed within the legislative instrument but are governed by the broader regulatory framework. It is crucial for operators to understand that non-compliance not only endangers the safety of the flight but also subjects them to significant legal and financial liabilities.