AD/CESSNA 180/33 - Fuel Line to Elevator Control Cable Clearance

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended through F2006B05045, aim to enhance the safety and reliability of civil aviation operations within Australia. This legislative instrument was enacted by the Australian Government to ensure that all aircraft operating in Australian airspace adhere to stringent safety standards. The specific focus of this regulation is on the Cessna 180, 182, and Wren 460 Series aeroplanes, addressing an identified issue concerning the clearance of the fuel line to the elevator control cable in certain models. The policy objective is to mitigate potential safety risks by requiring compliance with specified maintenance directives to ensure that these aircraft meet the necessary airworthiness standards. The regulation applies to all Cessna 182N models with serial numbers between 18260446 and 18260825, mandating immediate action in accordance with the outlined directives. This regulatory measure underscores the commitment to maintaining high safety standards in the aviation sector.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, pertains to the maintenance and operational standards of aircraft within Australian airspace. This particular directive, AD/CESSNA 180/33, is targeted at ensuring the safety of the fuel line to elevator control cable clearance for Cessna 180, 182, and Wren 460 series aeroplanes, more precisely targeting model 182N with serial numbers ranging from 18260446 to 18260825. The requirement outlined in this directive mandates that the affected aircraft must adhere to the action specified in Cessna Service Letter SE71-44, which is imperative for maintaining airworthiness and ensuring safety in flight operations. Compliance with this directive is mandated immediately, highlighting its critical nature for the specified aircraft models. The jurisdictional reach of these regulations is comprehensive, applying to all aircraft operating within Australia, thereby ensuring uniform safety standards across the nation.

Key Provisions

The primary sections of the AD/CESSNA 180/33, which form part of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (sections 39-105), mandate specific action concerning the fuel line to elevator control cable clearance for certain Cessna 182N models. The regulation specifies that all Cessna 182N aircraft with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 18260446 to 18260825 must comply with the action outlined in Cessna Service Letter (SL) SE71-44, Subject No. 1. The compliance directive demands that the required action be undertaken immediately (section 39-105). The obligations imposed by this regulation are quite clear. Owners and operators of the affected Cessna 182N aircraft must ensure that the fuel line to elevator control cable clearance issue is addressed as per the instructions provided in the Cessna SL SE71-44. This involves taking specific corrective measures to ensure the aircraft's airworthiness and compliance with safety standards. The directive leaves no room for ambiguity regarding the urgency and necessity of addressing the issue immediately upon the issuance of the directive (section 39-105). Failure to comply with the AD/CESSNA 180/33 could result in severe consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may impose penalties for non-compliance, which could include fines, grounding of the aircraft, or other enforcement actions. While the specific penalties are not detailed in this particular directive, they are in line with the broader regulatory framework that governs aviation safety. Non-compliance not only risks the safety of the flight operations but also legal repercussions for the aircraft owner or operator (section 39-105). The overarching objective of these stringent measures is to uphold the highest safety standards within the Australian civil aviation sector.