AD/CESSNA 180/35 - Rear Seat Attachment

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth) were enacted to ensure the safety of civil aviation in Australia, providing a comprehensive framework for the regulation of aircraft operations, maintenance, and airworthiness. Among these regulations, Part 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, outlines specific airworthiness directives for various aircraft models to address identified safety issues. One such directive is AD/CESSNA 180/35, which pertains to the rear seat attachment of 1971, 1972, and 1973 model 182 Series aeroplanes with specific serial numbers. This directive was introduced to rectify a safety concern related to the rear seat attachment, requiring compliance with Cessna Service Letter SE73-4 within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1973. The policy objective behind such directives is to enhance the safety and reliability of aircraft operations by mandating specific actions to mitigate identified risks.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 applies to the 1971, 1972 and 1973 model 182 Series aeroplanes with serial numbers 18260446 and subsequent. This legislation mandates specific action to be taken in compliance with Cessna Service Letter SE73-4 concerning the rear seat attachment. The directive requires that this action be carried out within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1973. The regulation is applicable at the Commonwealth level and is enforced to ensure the airworthiness and safety of the specified aircraft models, thus affecting all operators and entities involved in the maintenance and operation of these aeroplanes. The directive does not extend to other models or serial numbers outside the specified range, ensuring that its application is precise and targeted.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, outlines specific safety directives for certain aircraft models, including the Cessna 180, 182, and Wren 460 series aeroplanes. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 180/35, pertains to the rear seat attachment on 1971, 1972, and 1973 model 182 Series aeroplanes with specific serial numbers. This directive applies to all such aircraft with serial numbers 18260446 and subsequent. The directive requires action in accordance with Cessna Service Letter SE73-4, which must be undertaken within 100 hours of the aircraft being in service after 31 May 1973. This directive is crucial for ensuring the structural integrity and safety of the specified aeroplanes. The obligations imposed by the AD/CESSNA 180/35 directive are clear and specific. Operators of the affected aircraft must ensure that the rear seat attachment is inspected and, if necessary, modified or replaced as per the instructions outlined in Cessna Service Letter SE73-4. This requirement must be fulfilled within 100 hours of the aircraft's service after the specified date of 31 May 1973. Compliance with this directive is not optional; it is a legal requirement under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, and failure to adhere to the directive could result in serious safety implications. Failure to comply with the AD/CESSNA 180/35 directive can result in both civil and criminal consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with an airworthiness directive can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Civil penalties for non-compliance can include fines, which can be substantial depending on the severity of the breach. Additionally, continued operation of a non-compliant aircraft can result in more severe consequences, including potential criminal charges against the operator or responsible party. It is imperative that operators take the necessary actions to ensure their aircraft meet the specified airworthiness requirements to avoid these penalties and ensure the safety of all passengers and crew.