AD/CESSNA 180/46 - Horizontal Stabiliser Rear Spar Flange

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Government, form a critical part of the regulatory framework governing civil aviation within the country. This legislation, particularly PART 39 - 105, which includes the SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES, addresses the need for ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft through specific directives and requirements. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 180/46, pertains to the Cessna 180, 182, and Wren 460 Series Aeroplanes, focusing on the horizontal stabiliser rear spar flange. This directive was introduced to address identified safety concerns associated with the specified models, mandating compliance within a specified timeframe to ensure the continued safe operation of these aircraft. The objective of these regulations is to maintain high safety standards in civil aviation, thereby protecting both the public and the aviation industry from potential risks.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 – 105, pertain to airworthiness directives for certain types of aircraft, including Cessna 180, 182 and Wren 460 series aeroplanes. The regulation applies to all model 182 aircraft with specific serial numbers as listed in the requirement document, mandating compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1977. The regulation requires actions in accordance with Cessna SL SE77-11 concerning the horizontal stabiliser rear spar flange. This regulation extends to any person or entity operating or maintaining the specified model 182 aircraft within Australia, thereby enforcing compliance with the specified airworthiness directive to ensure the safety and reliability of these aircraft. The regulation is nationally applicable across Australia and is administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, with no stated exclusions or exemptions within the specified scope.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate the issue of airworthiness directives (ADs) to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. In this context, AD/CESSNA 180/46 pertains to the horizontal stabiliser rear spar flange for certain Cessna 180, 182, and Wren 460 series aeroplanes (Section 39 - 105). The directive applies to all model 182 aircraft with serial numbers listed in the requirement document (Section 39 - 105). The primary requirement is that the action must be taken in accordance with Cessna Service Letter (SL) SE77-11 (Section 39 - 105). The Act imposes specific obligations on the operators and owners of affected aircraft. These individuals or entities must ensure that the required action is carried out within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1977 (Section 39 - 105). Compliance with this directive is essential to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensure that it meets the safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Failure to adhere to these requirements can result in the aircraft being grounded until the necessary repairs or modifications are completed. The regulations also outline the potential consequences for non-compliance. If an operator or owner fails to comply with the AD/CESSNA 180/46 directive, they may face enforcement actions by CASA. These actions could include fines, penalties, or the imposition of more stringent regulatory measures. The severity of the penalties depends on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, and in some cases, repeated or severe breaches could lead to criminal charges against the responsible parties. The exact penalties are determined by the relevant aviation authorities and can vary based on the specific circumstances of the case.