AD/CESSNA 180/62 - Vertical Fin Rear Spar

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, include the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD) to ensure the ongoing airworthiness of civil aircraft. Enacted by the Australian Parliament, this regulatory framework was introduced to address safety issues and ensure the consistent application of airworthiness standards across the civil aviation industry. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 180/62, pertains to the Cessna 180, 182 and Wren 460 Series aeroplanes and mandates specific action to address identified structural issues. This directive was created in response to reports of cracks in the vertical fin rear spar of certain model 180 aeroplanes, necessitating compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1980, in accordance with Cessna Service Information Letter (SIL) No. SE80-85. The policy objective is to mitigate safety risks associated with structural integrity by ensuring timely and appropriate corrective actions are implemented. The directive underscores the importance of adhering to safety standards and the continuous evaluation of aircraft components to prevent potential failures. By requiring compliance within a specified timeframe, CASA aims to ensure that aircraft operators maintain the highest standards of safety and operational reliability. The legislation reflects the commitment to safeguarding public safety in civil aviation, addressing identified vulnerabilities, and ensuring that all stakeholders are informed and act on critical safety directives.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, govern the safety standards for aircraft operations within Australia, with specific directives under PART 39 addressing the airworthiness of certain aircraft models. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 180/62, applies to Cessna 180 series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 18052385 to 18053147. This directive mandates compliance with Cessna Service Information Letter (SIL) No. SE80-85 concerning the vertical fin rear spar. The requirement is that the specified action be undertaken within 100 hours of the aeroplane's time in service after 31 December 1980. The directive ensures that any cracks found in the flanges and web of the spar below the lower rudder hinge are addressed to maintain the structural integrity and safety of the aircraft. This applies specifically to the mentioned model and serial numbers, and failure to comply could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, specifically address the Cessna 180, 182 and Wren 460 series aeroplanes with AD/CESSNA 180/62 focusing on the vertical fin rear spar (section 39.105.1). This directive applies to Model 180 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 18052385 to 18053147. The primary requirement (section 39.105.2) is for the action to be taken in accordance with the Cessna Service Information Letter (SIL) No. SE80-85. The compliance deadline is set within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1980 (section 39.105.3). This regulation is prompted by the discovery of cracks in the flanges and web of the spar below the lower rudder hinge, a problem that has been identified in overseas aircraft (section 39.105.4). Entities and parties governed by these regulations must adhere to specific obligations and requirements. For the affected Cessna 180 models, it is mandatory to follow the instructions outlined in Cessna SIL No. SE80-85 (section 39.105.2). This involves ensuring that the vertical fin rear spar is inspected and repaired as necessary within the stipulated timeframe. The compliance must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after the specified date, which is 31 December 1980 (section 39.105.3). Failure to comply with these directives could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, thereby preventing it from being operated until the necessary actions are taken. Violations of the provisions outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, can result in significant consequences. The primary concern is the safety of the aircraft and its occupants, and thus, non-compliance can lead to severe penalties. Under Australian law, breaches of these regulations can result in both civil and criminal consequences. Civil penalties may include fines, and in more severe cases, criminal penalties could be imposed, which might involve imprisonment (section 39.105.6). The exact penalties can vary based on the severity and impact of the breach, but the overarching aim is to ensure that all necessary safety measures are strictly followed to prevent any aviation accidents.