AD/CESSNA 180/72 Amdt 2 - Seat Adjustment Mechanism

Administered by Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts

Legislation au F2006B05085 Not in force Legislative Instrument

Legislation content

 

 

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE


For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/CESSNA 180/72 Amdt 1 and issues the following AD under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CASR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.


 

Cessna 180, 182 and Wren 460 Series Aeroplanes

 

AD/CESSNA 180/72

Amdt 2


Seat Adjustment Mechanism 2/2004

 

 

Applicability:


Model Serial Number

 

180, 180A 30000 to 32999

 

180A, 180B, 180C 50000 to 50911

 

180D, 180E, 180F, 180G, 180H, 180J, 180K 18050912 to 18053203

 

182, 182A, 182B, 182C, 182D, 182E, 182F, 182G,

182H, 182J, 182K, 182L, 182M, 182N, 182P, 182Q,

182R, R182, TR182, F182P, F182Q T182

Requirement: Part 1:


All

 

 

182267716 to 18268586

 

(a)      Measure each hole in the seat track(s) for excessive wear. If the wear dimension across any hole exceeds 10.67mm (0.42") to a maximum depth of 3.81mm (0.15"), replace the seat track prior to further flight.

 


 

SECTION OF SEAT TRACK SHOWING HOLE WEAR

 

(b)     Visually inspect the seat rail holes for dirt and any debris which may preclude engagement of the seat pin(s). Remove any such material prior to further flight.

 

(c)      Lift up on the forward edge of each seat to eliminate all vertical play. With the seat in this position, measure the depth of engagement of each seat pin. If the engagement of any pin is less than 3.81mm (0.15”) (see Figure 2), replace or repair necessary components to achieve a seat pin engagement of 3.81mm (0.15”) or greater prior to further flight.


 

Figure 2

 

(d)     Visually inspect seat rollers for flat spots. Ensure all rollers and washers turn freely on their axle bolts (or bushings if installed) and move freely on the seat rails. Replace rollers having flat spots and any worn washers prior to further flight. If there is any binding between the bores of the rollers, washers, and axle bolts (or bushings if installed), remove, clean, and reinstall these parts prior to further flight.

 

Note 1: Do not lubricate rollers, washers, axle bolts or bushings as the lubrication will attract dust and other particles which can cause binding.

 

(e)      Measure the wall thickness of the roller housing and the tang (see Figure 2). If the tang thickness has worn to less than 1/2 the housing thickness, replace the roller housing prior to further flight.

 

(f)      Check the spring(s) that keep the lock pin(s) in position in the track holes for positive engagement action. Replace any spring which does not provide positive engagement prior to further flight.

 

(g)     Visually inspect the seat tracks for cracks in accordance with Cessna SIL SE83-6, dated 11 March 1983. Any limitation imposed as a result of seat track cracking shall be endorsed on the Maintenance Release. Replace any seat rail exceeding the crack criteria as specified in SE83-6 with a serviceable rail prior to further flight.

 

Part 2:

 

In accordance with temporary schemes approved by the Authority, modify seat adjustment mechanisms to permanently limit seat travel to 255mm (10") or to 153mm (6") as applicable, aft of the forward stop.

 

Note 2: FAA AD 87-20-03 R2 Amdt 39-6669 and FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) No. CE-04-01, dated 2 October 2003, refer.

 

Compliance: a. (i) For aircraft with less than 1,000 hours time in service as at 28 January 1988, prior to attaining 1,100 hours time in service; or

 

(ii)    For aircraft with more than 1,000 hours time in service as at 28 January 1988, at the next inspection for Maintenance Release issue after 28 January 1988; and

 

(iii)  Thereafter at each inspection for Maintenance Release issue.

 

b. Pending any component replacement necessary to fully comply with Requirement: Part 1, compliance with Requirement: Part 2 is an acceptable alternative until 30 June 1989.

 

The compliance times remain unchanged by this issue. This Amendment becomes effective on 19 February 2004.

Background: There has been a history of seat adjustment mechanism failure that has resulted in accidents. As there will probably be a high demand for replacement items, Part 2 of the Requirement enables continued flight. Schemes acceptable to the Authority are available from Regional Offices.

 

Amendment 2 is issued in response to FAA SAIB No. CE-04-01, which clarifies applicability of Cessna Model T182 series aircraft.


David Villiers

Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 7 January 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 28 January 2004.

Overview

The Airworthiness Directive issued under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cth) addresses a significant safety concern associated with the seat adjustment mechanism of certain Cessna aeroplane models, specifically the Cessna 180, 182, and Wren 460 Series. Enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), this directive aims to mitigate the risk of accidents arising from failures in the seat adjustment mechanism by mandating specific inspections and modifications to affected aircraft. The directive was introduced to ensure that the aeroplanes meet the necessary safety standards to prevent accidents that could result from seat adjustment failures. The policy objective is to maintain and enhance air safety by enforcing stringent measures on the seat adjustment mechanisms of the specified aircraft models.

Scope and Application

This Airworthiness Directive (AD) applies specifically to certain models of Cessna 180, 182, and Wren 460 series aeroplanes, identified by their serial numbers, which fall within the specified range. The directive mandates corrective actions to be undertaken by the aircraft operators or maintenance entities in relation to the seat adjustment mechanisms of these aircraft. It applies across the Commonwealth of Australia, as indicated by its notification in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette. The directive does not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, but compliance is contingent upon the aircraft reaching specified service hour milestones and adhering to the outlined inspection and repair protocols. Additionally, while the primary AD addresses the safety concerns directly, compliance with interim measures, such as modifying seat adjustment mechanisms, is permitted pending the availability of replacement components. This AD, effective from 19 February 2004, is issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and is a response to identified safety risks associated with the seat adjustment mechanisms in the specified aircraft models.

Key Provisions

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/CESSNA 180/72 Amdt 2, issued under subregulation 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR 1998), applies to specific Cessna 180, 182, and Wren 460 series aeroplanes. These aircraft are identified by their model and serial numbers as detailed in the applicability section. The directive mandates a series of actions to rectify unsafe conditions related to the seat adjustment mechanisms. These actions include measuring the wear on seat track holes, inspecting and cleaning seat rail holes, adjusting seat pin engagement, inspecting and maintaining seat rollers, measuring the wall thickness of roller housings and tangs, checking the engagement of lock pin springs, and inspecting seat tracks for cracks. Furthermore, it requires modification of the seat adjustment mechanisms to limit seat travel. The AD imposes specific obligations on the operators of the affected aircraft. These include the requirement to measure and inspect various components of the seat adjustment mechanisms as outlined in the requirement section. Operators must ensure that any wear, dirt, or debris identified during these inspections is addressed before the aircraft is flown again. This involves replacing or repairing components such as seat tracks, rollers, and housings as necessary. Operators must also comply with the modifications to seat adjustment mechanisms, limiting seat travel to specified dimensions. These inspections and modifications must be carried out in accordance with the instructions provided and within the compliance timelines specified in the AD. Failure to comply with the AD may result in civil or criminal consequences. The AD does not specify maximum penalties within its text, but non-compliance with CASR 1998 can result in penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. These penalties may include fines and imprisonment for serious breaches that endanger safety. Additionally, operators who fail to comply with ADs may face consequences such as the grounding of their aircraft, suspension of their air operator’s certificate, or other regulatory actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These potential consequences underscore the importance of adhering to the AD to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the aircraft.

Legal classification tags

Area of Law
Aviation Law
Instrument
Legislative Instrument
Concepts
Definitions & Interpretation
Enforcement Powers
Regulatory Standards

Interactions

Authorises

All Versions

Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.