AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (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 180/85 Upper Shoulder Harness
Adjuster Spring
13/2004
Applicability: Models 180, 180A, 180B, 180C, 180D, 180E, 180F, 180G, 180H, 182, 182A, 182B, 182C, 182D, 182E, 182F, 182G, 182H, 182J, 182K, 182L, 182M, and 182N aircraft,
with serial numbers listed in Cessna Single Engine Service Bulletin (SB) SEB86-8 Revision 1, dated 28 July 2003.
Requirement: 1. Inspect only the upper shoulder harness adjuster (part number 443030-401) for the presence of a retainer spring, in accordance with SB SEB86-8 Revision 1.
If a retainer spring is found during the above inspection of the upper shoulder harness adjuster (part number 443030-401), before further flight, remove the spring by cutting each side, and stamp out the -401 identification number; in accordance with SB SEB86-8 Revision 1.
If a retainer spring is not found during the above inspection of the upper shoulder harness adjuster (part number 443030-401), before further flight, make an entry in the aircraft log book showing compliance with this Directive.
2. Only incorporate Cessna Accessory Kits that have been identified, inspected, and modified in accordance with the Requirement document.
Note: FAA AD 2004-19-01 Amdt 39-13795 refers.
Compliance: 1. Within the next 25 hours time in service or at the next annual inspection after 23 December 2004, whichever occurs first.
2. As of the effective date of this Directive.
Note: Compliance with SB SEB86-8 original issue, dated 21 November 1986, constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this Directive, if shoulder harness adjuster part number 443030-401 was used.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 23 December 2004.
Cessna 180, 182 and Wren 460 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 180/85 (continued)
Background: The manufacturer determined that some of the shoulder harness belt adjusters included in the affected shoulder harness accessory kits may have had a small wire spring inadvertently installed on the belt friction pin. The actions required by this Directive are intended to prevent slippage of the pilot/co-pilot shoulder harness, which could result in failure of the shoulder harness to maintain proper belt length adjustment and tension.
David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 12 November 2004
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 1 December 2004.
Overview
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR 1998) by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) delegate, David Villiers, on 12 November 2004, pertains to specific models of Cessna 180, 182, and Wren 460 series aeroplanes. The directive addresses a safety concern identified by the manufacturer regarding potential issues with the shoulder harness adjusters, specifically the inadvertent installation of a small wire spring on the belt friction pin. This issue could lead to the slippage of the pilot or co-pilot shoulder harness, potentially resulting in the failure of the harness to maintain proper belt length adjustment and tension, thereby compromising safety. The directive mandates specific actions to be undertaken within a set timeframe to rectify this issue, ensuring the continued airworthiness of the affected aircraft. The directive was made effective on 23 December 2004.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) pertains to specific models of Cessna 180, 182, and Wren 460 series aeroplanes with serial numbers as listed in the Cessna Single Engine Service Bulletin SEB86-8 Revision 1, dated 28 July 2003. The directive applies to all aircraft of the mentioned models that are registered and operated within the Commonwealth of Australia. It mandates the inspection of the upper shoulder harness adjusters, specifically part number 443030-401, to ensure the absence of a retainer spring, and provides instructions on actions to be taken if such a spring is found or not found. The directive also specifies the timeframe for compliance, which is within the next 25 hours of time in service or at the next annual inspection following the directive's effective date of 23 December 2004. Compliance with the original SB SEB86-8 issued on 21 November 1986, if the mentioned part number was used, is considered as fulfilling the directive's requirements. This AD is issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 and is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 1 December 2004.
Key Provisions
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) applies to a specific series of Cessna 180, 182 and Wren 460 aircraft with particular serial numbers, as listed in Cessna Single Engine Service Bulletin (SEB) SEB86-8 Revision 1 dated 28 July 2003. The AD mandates the inspection of the upper shoulder harness adjuster (part number 443030-401) for the presence of a retainer spring (Section 1). If a retainer spring is found, it must be removed by cutting each side and the -401 identification number must be stamped out (Section 1(a)). If no retainer spring is found, a compliance entry must be made in the aircraft log book (Section 1(b)). Additionally, only Cessna Accessory Kits that have been identified, inspected, and modified in accordance with the Requirement document are to be incorporated (Section 2). Compliance with this AD must be achieved within the next 25 hours of time in service or at the next annual inspection after 23 December 2004, whichever occurs first (Section 1). It is noteworthy that compliance with SB SEB86-8 original issue, dated 21 November 1986, constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD if shoulder harness adjuster part number 443030-401 was used (Section 1(c)).
The AD imposes several obligations on the aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance personnel. These include conducting a thorough inspection of the specified part (the upper shoulder harness adjuster) to determine the presence of a retainer spring. If a retainer spring is discovered, it must be removed and the identification number must be stamped out in accordance with the Service Bulletin. If no retainer spring is found, an entry must be made in the aircraft log book to record compliance with this AD. Furthermore, only Cessna Accessory Kits that have been identified, inspected, and modified in accordance with the Requirement document may be incorporated. These obligations are designed to ensure the airworthiness of the aircraft and to prevent potential safety issues related to the shoulder harness system.
Failure to comply with the AD can result in various consequences. Although specific penalties are not outlined in the AD, non-compliance with ADs generally carries civil and criminal penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and associated regulations. Civil penalties may include fines and enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Criminal penalties may apply for serious non-compliance, including imprisonment and fines, depending on the severity of the breach. Compliance with ADs is mandatory, and non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions by CASA, including grounding of the aircraft until the required actions are taken.