AD/CESSNA 185/14 Amdt 1 - Carburettor Air Box Shaft

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended in 2006, address the need for a comprehensive regulatory framework governing civil aviation safety in Australia. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives pertains to the maintenance and operational safety of aircraft within Australian airspace. The legislative instrument F2006B05104 was introduced by the Australian Government to ensure that aircraft are operated in a manner that minimises risk to safety. The policy objective is to maintain the highest possible safety standards in civil aviation by mandating specific safety directives for aircraft types, such as the Cessna 185 Series Aeroplanes. This includes directives like AD/CESSNA 185/14, which requires action to be taken on the Carburettor Air Box Shaft within specified timeframes for certain models with particular engine types. The enactment of such regulations by the Australian Government is intended to provide clear, enforceable standards that protect both the aviation industry and the public.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39, encompasses detailed directives related to airworthiness, including those concerning the Cessna 185 Series Aeroplanes. The legislation applies to all models of Cessna 185 Series Aeroplanes with serial numbers starting from 185-0968 onwards, equipped with a Continental IO-520-D (300 HP) engine. This regulation mandates compliance with Cessna Service Letter No. SE68-28, focusing on the action required for the carburetor air box shaft, to be implemented within 100 hours of time in service following 17 March 1969. The scope of this directive is national, operating under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia and administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The regulations are clear in their requirement for compliance, without detailing specific exclusions or exemptions, thus ensuring a uniform safety standard across the industry. The application of these directives is further extended or restricted through subordinate instruments as necessary, maintaining the integrity and safety of civil aviation operations.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (the "Regulations"), specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, contain critical provisions related to the maintenance and safety of Cessna 185 series aeroplanes. These regulations mandate specific actions to ensure the continued airworthiness of these aircraft models. The directive AD/CESSNA 185/14 Amendment 1, for instance, focuses on the "Carburettor Air Box Shaft" (section 2/69). This directive applies to all Cessna 185 models with serial numbers 185-0968 and subsequent, equipped with a Continental IO-520-D (300 HP) engine. The primary requirement of this directive is to take action in accordance with Cessna Service Letter No. SE68-28 (section 2/69). The compliance period for this action is set within 100 hours of time in service after 17 March 1969. This directive ensures that specific maintenance procedures are followed to prevent potential safety hazards associated with the carburettor air box shaft. The adherence to these requirements is crucial for maintaining the integrity and safety of the aircraft. Under the Regulations, entities and individuals governed by these provisions must strictly comply with the outlined maintenance requirements. This includes conducting the necessary inspections, repairs, or replacements as specified in the relevant service letters and directives. Compliance involves ensuring that all actions are performed by appropriately certified personnel and that records of these actions are accurately maintained and readily available for inspection by CASA or other authorised officials. The goal is to uphold the safety standards set forth by CASA and to ensure that the aircraft remains airworthy. Failure to comply with the directives can result in severe consequences. CASA may take enforcement actions against non-compliant aircraft, which could include grounding the aircraft until compliance is achieved. Additionally, operators of non-compliant aircraft may face penalties, including fines and potential criminal charges if the non-compliance is found to have contributed to an accident or incident. The maximum penalties for such offences can vary, but they are significant, reflecting the importance of adhering to these safety regulations.