COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Cessna 185 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 185/16
Amdt 1
Applicability: All models.
Aileron Mass Balance Weight Attachment Rivets
9/72
Requirement: Inspect the rivets attaching the lower aileron skin to the balance weight for corrosion.
Where corrosion is suspected under the rivet heads attempts should be made to remove the rivet heads by a light sharp sideways blow with the screwdriver. All damaged or corroded rivets must be replaced.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 29 September 1972 and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 100 hours time in service.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted by the Parliament of Australia to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within the country. These regulations, which are administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), cover a wide range of issues related to aircraft operations, maintenance, and airworthiness, among other things. One such regulation, AD/CESSNA 185/16, pertains specifically to the inspection and maintenance of rivets on Cessna 185 Series Aeroplanes, aimed at addressing the potential problem of corrosion which could compromise the structural integrity and safety of the aircraft. The policy objective here is to ensure ongoing airworthiness and safety through regular inspection and maintenance of critical components.
The amendment introduced by AD/CESSNA 185/16 mandates that all models of Cessna 185 Series Aeroplanes must undergo an inspection of the rivets attaching the lower aileron skin to the balance weight for signs of corrosion. If corrosion is suspected, the rivet heads should be removed using a light sharp sideways blow with a screwdriver, and any damaged or corroded rivets must be replaced. This inspection and maintenance requirement must be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 29 September 1972, and then at intervals not exceeding 100 hours time in service thereafter. The regulation underscores the importance of proactive measures in maintaining aircraft safety and compliance with airworthiness standards.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105, applies to all Cessna 185 Series Aeroplanes, governing the requirements for maintaining airworthiness standards. The scope of this legislation encompasses all models of Cessna 185 aeroplanes, focusing on specific maintenance directives to ensure safety. The regulation mandates that inspections of the rivets attaching the lower aileron skin to the balance weight for corrosion must be conducted, with particular attention to removing any corroded rivet heads to prevent potential structural failures. The directive requires that any damaged or corroded rivets be replaced, and this compliance must occur within 100 hours of time in service after 29 September 1972, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 100 hours. This regulation does not explicitly outline exclusions or exemptions but is enforced within the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia, impacting aviation entities operating these aircraft. The application of this regulation can be extended or specified further through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39, Section 105, outlines an Airworthiness Directive (AD) for Cessna 185 series aeroplanes. The AD, identified as AD/CESSNA 185/16 Amendment 1, is applicable to all models within the series. The directive mandates an inspection of the rivets attaching the lower aileron skin to the balance weight, with a focus on detecting any signs of corrosion (AD/CESSNA 185/16, 9/72). If corrosion is suspected beneath the rivet heads, attempts should be made to remove the rivet heads using a light, sharp sideways blow with a screwdriver. Any rivets found to be damaged or corroded must be replaced without delay.
This Airworthiness Directive imposes several obligations on the parties involved, including aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance personnel. They must ensure that the inspection of the specified rivets is conducted within 100 hours of time in service after 29 September 1972 and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service (AD/CESSNA 185/16, 9/72). This requirement is critical to maintaining the structural integrity and safety of the aircraft, ensuring that any signs of corrosion are promptly addressed.
Failure to comply with the AD/CESSNA 185/16 Amendment 1 can result in significant legal and safety repercussions. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly state the penalties for non-compliance with this specific AD within the provided text; however, general non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Potential consequences may include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and criminal charges if the non-compliance results in an aviation accident or incident. The specific penalties would depend on the severity and impact of the non-compliance as determined by CASA.
The AD/CESSNA 185/16 Amendment 1 serves as a critical safety measure to ensure the continued airworthiness of Cessna 185 series aeroplanes. By mandating regular inspections and the replacement of corroded rivets, the directive helps prevent potential structural failures that could compromise flight safety. Compliance with this directive is not only a legal requirement but also a fundamental aspect of maintaining the safety standards expected in civil aviation.