AD/CESSNA 185/21 - Engine Air Inlet Duct

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, aim to ensure the safety of civil aviation within Australia. One specific regulation, found in Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses issues related to the airworthiness of the Cessna 185 Series Aeroplanes. This regulation, AD/CESSNA 185/21, pertains to the engine air inlet duct for model A185 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 18502008 to 18502650. The directive was introduced to address safety concerns and ensure compliance with necessary modifications as outlined in Cessna Service Letter SE75-5, which references the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) AD 75-09-06. The requirement mandates that action be taken within 500 hours of time in service after 12 May 1975 to maintain the airworthiness of these aircraft. This legislative instrument underscores the commitment to stringent safety standards in civil aviation, ensuring that aircraft meet specific airworthiness criteria to protect passengers and crew. The regulation aligns with broader policy objectives of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to maintain high safety standards and mitigate risks associated with aircraft operation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, pertain to the Cessna 185 Series Aeroplanes, covering aircraft with serial numbers from 18502008 to 18502650. The regulations mandate compliance with Cessna Service Letter SE75-5, which references FAA AD 75-09-06, and require corrective action to be taken within 500 hours of time in service after 12 May 1975. The regulations apply to all relevant aircraft models and necessitate adherence to the specified service letter to ensure continued airworthiness. These regulations are enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and are applicable throughout the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring a uniform standard of aircraft safety across the nation.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically AD/CESSNA 185/21, pertain to the engine air inlet duct of the Cessna 185 series aeroplanes, particularly those with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 18502008 to 18502650. This directive requires that the affected aircraft must be brought into compliance with the specifications outlined in Cessna Service Letter (SL) No. SE75-5. This is closely referenced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) AD 75-09-06. The requirement is for compliance to be achieved within 500 hours of time in service following the directive's effective date of 12 May 1975. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) imposes several obligations on the parties and entities governed by these regulations. Firstly, the owners and operators of the specified Cessna 185 series aeroplanes must ensure that the aircraft are inspected and, if necessary, modified to meet the standards outlined in the Cessna SL No. SE75-5. This includes ensuring that all work is carried out by certified personnel and that the aircraft are returned to service only after meeting all regulatory requirements. Additionally, these parties must maintain thorough records of any modifications or inspections performed in accordance with the directive, to be made available upon request by CASA. Failure to comply with the directives stipulated in AD/CESSNA 185/21 can result in serious consequences. Civil penalties may be imposed for non-compliance, with the maximum fines depending on the severity and frequency of the breach. In cases where the non-compliance leads to a safety hazard or incident, criminal charges may also be filed. These could include significant fines or imprisonment for those found responsible for the oversight, as the safety of aircraft operations is of paramount importance. CASA has the authority to suspend or revoke airworthiness certificates for non-compliant aircraft, which would prevent the aircraft from being operated until the necessary compliance actions are taken.