AD/CESSNA 185/23 - Throttle/Mixture Control Cable Attachment

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia and administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, address the need for ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating in Australian airspace. One such regulation, specifically AD/CESSNA 185/23, targets the Cessna 185 Series Aeroplanes to ensure specific maintenance and compliance requirements are met. This directive aims to mitigate potential safety risks associated with the throttle and mixture control cable attachment of these aircraft models, specifically those with certain serial numbers and engine types. The policy objective behind these regulations is to maintain high safety standards within the aviation industry, ensuring that aircraft are operated in a manner that minimises risk to passengers, crew, and the public. The regulations were introduced to address gaps in the existing safety frameworks that could potentially lead to operational failures or accidents. By setting forth clear, enforceable directives, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 strive to provide a robust regulatory environment that supports the safe and efficient operation of civil aviation within Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011/23 pertains specifically to certain models of Cessna 185 Series aeroplanes. It applies to aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 18502008 to 18502025 and 18502028 to 18502419, equipped with a Continental IO-520D engine. This regulation mandates compliance with Cessna Service Letter SE74-20, which details the required actions to be taken regarding the throttle and mixture control cable attachment. Compliance with these directives is mandatory, with a compliance deadline set at 100 hours of time in service following 30 September 1976. The directive's jurisdictional reach is governed by the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which are applicable throughout the Commonwealth of Australia, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. While the specific scope of this AD is narrow, it forms part of a broader framework that ensures the safety and airworthiness of all aircraft operating within Australia's airspace.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, detail the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. One such directive pertains to the Cessna 185 Series Aeroplanes, identified as AD/CESSNA 185/23 (section 1). This directive addresses the throttle/mixture control cable attachment and is applicable to model 185 with specific serial numbers (18502008 to 18502025 and 18502028 to 18502419) and equipped with a Continental IO-520D engine (section 2). The requirement outlined in this directive mandates that the action be taken in accordance with Cessna Service Letter SE74-20. Compliance with this directive must be achieved within 100 hours of the aeroplane's time in service after 30 September 1976 (section 3). The obligations imposed by this Airworthiness Directive are clear and specific. Owners and operators of the affected Cessna 185 Series Aeroplanes must ensure that the throttle/mixture control cable attachment is addressed as per the instructions in Cessna Service Letter SE74-20. This involves verifying that the aircraft meets the specified standards and making any necessary modifications or repairs to the throttle/mixture control cable attachment. The directive necessitates that these actions are completed within the specified timeframe to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. Failure to comply with the provisions of this Airworthiness Directive can result in severe consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 outline that non-compliance with airworthiness directives is a serious offence. The potential penalties for breaching these regulations include both civil and criminal sanctions. Civil penalties can include substantial fines, while criminal penalties may involve imprisonment. The exact penalties depend on the severity of the breach and the specific circumstances of the case, but the potential for significant repercussions underscores the importance of adhering to the requirements outlined in the directive.