AD/CESSNA 185/33 - Flying Control System Turnbuckles

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, were enacted to address various safety standards and directives to ensure the safe operation of aircraft within Australian airspace. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 185/33, pertains to the Cessna 185 Series Aeroplanes, specifically addressing issues related to the flying control system turnbuckles. This directive was introduced to mitigate the risk of longitudinal cracks in the AN 155 brass turnbuckles, which could compromise the structural integrity and operational safety of these aircraft. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, acting on behalf of the Australian Government, issued this directive to mandate compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 30 April 1980, thereby aligning with the policy objective of maintaining stringent safety standards in civil aviation. The directive requires all model 185 with serial numbers ranging from 18503252 to 18503907 to take corrective action in accordance with Cessna SIL SE 80-16, ensuring that the specified maintenance is carried out to prevent potential failures that could endanger flight safety. This regulatory measure underscores the commitment of the Australian Government to enforce safety protocols that protect both the passengers and crew aboard these aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, apply to all Cessna 185 series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 18503252 to 18503907. This legislation is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and pertains to the flying control system turnbuckles of the specified aircraft models. The requirement is that these aeroplanes must comply with the actions outlined in Cessna SIL SE 80-16. Compliance with these directives is mandatory within 100 hours of time in service after 30 April 1980. The regulation is concerned with addressing potential longitudinal cracks in the AN 155 brass turnbuckles used in the control system, which could compromise the safety of the aircraft. This regulation applies directly to the specified aircraft and does not extend to other models or types of aeroplanes, nor does it cover other potential issues not related to the identified turnbuckles.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, specifically address the airworthiness directives for various aircraft, including the Cessna 185 Series Aeroplanes. The key section in focus here is AD/CESSNA 185/33, which pertains to the flying control system turnbuckles of the specified aircraft models. According to section 105, this directive applies to all Cessna 185 models with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 18503252 to 18503907. The directive mandates that the action must be taken in accordance with Cessna Service Information Letter (SIL) SE 80-16. This requirement is intended to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the aircraft by addressing potential structural issues in the turnbuckles. The obligation imposed by this directive is clear: operators of the affected Cessna 185 models must ensure that the required actions are taken in compliance with the specifications laid out in Cessna SIL SE 80-16. This involves inspecting the AN 155 brass turnbuckles used in the control system to check for longitudinal cracks radiating from the turnbuckle end. The compliance must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 30 April 1980. This ensures that the potential risks associated with these structural weaknesses are mitigated in a timely manner, thereby maintaining the safety standards expected by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive could result in serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with CASA regulations can lead to significant civil and criminal penalties. Specifically, for breaches of airworthiness directives, the penalties can include fines and potential imprisonment. The exact penalties depend on the severity and frequency of the breaches, but the regulations are clear in their intent to enforce strict compliance to ensure public safety. In this case, the potential for non-compliance could jeopardise the safety of the aircraft and its occupants, making strict adherence to the directive imperative.