AD/CESSNA 185/35 - Vertical Fin Rear Spar

Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) introduced the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 to address the need for a comprehensive regulatory framework governing civil aviation in Australia. This legislation, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, aims to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation operations within the country. One of the specific areas addressed by the regulations is the issuance of airworthiness directives, such as AD/CESSNA 185/35, which mandates actions to address safety concerns identified in particular aircraft models. The policy objective of these regulations is to maintain the highest standards of safety in civil aviation, thereby protecting the public and ensuring the integrity of the aviation industry. This legislative instrument, as part of the overarching Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, serves to provide detailed safety requirements and compliance deadlines for specific aircraft types, such as the Cessna 185 Series Aeroplanes, to mitigate identified risks such as structural cracks in the vertical fin rear spar. The AD/CESSNA 185/35 specifically targets Cessna 185 Series Aeroplanes with serial numbers between 18502311 and 18504070, requiring compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1980. This directive responds to reports of cracks found in the flanges and web of the spar below the lower rudder hinge, an issue that has been identified overseas. By mandating corrective actions as outlined in Cessna SIL No. SE80-85, the regulation seeks to prevent potential safety hazards and ensure the continued airworthiness of affected aircraft. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by CASA, thus play a crucial role in maintaining safety standards and addressing specific safety concerns within the civil aviation sector.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, governs the airworthiness of certain aircraft in Australia. This regulation applies directly to owners and operators of Cessna 185 series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 18502311 to 18504070, mandating compliance with specified structural integrity requirements to maintain safe operation. The regulation is applicable nationally and is enforced under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), ensuring that the specified aircraft meet necessary safety standards. The requirement to address issues related to the vertical fin rear spar, as outlined in AD/CESSNA 185/35, must be fulfilled within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1980. This mandate is in response to identified issues overseas where cracks have been found in the flanges and web of the spar below the lower rudder hinge, emphasising the importance of timely and appropriate action to prevent similar occurrences in Australia. The regulation does not specify exclusions or exemptions, and compliance is non-negotiable for the specified aircraft within its jurisdiction.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39, Section 105, address the airworthiness directives for specific aircraft types, including the Cessna 185 Series Aeroplanes. In this particular case, AD/CESSNA 185/35 pertains to the vertical fin rear spar, specifically for Model 185 with serial numbers ranging from 18502311 to 18504070. This directive is crucial for ensuring the safety and airworthiness of these aircraft and is in response to reported issues with cracks in the flanges and web of the spar below the lower rudder hinge, which have been identified in overseas models. Under this directive, the requirement is for the action to be carried out in accordance with Cessna Service Information Letter (SIL) No. SE80-85. This document provides detailed instructions on the necessary maintenance and inspection procedures to address and rectify the identified issues. Compliance with this directive must be achieved within 100 hours of the aircraft's time in service after 31 December 1980. This timeframe ensures that the necessary safety measures are implemented in a timely manner to mitigate any potential risks. The obligations and requirements imposed by this directive on the operators and owners of the affected Cessna 185 Series Aeroplanes are clear and specific. They must adhere to the procedures outlined in the SIL, which likely include visual inspections, non-destructive testing, and possibly repairs or replacements of the spar components. Ensuring that the aircraft meets the required safety standards within the stipulated timeframe is essential to comply with the regulations. Failure to do so could result in the aircraft being grounded until the necessary actions are taken. Breach of these requirements can lead to significant consequences, including both civil and criminal liabilities. While the Civil Aviation Regulations themselves do not specify exact penalties, breaches can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Such actions may include fines, penalties, and the possibility of grounding the aircraft until the required compliance is achieved. The severity of the penalties can vary depending on the nature and extent of the breach, with potential maximum penalties being determined by CASA based on the specific circumstances of the violation.