AD/CESSNA 185/37 - Aileron Hinge Pin

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105 and the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, introduced the AD/CESSNA 185/37 directive concerning the aileron hinge pin for the Cessna 185 Series Aeroplanes. This legislation was enacted to address the identified risk of possible migration and subsequent loss of the aileron hinge pin, which could occur if the retaining split pin holes are incorrectly located. The directive was issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure the continued airworthiness of affected aircraft models, specifically those within the serial number range of A185F18503684 through 18504334, 18504336, 18504337, 18504339 through 18504395, 18504397, 18504398, and 18504400. Compliance with the directive is mandatory and must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 31 January 1984, or at the next scheduled inspection for Maintenance Release, whichever is later. The policy objective is to maintain safety standards and prevent potential in-flight failures by ensuring the correct installation of the aileron hinge pin.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to the Cessna 185 Series Aeroplanes, targeting a defined range of model serial numbers as detailed in the directive AD/CESSNA 185/37. This legislation mandates compliance for aircraft owners or operators who possess Cessna 185 aeroplanes within the specified serial number range. The directive is geographically applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia, extending its regulatory reach to ensure adherence to safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The requirement necessitates action in accordance with Cessna Service Information Letter S.I.L. SE 83-18, with reference to FAA AD 83-22-06. Compliance must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 31 January 1984, or at the next scheduled inspection for Maintenance Release issue after the specified date, whichever is later. This directive does not provide for any exclusions or exemptions and applies uniformly to all relevant aircraft within the stipulated parameters. Subordinate instruments may further extend or restrict the application of these regulations as deemed necessary by CASA.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, addresses the airworthiness of Cessna 185 series aeroplanes through Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/CESSNA 185/37 (section 39.105). This AD mandates actions regarding the aileron hinge pin, applicable to certain serial numbers of the model A185 (section 39.105.1). The requirement is for action to be taken in accordance with Cessna Service Information Letter (S.I.L.) SE 83-18 (section 39.105.2). This directive also references FAA AD 83-22-06 (section 39.105.3), which provides additional context and guidance on the issue. Under this AD, the compliance requirement is that the specified action must be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 31 January 1984, or at the next scheduled inspection for Maintenance Release issue after 31 January 1984, whichever is later (section 39.105.4). This ensures that the maintenance action is performed in a timely manner and does not unduly delay the operational readiness of the affected aircraft. The AD also notes that compliance must be achieved to prevent the possible migration and subsequent loss of the aileron hinge pin, which could result from the retaining split pin holes being incorrectly located (section 39.105.5). The AD imposes specific obligations on the parties governed by it, primarily the operators and maintenance personnel of the affected Cessna 185 series aeroplanes. These parties must ensure that the action outlined in Cessna S.I.L. SE 83-18 is carried out within the specified timeframes (section 39.105.6). This includes verifying the location of the retaining split pin holes and taking corrective measures if they are found to be incorrectly positioned. Operators must also ensure that their maintenance schedules are aligned with the compliance requirements of the AD to avoid any potential safety risks associated with the aileron hinge pin. Failure to comply with the AD can result in civil and potentially criminal consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce these regulations, and non-compliance can lead to penalties. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, the potential for enforcement action, including fines or other sanctions, is implied. CASA’s enforcement actions are aimed at ensuring that all safety directives are adhered to, thereby maintaining the high standards of aviation safety in Australia (section 39.105.7).