AD/CESSNA 185/42 - Seat Rail Latch

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Government, form a comprehensive set of rules governing aviation safety and operations within Australia. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives addresses the continuous maintenance and safety requirements for aircraft types, including the Cessna 185 Series Aeroplanes. This legislation was introduced to address the identified safety concerns related to the seat rail latches of specific Cessna 185 models, ensuring the integrity and safety of flight operations. The objective of this legislation is to mandate compliance with the manufacturer's service bulletin to rectify potential installation errors that could compromise the safety of the aircraft. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, as the enforcing body under the Civil Aviation Regulations, aims to mitigate risks associated with aircraft operations through stringent adherence to Airworthiness Directives. The specific Airworthiness Directive AD/CESSNA 185/42 targets model 185 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 18504416 to 18504448, requiring corrective action to the seat rail latches within 25 hours of time in service after 2 April 1986. This directive is crucial for preventing inadequate latching of the seats on the rails, thereby enhancing overall flight safety and operational standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, mandate the applicability of Airworthiness Directives for certain aircraft models. In this instance, AD/CESSNA 185/42 pertains to all Cessna 185 Series Aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 18504416 to 18504448. The directive addresses a critical safety issue where the seat rails may be incorrectly installed, leading to inadequate latching of the seat on the rails. This requirement necessitates compliance with Cessna Service Bulletin 85-20, with the mandated action to be completed within 25 hours of time in service following 2 April 1986. This directive ensures that the specified aircraft meet necessary safety standards to prevent potential hazards during flight. The scope of this regulation is limited to the identified Cessna 185 Series Aeroplanes, ensuring that only those within the specified serial number range are required to adhere to the corrective measures outlined. The regulation applies across the Commonwealth of Australia, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensuring uniformity in aviation safety standards. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the directive, and compliance is mandatory for all affected aircraft. The regulation's application may be further detailed or extended through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, addresses the airworthiness directives for certain aircraft models, including the Cessna 185 series aeroplanes. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 185/42, focuses on the seat rail latch for models with serial numbers ranging from 18504416 to 18504448. This directive mandates that the seat rails must be installed in accordance with the instructions provided in Cessna Service Bulletin 85-20. The requirement is that this action must be completed within 25 hours of time in service after 2 April 1986. The Cessna 185 series aeroplanes affected by this directive must comply with the specific requirements outlined in AD/CESSNA 185/42. The key provision is the installation of the seat rails following the guidance in Cessna Service Bulletin 85-20. This directive aims to address an issue where the seat rails may be incorrectly installed, leading to inadequate latching of the seat on the rails. Compliance with this directive is mandatory for all aircraft within the specified serial number range and must be achieved within the specified timeframe. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, the Cessna 185 series aeroplanes governed by AD/CESSNA 185/42 have clear obligations. Operators of these aircraft must ensure that the seat rail installation aligns with the specifications in Cessna Service Bulletin 85-20. This requirement is intended to rectify potential safety issues arising from inadequate seat latching, thereby maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft. Failure to comply with these directives can result in serious safety concerns and potential regulatory repercussions. Breach of the airworthiness directives set forth in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can lead to various consequences, including both civil and criminal penalties. While specific penalties are not detailed in the extract, non-compliance with such directives is typically taken seriously by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). In general, violations of these regulations can result in fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and potential criminal charges for operators who fail to adhere to safety mandates. The severity of the penalties often correlates with the degree of non-compliance and the risk posed to aviation safety.