AD/CESSNA 205/2 - Aft Seat Belt Attachment

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the legislative instrument F2006B05204, introduces specific airworthiness directives to ensure the safety of aircraft operations in Australia. This legislative update addresses gaps in compliance and safety procedures, particularly for the Cessna 205 (210-5) series aeroplanes, ensuring that all aircraft maintain the necessary standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The policy objective behind this directive is to mandate specific actions, as outlined in Cessna Service Letter 62-82, to address the aft seat belt attachment for all models within 100 hours of time in service after 31 March 1963. This directive was enacted by the Australian Commonwealth Government to ensure continued compliance with safety regulations and to mitigate risks associated with the specified aircraft models. The Australian Commonwealth Parliament is responsible for enacting and overseeing these regulations, aiming to uphold stringent safety standards within the civil aviation industry. By implementing these directives, the legislation seeks to prevent potential safety issues that could arise from non-compliance, thereby protecting passengers and crew, and maintaining the overall integrity of Australia's civil aviation framework.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all operators of Cessna 205 (210-5) Series Aeroplanes, mandating adherence to Airworthiness Directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. This legislation ensures that all models of these aircraft must comply with the requirements outlined in Cessna Service Letter 62-82, which addresses the aft seat belt attachment. The directive stipulates that the specified action must be taken within 100 hours of time in service after 31 March 1963. This regulation is applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia and extends to any entity or person operating a Cessna 205 (210-5) Series Aeroplane within its jurisdiction. There are no exclusions or exemptions mentioned within this directive, ensuring that all applicable aircraft are subject to the prescribed safety measures. Subordinate instruments may further detail or expand upon the requirements to ensure comprehensive compliance.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, contain the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes AD/CESSNA 205/2 concerning the aft seat belt attachment for Cessna 205 (210-5) Series Aeroplanes (section 39-105). This directive applies to all models within the series (section 39-105.3). The requirement is to ensure compliance with Cessna Service Letter 62-82, which details the necessary modifications or actions to be taken regarding the aft seat belt attachment (section 39-105.4). Compliance must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 31 March 1963 (section 39-105.5). The obligations imposed by this directive on the parties or entities governed by the Act are primarily focused on ensuring that the specified modifications are carried out in a timely and effective manner. This includes conducting the necessary inspections and making any required adjustments or replacements to the aft seat belt attachment as per Cessna Service Letter 62-82. The directive is clear in stating that these actions must be completed within the specified timeframe of 100 hours of time in service following the date of the directive, 31 March 1963 (section 39-105.5). It is crucial for operators and maintenance personnel to adhere to these requirements to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. Failure to comply with the AD/CESSNA 205/2 directive can lead to various civil and criminal consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can result in civil penalties, including fines. The maximum penalty for each offence can be substantial, depending on the severity of the non-compliance and its potential impact on aviation safety. Additionally, continued operation of an aircraft that does not comply with these directives can lead to enforcement actions, including grounding of the aircraft until the required modifications are made. In more severe cases, criminal charges may be pursued against individuals or entities responsible for the non-compliance, potentially resulting in imprisonment. It is imperative for all stakeholders to take this directive seriously and ensure full compliance to avoid these potential repercussions.