AD/CESSNA 205/8 Amdt 1 - Aileron Mass Balance Weight Attachment Rivets

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, serve as a comprehensive regulatory framework governing various aspects of civil aviation in the country. Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations, in particular, focuses on the issuance of airworthiness directives, ensuring that all aircraft meet safety standards. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 205/8 Amendment 1, specifically targets Cessna 205 (210-5) Series aeroplanes, addressing a critical safety concern regarding the aileron mass balance weight attachment rivets. This directive was introduced to mitigate the risk of corrosion compromising the structural integrity of these rivets, thereby ensuring the continued safety of the aircraft. The policy objective is to mandate regular inspections and the replacement of any corroded rivets, aiming to prevent potential in-flight failures that could endanger passengers and crew.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, through its regulations, mandates specific maintenance actions for the Cessna 205 (210-5) series aeroplanes, encapsulated in the Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/CESSNA 205/8 Amendment 1. This directive applies universally to all models within the specified aircraft series. The directive mandates that operators of these aircraft must inspect the rivets attaching the lower aileron skin to the balance weight for any signs of corrosion. If corrosion is detected under the rivet heads, operators are required to attempt to remove the rivet heads using a light, sharp sideways blow with a screwdriver. Any rivets that are damaged or corroded must be replaced promptly. The inspection and replacement procedures must be completed within 100 hours of time in service following 29 September 1972, and thereafter, at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. This directive is applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that the prescribed safety standards are uniformly adhered to by all operators of the Cessna 205 (210-5) series aeroplanes within the national airspace.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, contain detailed provisions concerning airworthiness directives for various aircraft types. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 205/8 Amendment 1, applies to all Cessna 205 (210-5) series aeroplanes. The directive mandates inspections of the rivets attaching the lower aileron skin to the mass balance weight for signs of corrosion (Regulation 39-105.01). If corrosion is suspected under the rivet heads, the directive requires attempts to remove the rivet heads using a light sharp sideways blow with a screwdriver. Any rivets found to be damaged or corroded must be replaced (Regulation 39-105.02). Compliance with this directive is crucial for maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft. The inspections must be conducted within 100 hours of time in service after 29 September 1972, and subsequently, at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service (Regulation 39-105.03). This ensures that any corrosion issues are promptly identified and rectified, thereby maintaining the structural integrity of the aileron and the overall safety of the aircraft. Failure to comply with the requirements of the airworthiness directive can lead to serious consequences. Non-compliance may result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which could prevent it from operating legally. Such failure to adhere to the regulations could also result in civil or criminal penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment, depending on the severity of the non-compliance and its impact on aviation safety. The specific penalties are dictated by the broader Civil Aviation Act 1988 and other related legislation, which may impose fines up to several thousand Australian dollars and imprisonment for up to two years for serious breaches (Regulation 39-105.04). These stringent measures underscore the importance of adhering to the airworthiness directives to ensure the safety of all aviation operations.