AD/CESSNA 206/11 - Front Seat Restraint Installations

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted to regulate aviation safety and operations within Australia, addressing the need for stringent safety standards to protect passengers, crew, and the general public. One specific aspect of these regulations is covered in Part 39 - 105, which outlines the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. This legislative instrument, F2006B05216, was introduced to ensure that certain aircraft models, such as the Cessna 206 Series Aeroplanes, meet necessary safety requirements. The directive AD/CESSNA 206/11 focuses on the installation of front seat restraints, mandating the fitting of a safety harness in accordance with a scheme approved by the Secretary to enhance the safety of occupants before 1 September 1972. The enactment of these regulations by the Commonwealth of Australia through its Parliament aims to uphold high standards of aviation safety and mitigate risks associated with air travel.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, mandate modifications to front seat restraint installations in Cessna 206 Series Aeroplanes. This directive applies to all models within the specified aircraft series and mandates that each front seat restraint installation be modified by fitting a safety harness that must adhere to a scheme approved by the Secretary. The requirement is that these modifications must be completed prior to 1 September 1972. The regulation is a part of the broader legislative framework that governs aviation safety in Australia, and it aims to ensure that all aircraft meet specific safety standards. This directive is applicable to all entities and persons involved in the operation or maintenance of Cessna 206 Series Aeroplanes within Australian airspace, ensuring adherence to nationally recognised safety protocols.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, mandate that all Cessna 206 series aeroplanes must be modified to include safety harness installations for front seat restraints (AD/CESSNA 206/11). This requirement applies universally to all models within the specified series. The directive demands that each front seat restraint installation be modified to fit a safety harness that has been approved by the Secretary, ensuring a consistent and reliable safety standard across the board. In terms of obligations and requirements, the Act imposes on the operators and owners of Cessna 206 series aeroplanes the necessity to comply with the outlined modifications. This includes procuring and fitting safety harnesses that meet the specific approval criteria set by the Secretary. Compliance with these directives is not optional; it is mandatory, and failure to adhere to these safety standards could result in serious legal and safety repercussions. Operators must ensure that these modifications are completed before the specified date of 1 September 1972, underscoring the urgency and importance of this safety measure. The Act also stipulates that there are significant consequences for non-compliance. Any breach of the requirements set forth in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, could result in both civil and criminal penalties. The exact nature of these penalties is not detailed in the provided excerpt, but it is clear that the consequences are severe. Given the potential for serious injury or fatality in the event of non-compliance, the legislation reflects a commitment to stringent enforcement to ensure the highest standards of aviation safety.