AD/CESSNA 206/12 Amdt 4 - Aft Tailcone Assembly

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, form an essential framework for ensuring safety and compliance within Australia's aviation sector. A specific legislative instrument within this framework, F2006B05217, focuses on the safety of Cessna 206 Series aeroplanes by issuing an amended Airworthiness Directive concerning the aft tailcone assembly. This directive addresses a critical need to ensure that specific models of the Cessna 206 series adhere to updated safety standards as identified by the manufacturer, Cessna, to mitigate potential risks associated with structural integrity. The legislative instrument was introduced to ensure that all affected aircraft are maintained to the highest safety standards, reflecting the ongoing commitment of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to protect the public and maintain the safety of the aviation industry. The enacting body for this legislative instrument is the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, operating under the authority granted by the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The policy objective of this specific directive is to mandate compliance with the latest safety standards for the specified models of the Cessna 206 series, thereby ensuring that any identified structural issues are rectified to prevent potential safety hazards. The directive is designed to provide clear and specific instructions for compliance, ensuring that all relevant aircraft are inspected and maintained according to the updated requirements. This legislative action underscores the regulatory body's commitment to continuous improvement in aviation safety standards and its proactive approach to addressing potential safety issues as they arise.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, under Part 39 - 105, governs the safety of civil aviation in Australia, with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) holding regulatory authority over compliance with these provisions. Specifically, Airworthiness Directive AD/CESSNA 206/12 Amendment 4 addresses the aft tailcone assembly for Cessna 206 Series aeroplanes, applying to aircraft with serial numbers ranging from P2060001 to P2060647 and U2060001 to U20601905. This directive mandates that actions be taken in accordance with the specifications provided by Cessna S.L. SE72-29, with compliance details outlined in the requirement document. Notably, inspections performed under previous versions of this directive are recognised as meeting the criteria of Cessna S.L. SE72-3. The directive applies across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that all relevant aircraft within the specified serial number range comply with these airworthiness standards to maintain safety and operational integrity.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, encompasses the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, focusing on Cessna 206 Series aeroplanes. The pertinent section here is AD/CESSNA 206/12 Amendment 4, which mandates actions concerning the aft tailcone assembly (section 12/85). This directive applies to all model 206 Series aircraft with serial numbers ranging from P2060001 to P2060647 and U2060001 to U20601905 (section 1). The requirement outlined in this directive is for action in accordance with Cessna S.L. SE72-29, ensuring compliance is achieved as detailed in the specific requirement document (section 2). The obligations imposed by this Act require the holders of certificates for these aircraft to ensure that any inspections and necessary actions are carried out as per the specified directive. This includes verifying that the aft tailcone assembly adheres to the manufacturer's specifications and any modifications made during production are accounted for in the compliance process. This is crucial to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensure safety standards are met (section 3). Failure to comply with the provisions of this airworthiness directive could lead to severe consequences. Non-compliance may result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which could lead to enforcement actions by CASA. Additionally, the holder of the aircraft certificate may face penalties, including fines or other sanctions as prescribed under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The exact penalties depend on the severity of the breach and CASA's discretion in enforcing compliance (section 4). Ensuring adherence to the directive is therefore not only a regulatory requirement but also a critical safety measure.