AD/CESSNA 206/14 - Aileron Control Tube and Automatic Pilot Roll Servo

Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, form a crucial part of the regulatory framework for aviation safety in the country. One such regulation, AD/CESSNA 206/14, was introduced to address the specific safety issue concerning the aileron control tube and automatic pilot roll servo in certain Cessna 206 series aeroplanes. This legislative instrument aims to ensure the airworthiness of these aircraft by mandating compliance with specific maintenance and modification directives to prevent potential safety hazards. The regulation was designed to align with international safety standards and improve the overall safety record of civil aviation in Australia. The policy objective of this regulation is to mandate corrective actions for Cessna 206 series aeroplanes equipped with certain Mitchell Automatic Pilot models to ensure they meet necessary safety standards. By enforcing compliance with Edo-Aire Mitchell Service Bulletin MB6, the regulation seeks to mitigate risks associated with the aileron control tube and automatic pilot roll servo. The requirement for compliance within 25 hours of time in service after the specified date aims to ensure that these safety measures are implemented promptly, thereby enhancing the safety and reliability of these aircraft in Australian airspace.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued an Airworthiness Directive under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically targeting the Cessna 206 Series Aeroplanes. This directive applies to aircraft models 206, P206, and U206 that are equipped with Mitchell Automatic Pilot Models AK120, AK120E, or AK120E-3, provided they have not been modified in accordance with Edo-Aire Mitchell SL ML32. The directive mandates compliance with Edo-Aire Mitchell Service Bulletin MB6 and references FAA AD 72-2-6. The action required by this directive must be undertaken within 25 hours of time in service after the directive's effective date of 25 February 1972. The jurisdictional reach of this directive is national, governed by the Commonwealth of Australia, and its scope is limited to ensuring the safety and airworthiness of specified Cessna aeroplanes with certain automatic pilot equipment configurations. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds in this particular directive, but further clarification or modifications may be introduced through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, contains Airworthiness Directives (AD) that ensure the safe operation of aircraft. AD/CESSNA 206/14 pertains to Cessna 206 Series Aeroplanes, focusing on the aileron control tube and automatic pilot roll servo (section 2/72). This directive applies to Models 206, P206, and U206 that are equipped with Mitchell Automatic Pilot Models AK120, AK120E, or AK120E-3, provided these models have not been modified in line with the Edo-Aire Mitchell SL ML32 (section 105). The directive mandates actions in accordance with Edo-Aire Mitchell Service Bulletin MB6 (section 2/72). It is also noteworthy that this directive references FAA AD 72-2-6, indicating a coordinated approach with the Federal Aviation Administration (section 2/72). Compliance with these requirements must occur within 25 hours of the aircraft being in service after 25 February 1972 (section 2/72). The obligations imposed by AD/CESSNA 206/14 on the operators and owners of affected Cessna 206 Series Aeroplanes are to follow the specified action outlined in Edo-Aire Mitchell SB MB6. This directive ensures that the aileron control tube and automatic pilot roll servo are maintained or modified as necessary to meet the safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Operators must ensure that these modifications or inspections are completed within the stipulated timeframe to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. Failure to adhere to this directive could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which could lead to grounding and potential legal ramifications. Breaching the requirements set out in AD/CESSNA 206/14 can have serious consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed within this particular legislative instrument, violations of airworthiness directives generally result in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. These actions can include fines, operational restrictions, or even the revocation of the aircraft's operating certificate. The severity of the penalty often depends on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, but the overarching goal is to ensure that all aircraft meet stringent safety standards to protect passengers, crew, and the public.