AD/CESSNA 206/19 - Rudder Trim Chain

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, are intended to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. One of the specific legislative instruments within this body of regulations is the AD/CESSNA 206/19 concerning Cessna 206 Series Aeroplanes, which was introduced to address specific safety concerns related to the rudder trim chain of certain model U206 aircraft. This directive aims to ensure that these aircraft meet the required safety standards to prevent potential mechanical failures that could compromise flight safety. The policy objective underpinning this regulation is to mandate actions that mitigate safety risks, thereby enhancing the overall safety of civil aviation operations. The AD/CESSNA 206/19 requires compliance with the specified action within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1976 for particular serial numbers of model U206 aircraft. This directive is part of a broader effort by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to enforce airworthiness directives and ensure that aircraft maintain high safety standards. By specifying these requirements, the legislation aims to prevent potential issues related to the rudder trim chain, thus contributing to safer air travel.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to the Cessna 206 Series aeroplanes and mandates certain airworthiness directives to ensure safety. This particular directive, AD/CESSNA 206/19, concerns the rudder trim chain for all model U206 aircraft with specified serial numbers. The regulation necessitates compliance with the action detailed in Cessna Service Letter SE76-3, requiring the action to be completed within 100 hours of time in service following 31 May 1976. This regulation applies to all operators and owners of the specified Cessna 206 aircraft within the Commonwealth of Australia, thereby ensuring that these aeroplanes meet the necessary safety standards as set out by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The regulation does not explicitly mention exclusions or exemptions, suggesting that all eligible aircraft must adhere to the directive without deviation. The scope of this directive is limited to the specified model and serial numbers, and compliance is a mandatory requirement for continued airworthiness in Australia.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, outlines the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for certain aircraft models. This includes the Cessna 206 Series Aeroplanes, as detailed in AD/CESSNA 206/19. The directive pertains to the rudder trim chain and is applicable to all model U206 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from U20602580 to U20602699 and specific others such as 02843, 02856, 02865, 02871, 02877, 02882, 02886, and 02887. The directive mandates that action be taken in accordance with Cessna Service Letter SL SE76-3 (section 5/76). The requirements of this directive necessitate that the specified action be completed within 100 hours of the aircraft being in service after 31 May 1976. This is a critical timeframe to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the affected aircraft, as outlined in the regulatory framework. Owners and operators of these aircraft must ensure that the mandated actions are implemented without delay to comply with CASA’s safety standards. Compliance with these directives is not optional; it is mandatory for all affected aircraft. Failure to adhere to the specified requirements can result in serious safety issues, and non-compliance could potentially lead to the grounding of the aircraft. Operators must keep detailed records of the actions taken and the dates on which they were completed to demonstrate compliance with the regulations. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose stringent obligations on the parties involved. Aircraft owners and operators are required to ensure that the specified maintenance actions are performed within the stipulated timeframe. This includes conducting a thorough inspection, making necessary repairs, and maintaining detailed records of all actions taken. CASA reserves the right to conduct audits and inspections to ensure compliance with the airworthiness directives. Failure to comply with the requirements of the airworthiness directive may result in severe penalties. The Civil Aviation Act 1988 provides for both civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance. In civil terms, CASA can issue fines, and in more serious cases, criminal charges may be brought against individuals or corporations. The maximum penalties can include substantial fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach and any resultant harm or endangerment caused by the non-compliance. Ensuring adherence to these directives is, therefore, not only a legal obligation but also a critical safety measure.