AD/CESSNA 206/60 - Upper Shoulder Harness Adjuster Spring

Overview

The Airworthiness Directive issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 (CASR 1998) pertains to the Cessna 206 series aeroplanes, specifically targeting the upper shoulder harness adjuster spring issue. This directive was introduced on 23 December 2004 to address an identified safety issue where a small wire spring might have been inadvertently installed on the belt friction pin of the shoulder harness adjuster. Such a condition could lead to slippage of the shoulder harness, thereby compromising the pilot or co-pilot’s safety by potentially failing to maintain proper belt length adjustment and tension. The directive was issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure the safe operation of the specified aircraft models. The policy objective of this directive is to prevent any unsafe conditions that could arise from the improper installation of the retainer spring, ensuring that all affected aircraft meet the necessary safety standards before further flight.

Scope and Application

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 applies specifically to the Cessna 206 series aeroplanes, including models 206, P206, P206A, P206B, P206C, P206D, P206E, U206, U206A, U206B, U206C, U206D, TP206A, TP206B, TP206C, TP206D, TP206E, TU206A, TU206B, TU206C, and TU206D, with serial numbers as listed in Cessna Single Engine Service Bulletin SEB86-8 Revision 1 dated 28 July 2003. The directive mandates that these aircraft must undergo a specific inspection of the upper shoulder harness adjuster (part number 443030-401) to check for the presence of a retainer spring. If a retainer spring is detected, it must be removed by cutting each side and the -401 identification number must be stamped out, all in accordance with the Service Bulletin SEB86-8 Revision 1. If no retainer spring is found, an entry must be made in the aircraft logbook to show compliance with the directive. The AD also stipulates that only Cessna Accessory Kits identified, inspected, and modified in line with the requirement document should be used. Compliance with the directive must be achieved within 25 hours of time in service or at the next annual inspection following 23 December 2004, whichever comes first.

Key Provisions

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under subregulation 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, specifically AD/CESSNA 206/60, mandates certain actions for the Cessna 206 Series Aeroplanes to address safety concerns with the upper shoulder harness adjusters. The AD applies to all models of the Cessna 206 series, with the serial numbers listed in the Cessna Single Engine Service Bulletin (SEB) SEB86-8 Revision 1, dated 28 July 2003 (Section 1(a)). The directive requires an inspection of the upper shoulder harness adjusters (part number 443030-401) to determine the presence of a retainer spring. If a retainer spring is found, it must be removed by cutting each side and the -401 identification number must be stamped out, as per SB SEB86-8 Revision 1 (Section 1(b)). If no retainer spring is found, an entry must be made in the aircraft log book to show compliance with this directive (Section 1(b)). Additionally, only Cessna Accessory Kits that have been identified, inspected, and modified in accordance with the requirement document should be used (Section 1(b)). The AD imposes several obligations on the operators of the affected aircraft. Firstly, operators must ensure that the required inspections are conducted by qualified personnel within the specified timeframes. Specifically, the inspection must be completed within the next 25 hours of the aircraft's time in service or at the next annual inspection following 23 December 2004, whichever comes first (Section 1(c)). Secondly, operators must maintain accurate and updated records of the compliance activities, including any modifications made to the shoulder harness adjusters. Additionally, operators must ensure that only approved Cessna Accessory Kits are incorporated into the aircraft, following the inspection and modification guidelines set out in SB SEB86-8 Revision 1 (Section 1(b)). Failure to comply with these obligations may result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, leading to potential grounding and further regulatory action. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in the AD may result in various consequences, including civil and criminal penalties. The AD itself does not specify maximum penalties, but non-compliance with CASA directives can lead to enforcement actions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988. These actions may include fines, suspension or revocation of air operator certificates, and other administrative penalties. In more severe cases, non-compliance could also result in criminal charges, particularly if the non-compliance is found to have contributed to an accident or incident that resulted in injury or loss of life. It is therefore crucial for operators to adhere to the AD and ensure that all required actions are taken in a timely and compliant manner.