AD/CESSNA 207/29 - Rear Wing Spar Doubler

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, was enacted to ensure the safety of civil aviation within Australia, addressing gaps in the regulation of aircraft airworthiness and maintenance. This legislative instrument, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, aims to provide detailed directives for maintaining the airworthiness of various aircraft models, including the Cessna 207 Series Aeroplanes. The particular Airworthiness Directive AD/CESSNA 207/29 focuses on the rear wing spar doubler for model 207 with serial numbers between 20700001 and 20700767, manufactured from 1969 to 1983. The directive mandates compliance with Cessna Service Bulletin SEB 85-9, requiring action within 100 hours of service or the next scheduled inspection after 31 August 1985, to address potential manufacturing issues that might affect the structural integrity of the rear wing spar assemblies. The policy objective of this directive is to enhance the safety and reliability of aircraft operations by ensuring that critical components are installed correctly, thereby mitigating risks associated with potential manufacturing defects. The directive is part of a broader regulatory framework designed to maintain high safety standards in civil aviation, reflecting the commitment to protecting both passengers and crew by addressing specific maintenance requirements.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the safety directives applicable to civil aviation in Australia. This regulation applies to all Cessna 207 series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 20700001 to 20700767, which cover both normally aspirated and turbocharged models that have had their rear wing spar replaced with one supplied by the Cessna Supply Division between 1969 and 1983. The directive mandates compliance with Cessna Service Bulletin SEB 85-9, requiring an action to be taken within 100 hours of time in service after 31 August 1985 or at the next scheduled inspection for maintenance release, whichever is later. This action is necessary due to the suspicion that some rear wing spar assemblies may have been shipped without a necessary doubler installed near the attachment fitting, which is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity and safety of the aircraft. The scope of the regulation is limited to the specified models and serial numbers, and its application is enforced under the jurisdiction of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (C1998L05288), specifically Part 39 - 105, address the airworthiness directives for the Cessna 207 Series Aeroplanes, particularly regarding the rear wing spar doubler (sections 39-105.01 to 39-105.04). Section 39-105.01 details the applicability of the directive, which includes all model 207 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 20700001 to 20700767, manufactured between 1969 and 1983, and includes both normally aspirated and turbocharged models. Section 39-105.02 specifies the requirement, mandating that actions be taken in accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin SEB 85-9. Section 39-105.03 addresses the compliance timeline, requiring that the action be taken within 100 hours of time in service after 31 August 1985, or at the next scheduled inspection for Maintenance Release issue after that date, whichever is later. These sections impose specific obligations on the owners and operators of the affected Cessna 207 Series aeroplanes. The directive requires them to ensure that their aircraft comply with the specified action in Cessna Service Bulletin SEB 85-9, specifically the installation of a rear wing spar doubler. This must be completed within the stipulated timeframes to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. Failure to adhere to the requirements outlined in these sections could result in non-compliance with civil aviation safety regulations, potentially leading to grounding of the aircraft until the necessary actions are taken. Breaching the provisions of this directive could result in serious consequences. While the Civil Aviation Regulations do not explicitly detail penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives within this specific legislative instrument, non-compliance generally results in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These actions may include fines, legal proceedings, or operational restrictions on the aircraft until compliance is achieved. The severity of the penalties can vary based on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, but it is clear that adherence to these directives is crucial for maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft in question.