Cessna 207 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 207/31
Amdt 1
Applicability: Model
Seat Adjustment Mechanism 9/88
Serial Number
207, T207, 207A, T207A
Requirement: Part 1:
All
(a) Measure each hole in the seat track(s) for excessive wear. If the wear dimension across any hole exceeds 10.67mm (0.42") to a maximum depth of 3.81mm (0.15"), replace the seat track prior to further flight.
SECTION OF SEAT TRACK SHOWING HOLE WEAR
(b) Visually inspect the seat rail holes for dirt and any debris which may preclude engagement of the seat pin(s). Remove any such material prior to further flight.
(c) Lift up on the forward edge of each seat to eliminate all vertical play. With the seat in this position, measure the depth of engagement of each seat pin. If the engagement of any pin is less than 3.81mm (0.15") (see Figure 2), replace or repair necessary components to achieve a seat pin engagement of 3.81mm (0.15") or greater prior to further flight.
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
FIGURE 2
(d) Visually inspect seat rollers for flat spots. Ensure all rollers and washers turn freely on their axle bolts (or bushings if installed) and move freely on the seat rails. Replace rollers having flat spots and any worn washers prior to further flight. If there is any binding between the bores of the rollers, washers, and axle bolts (or bushings if installed), remove, clean, and reinstall these parts prior to further flight.
Note: Do not lubricate rollers, washers, axle bolts or bushings as the lubrication will attract dust and other particles which can cause binding.
(e) Measure the wall thickness of the roller housing and the tang (see Figure 2). If the tang thickness has worn to less than 1/2 the housing thickness, replace the roller housing prior to further flight.
(f) Check the spring(s) that keep the lock pin(s) in position in the track holes for positive engagement action. Replace any spring which does not provide positive engagement prior to further flight.
(g) Visually inspect the seat tracks for cracks in accordance with Cessna SIL SE83-6, dated 11 March 1983. Any limitation imposed as a result of seat track cracking shall be endorsed on the Maintenance Release. Replace any seat rail exceeding the crack criteria as specified in SE83-6 with a serviceable rail prior to further flight.
Part 2:
In accordance with temporary schemes approved by the Secretary, modify seat adjustment mechanisms to permanently limit seat travel to 255mm (10") to 153mm (6") as applicable, aft of the forward stop.
Note: FAA AD 87-20-03 R1 refers.
Compliance: A. i. For aircraft with less than 1000 hours time in service as at 28 January 1988, prior to attaining 1100 hours time in service; or
ii. For aircraft with more than 1000 hours time in service as at 28 January 1988, at the next inspection for Maintenance Release issue after 28 January 1988; and
iii. Thereafter at each inspection for Maintenance Release issue.
B. Pending any component replacement necessary to fully comply with Requirement: Part 1, compliance with Requirement: Part 2 is an acceptable alternative until 30 June 1989.
Background: There has been a history of seat adjustment mechanism failure that has resulted in accidents. As there will probably be a high demand for replacement items, Part 2 of the Requirement enables continued flight. Schemes acceptable to the Secretary are available from Regional Offices.
Overview
The Cessna 207 Series Aeroplanes AD/CESSNA 207/31 Amendment 1 was enacted in 1988 under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 to address the problem of seat adjustment mechanism failures, which had caused accidents in the past. This legislative instrument was issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, aiming to enhance safety by ensuring that the seat adjustment mechanisms in the specified Cessna models meet certain standards and undergo regular maintenance checks. The primary policy objective is to prevent accidents related to seat adjustment mechanisms by mandating thorough inspections, repairs, and replacements as necessary.
The amendment requires two main parts to be adhered to: the first part mandates detailed inspections and repairs to various components of the seat adjustment mechanism, including seat tracks, rollers, and springs, to ensure they are free from excessive wear and debris, and that there is adequate engagement and movement of the seat pins and rollers. The second part of the amendment requires modifications to the seat adjustment mechanisms to permanently limit seat travel, with temporary compliance measures in place until replacement parts are available. Compliance with these requirements must occur at specific intervals based on the aircraft's time in service, ensuring ongoing safety and reliability of the aircraft.
Scope and Application
The Legislative Instrument F2006B05291 pertains to the safety of the Cessna 207 Series Aeroplanes and is issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, concerning airworthiness directives. This legislation applies to all aircraft within the specified model series, including 207, T207, 207A, and T207A, and mandates particular safety checks and modifications to the seat adjustment mechanisms to prevent accidents due to mechanism failures. The geographic reach of this legislation is national, as it falls under the Commonwealth of Australia's regulatory framework. The legislation is applicable to any person or entity operating these aircraft within Australia, ensuring adherence to stringent safety standards. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the text, and compliance is mandatory for all affected aircraft. The requirements extend to both initial compliance, based on the aircraft's service hours at the time of the directive, and ongoing compliance at each subsequent inspection for a Maintenance Release. Subordinate instruments or schemes approved by the Secretary may provide further details or modifications to the requirements.
Key Provisions
The legislative instrument F2006B05291, specifically addressing AD/CESSNA 207/31 Amendment 1, mandates detailed inspection and maintenance of seat adjustment mechanisms for Cessna 207 Series aeroplanes. This includes models 207, T207, 207A, and T207A. The primary focus of the Act is to ensure the safe operation of these aircraft by addressing issues related to seat wear, debris, and structural integrity. Section 1 of the instrument requires that each hole in the seat tracks be measured for wear, with any hole exceeding 10.67mm (0.42") to a maximum depth of 3.81mm (0.15") necessitating replacement of the seat track. Additionally, the seats must be inspected for debris in the seat rail holes, and any vertical play should be eliminated by measuring the depth of engagement of each seat pin, which must be at least 3.81mm (0.15"). Furthermore, seat rollers must be inspected for flat spots and binding, with replacement of worn components required to maintain smooth operation. The wall thickness of the roller housing and tang must also be checked, with replacement needed if the tang thickness is less than half the housing thickness.
The Act imposes specific obligations on aircraft operators and maintenance personnel to adhere to these inspection and repair protocols. Operators must ensure that their aircraft are compliant with these requirements before each flight. This includes the need for thorough inspections and necessary repairs or replacements of any defective components. Maintenance personnel must conduct these inspections meticulously, following the outlined procedures to ensure the airworthiness of the aircraft. If any components are found to be defective during an inspection, they must be repaired or replaced as required before the aircraft is deemed airworthy again.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this Act can result in serious consequences. Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39, mandates strict adherence to airworthiness directives, and non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The Act does not explicitly state specific penalties, but violations of airworthiness regulations can result in fines, suspension or revocation of air operator certificates, and other regulatory actions. Additionally, any accidents or incidents resulting from non-compliance could lead to criminal charges, including potential imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach and its impact on safety.