AD/CESSNA 207/8 - Right Hand Wing Rear Spar

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, form a critical part of the regulatory framework governing civil aviation within Australia. This legislation, particularly Part 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses specific safety concerns for certain aircraft models. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 207/8, targets the Cessna 207 Series aeroplanes, focusing on the right-hand wing rear spar. The directive was introduced to address identified safety issues that could potentially compromise the structural integrity of the aircraft, thereby ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. The policy objective is to mandate compliance with specific service bulletins, such as Cessna SL SE73-19, to maintain airworthiness standards and mitigate risks associated with identified defects.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all Cessna 207 Series aeroplanes with serial numbers 20700001 and subsequent. These regulations mandate compliance with specific airworthiness directives concerning the right-hand wing rear spar, as outlined in AD/CESSNA 207/8. This requirement necessitates action in accordance with Cessna Service Letter SE73-19, ensuring that the necessary modifications are completed within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1973. The regulations cover the geographical scope of the Commonwealth of Australia, extending to all relevant entities and industries within the civil aviation sector, and are enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. These regulations do not specify exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds beyond the outlined applicability and compliance requirements, although further details and extensions may be provided through subordinate instruments issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, include detailed provisions for airworthiness directives, particularly concerning the Cessna 207 Series Aeroplanes. The directive AD/CESSNA 207/8 pertains to the right-hand wing rear spar, which applies to all models with serial numbers (S/Nos.) 20700001 and subsequent (Section 1). The directive mandates that the required action must be in accordance with Cessna SL SE73-19 (Section 2). The compliance with these directives must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1973 (Section 3). The obligations imposed by this directive are straightforward but crucial for maintaining airworthiness. Operators of the affected Cessna 207 Series Aeroplanes must ensure that the right-hand wing rear spar is inspected and, if necessary, repaired or replaced in line with the specific instructions provided by Cessna SL SE73-19. This involves a detailed inspection process and adherence to the specified maintenance procedures to ensure that the aircraft remains airworthy and complies with all relevant safety standards. It is the responsibility of the aircraft operator to ensure that these directives are followed diligently. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directives outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce these regulations, and non-compliance can lead to penalties. The specific penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives are not detailed within the legislative instrument but generally, such breaches can result in fines, enforcement actions, and potential grounding of the aircraft. The severity of the penalties depends on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, and in extreme cases, it could also lead to criminal charges. It is essential for operators to adhere strictly to these directives to avoid any legal repercussions.