AD/CESSNA 208/11 - Flap Support

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, represent a comprehensive framework governing civil aviation in Australia. This legislation, particularly Part 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s schedule of airworthiness directives, was introduced to address safety issues and ensure the continued airworthiness of aircraft. Specifically, AD/CESSNA 208/11 targets the Cessna 208 series aeroplanes to mitigate risks associated with flap support failures, which could potentially lead to catastrophic loss of the aeroplane. The primary objective of this directive is to mandate visual inspections and necessary modifications to the flap supports to prevent structural failure and ensure ongoing safety in operation. Compliance with these directives is critical for maintaining the integrity of the aircraft in service.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 – 105, apply to all operators of Cessna Caravan 1 aeroplanes, including models 208, 208A, and 208B, with serial numbers ranging from 20800001 to 20800206 for models 208 and 208A, and from 208B0001 to 208B0276 for model 208B. This regulation is issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and is aimed at ensuring the continued airworthiness of these aircraft by addressing potential structural issues in the flap support. The regulation mandates a visual inspection of the flap supports at specific locations and requires the installation of modifications to prevent cracks that could lead to flap failure and potentially catastrophic consequences. Compliance with these directives is mandatory for the specified aircraft models and serial numbers, with timelines for inspections and modifications being clearly outlined.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, contains detailed provisions aimed at ensuring the airworthiness of certain aircraft, including the Cessna 208 Series Aeroplanes. Section AD/CESSNA 208/11 focuses on the flap support structures of Cessna Caravan 1 aeroplanes, particularly Models 208 and 208A with serial numbers from 20800001 to 20800206 inclusive, and Model 208B with serial numbers from 208B0001 to 208B0276 inclusive. This directive mandates two key actions: first, a visual inspection of the flap supports at specific wing stations (WS 53.00 and WS 126.50) in accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin CAB92-16, Revision 2, Accomplishment Instructions; second, the installation of modifications SK208-92B1 (left flap) and SK208-92B2 (right flap) following the same service bulletin's accomplishment instructions. The legislation imposes several obligations on the parties involved. Primarily, operators must ensure that the required inspections are conducted before specific time intervals in service. The initial inspection must occur before 2000 hours time in service or before 50 hours time in service after 27 April 1995, whichever is later. Subsequent inspections must then be carried out at intervals not exceeding 100 hours time in service. If any cracks are identified during these inspections, the operator must comply with the numbered compliance paragraphs outlined in Cessna Service Bulletin CAB92-16, Revision 2. Additionally, the modifications SK208-92B1 and SK208-92B2 must be installed either before 500 hours time in service after the initial inspection or before 100 hours time in service after 27 April 1995, whichever comes first. Alternatively, the modifications should be installed within 100 landings after the installation of the interim repair kits SK208-92A3 or SK208-92A4, whichever occurs first. Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in AD/CESSNA 208/11 may result in significant legal and safety repercussions. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 outline various penalties and consequences for non-compliance. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, it is clear that the authority can impose severe civil or criminal penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment, for violations of airworthiness directives. The severity of these penalties underscores the importance of adhering to the regulations to maintain the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.