AD/CESSNA 210/15 Amdt 1 - Aileron Mass Balance Weight Attachment Rivets - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, was enacted to provide a comprehensive framework for the regulation of civil aviation in Australia. This legislation aims to address the need for stringent safety standards in the operation of aircraft to protect the public and ensure the integrity of the civil aviation industry. The Civil Aviation Regulations are administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, and the policy objective is to ensure the highest possible level of safety in civil aviation. One of the specific directives under these regulations is AD/CESSNA 210/15, which targets the Cessna 210 Series aeroplanes. This directive mandates the inspection of rivets attaching the lower aileron skin to the balance weight for corrosion on all models with serial numbers between 21057841 and 21058220, and requires that any corroded or damaged rivets be replaced. The directive seeks to ensure the ongoing airworthiness and safety of these aircraft by maintaining the structural integrity of the aileron assembly.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all Cessna 210 series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 21057841 to 21058220. This legislation mandates the inspection of rivets that attach the lower aileron skin to the balance weight for any signs of corrosion. If corrosion is suspected beneath the rivet heads, attempts should be made to remove the rivet heads using a light, sharp sideways blow with a screwdriver. Any rivets found to be damaged or corroded must be replaced. Compliance with these directives is required within 100 hours of time in service following 29 September 1972, and subsequently, at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. The application of these regulations is under the jurisdiction of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensuring the maintenance of airworthiness standards for the specified aircraft models within the Commonwealth of Australia.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly under Part 39, contain specific airworthiness directives that are critical for the maintenance and safety of aircraft. For the Cessna 210 Series Aeroplanes, AD/CESSNA 210/15 Amendment 1 outlines a directive concerning the inspection and maintenance of aileron mass balance weight attachment rivets (section 10/74). This directive applies to all models with serial numbers ranging from 21057841 to 21058220. The primary requirement is to inspect the rivets that attach the lower aileron skin to the balance weight for any signs of corrosion. If corrosion is suspected under the rivet heads, attempts should be made to remove the rivet heads using a light, sharp sideways blow with a screwdriver. It is imperative that all damaged or corroded rivets are replaced to ensure the continued airworthiness of the aircraft. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and stringent. Operators and owners of the specified Cessna 210 models must conduct thorough inspections of the aileron mass balance weight attachment rivets as mandated. This involves regular checks to identify any corrosion and taking necessary actions to remove and replace any compromised rivets. The inspections must be performed within 100 hours of time in service after 29 September 1972, and thereafter, at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. Compliance with these inspection intervals is essential to maintain the safety and operational integrity of the aircraft. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive can result in serious consequences. While the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not specify particular offences or penalties in this context, non-compliance with airworthiness directives generally can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Potential consequences can include fines, the grounding of the aircraft, and in severe cases, legal action against the operators or owners. The exact penalties can vary, but they are designed to enforce strict adherence to safety standards to protect the public and ensure the safe operation of aircraft.