AD/CESSNA 210/19 - Aileron Control Tube - Inspection and Automatic Pilot Roll Servo - Removal

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for civil aviation in Australia, ensuring safety, efficiency and the orderly development of air transport. Part 39, specifically addressing airworthiness directives, serves to enhance aviation safety through mandatory directives applicable to aircraft and components. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 210/19, targets the inspection of aileron control tubes and the removal of automatic pilot roll servos for specific Cessna 210 Series aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to address safety concerns identified in certain models of Cessna 210 aeroplanes equipped with particular automatic pilot systems, ensuring compliance to mitigate potential hazards. The directive mandates that inspections and modifications be carried out within 25 hours of time in service following its issuance date of 25 February 1972. The objective of this regulation, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, is to maintain the airworthiness of affected aircraft and thereby protect public safety in air travel. The enactment of this directive by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority aims to close specific safety gaps identified in the operation of certain Cessna 210 models with particular automatic pilot systems. The requirement to inspect and modify the aileron control tubes and remove certain automatic pilot components is designed to prevent potential mechanical failures that could lead to serious flight hazards. By mandating these actions, the regulation ensures that operators of the specified aircraft models adhere to critical safety standards, thereby enhancing overall aviation safety. This directive is a part of a broader regulatory effort to maintain high safety standards in Australia's civil aviation sector, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority as per the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under PART 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically focusing on Cessna 210 Series Aeroplanes. This legislation applies to specific models of Cessna 210 aeroplanes, namely 210B, 210C, 210-5, 210-5A, 210-D, and 210E, which are equipped with certain Mitchell Automatic Pilot models. The directive mandates compliance within 25 hours of time in service after 25 February 1972 for aircraft not modified in accordance with specified Edo-Aire Mitchell Service Bulletins or Federal Aviation Administration Airworthiness Directives. This regulation aims to ensure the safety of the aircraft by requiring inspections and modifications to the aileron control tube and the removal of the automatic pilot roll servo in the specified aircraft models. The geographic reach of this regulation is national, as it pertains to civil aviation within the Commonwealth of Australia, and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which governs the maintenance and operation of aircraft within Australia. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 210/19, pertains to the inspection and removal of components in certain Cessna 210 series aeroplanes (Section 39 - 105). This directive is applicable to models 210B, 210C, 210-5, 210-5A, 210-D, and 210E that are fitted with specific Mitchell Automatic Pilot models and have not been modified according to Edo-Aire Mitchell Service Letter No. ML-32. The directive mandates that the affected Cessna 210 series aeroplanes must undergo an inspection and, if necessary, the removal of the aileron control tube and the automatic pilot roll servo. This action is to be completed within 25 hours of time in service after 25 February 1972, as detailed in either Edo-Aire Mitchell Service Bulletin MB-6 or Federal Aviation Administration AD 72-2-6 (Section 39 - 105). The compliance with these directives ensures the continued airworthiness and safety of the specified aircraft models, mitigating potential risks associated with the identified components. Entities and individuals responsible for maintaining the specified Cessna 210 series aeroplanes must ensure adherence to the AD/CESSNA 210/19 directive. This includes conducting the necessary inspections and performing any required modifications or removals within the stipulated timeframe. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which could lead to operational restrictions or grounding. The obligation to comply is clear and non-negotiable, as these directives are issued under the authority of CASA to uphold the highest standards of aviation safety. Violators of the AD/CESSNA 210/19 directive may face significant consequences. Non-compliance with the airworthiness directives can result in administrative penalties, fines, or legal action under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The severity of the penalties can vary based on the nature and extent of the non-compliance. In severe cases, repeated or deliberate non-compliance may lead to prosecution, resulting in substantial fines or imprisonment. The exact penalties are determined by the relevant courts, but the overarching goal is to enforce strict adherence to aviation safety standards.