AD/CESSNA 210/24 - Hydraulic Line - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as part of the broader legislative framework overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), was enacted to regulate and ensure the safety of civil aviation in Australia. This specific legislative instrument, F2006B08074, is a component of the Civil Aviation Regulations and addresses the need for regular inspections and maintenance of certain aircraft models to mitigate safety risks. This Airworthiness Directive pertains to the Cessna 210 series aeroplanes, specifically targeting a hydraulic line inspection requirement for models with serial numbers ranging from 21059503 to 21059949. The directive aims to ensure ongoing compliance with safety standards by mandating inspections within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1973, reflecting the regulatory commitment to maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, establish the legal framework for airworthiness directives in Australia, with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) being the enforcing body. The regulation applies to the Cessna 210 series aeroplanes, more precisely to those with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 21059503 to 21059949. This directive mandates that a hydraulic line inspection must be carried out within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1973, ensuring that these aircraft meet safety standards. The legislation is applicable to aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance personnel who are responsible for ensuring compliance with CASA's safety directives. The regulations extend across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring a uniform standard of safety across all states and territories. This legislation does not specify any exclusions or exemptions but relies on CASA's authority to enforce compliance through subordinate instruments and regulatory oversight.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR) in Part 39, particularly the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for the Cessna 210 Series Aeroplanes, are found in AD/CESSNA 210/24 (10/73). This directive mandates an inspection of the hydraulic line for Model 210 with serial numbers ranging from 21059503 to 21059949. Specifically, section 39.105 requires that this inspection be carried out within 100 hours of time in service after the specified date of 31 October 1973. This directive ensures that the aircraft's hydraulic system is maintained to prevent potential failure that could compromise safety. The obligations imposed by this directive are straightforward yet crucial. Owners and operators of the affected Cessna 210 models must ensure that the hydraulic line inspection is performed by qualified personnel in accordance with the Cessna SL SE73-23 Item No. 1. This inspection is mandatory within the specified timeframe to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. Additionally, operators must maintain records of the inspection, ensuring that the aircraft meets the required safety standards before continuing operations. Failure to comply with this directive can result in the aircraft being grounded, as it may not meet the safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Breaching the requirements set out in AD/CESSNA 210/24 (10/73) can lead to significant consequences. Section 39.105 of the CAR outlines that non-compliance with airworthiness directives is an offence under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. For natural persons, the maximum penalty for such an offence is a fine of up to $16,500, while for bodies corporate, the penalty can be much higher, reaching up to $82,500. Beyond the financial penalties, non-compliance could result in the aircraft being declared unairworthy, leading to potential operational disruptions and safety risks. It is imperative for operators to adhere to these directives to avoid both the legal and practical ramifications of non-compliance.