Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted by the Australian Government to regulate civil aviation and ensure the safety of air travel. One particular legislative instrument under these regulations is F2006B08078, which pertains to Airworthiness Directives for specific aircraft models. This instrument was introduced to address safety concerns associated with certain components in Cessna 210 Series Aeroplanes, specifically the operating cables for gear warning and fuel pump switches. The objective is to enhance the safety and reliability of these aircraft by ensuring that the control cable assemblies meet specified standards. The regulations are enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which is mandated to ensure compliance within a stipulated timeframe to maintain the safety of air travel.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the airworthiness directives for various aircraft models, including the Cessna 210 series aeroplanes. This regulation applies to all models 210 and T210 with serial numbers 21061020 and onwards. The directive mandates an inspection of the control cable assembly, particularly P/N 9860057-1, to ascertain whether a plastic coated flexible inner cable is installed, identifiable by the presence of swaged end fittings. If such a cable is present, it must be replaced with a piano wire type inner cable or, alternatively, with a complete inner and outer piano wire type cable assembly to align with earlier Model Cessna 210 installations. Compliance with this directive must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service following 31 March 1977. The regulation extends its jurisdictional reach across the Commonwealth of Australia, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensuring adherence to safety standards and operational integrity for the specified aircraft models.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, section 105, contains directives concerning the airworthiness of certain aircraft, such as the Cessna 210 series aeroplanes. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 210/28, pertains to the gear warning and fuel pump switches' operating cable, which must be inspected and potentially replaced (section 3/77). The directive applies to all models 210 and T210 with serial numbers 21061020 and above. The primary requirement is to inspect the control cable assembly, identified by part number 9860057-1, to ascertain whether a plastic-coated flexible inner cable is installed, which can be identified by the presence of swaged end fittings. If such a cable is found, it must be replaced with a piano wire type inner cable as per earlier model Cessna 210 installations, or alternatively, with a complete inner and outer piano wire type cable assembly. The obligations imposed by the Act on the relevant parties, such as aircraft operators and maintenance personnel, include conducting the specified inspection within 100 hours of time in service after 31 March 1977, ensuring compliance with the airworthiness directive. The directive also requires operators to maintain accurate records of any inspections and replacements performed to demonstrate compliance with the regulation. Furthermore, maintenance personnel must be adequately trained to recognise and perform the necessary inspections and replacements to meet the safety standards outlined in the regulation. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/CESSNA 210/28 can result in significant consequences. The Act stipulates that non-compliance with airworthiness directives is an offence. The potential civil and criminal penalties for breaching these regulations include fines and, in more severe cases, imprisonment. The exact penalties may vary depending on the specific breach and the circumstances surrounding it, but they are intended to ensure that the safety standards set out in the Civil Aviation Regulations are rigorously enforced. The maximum penalties for such offences can be substantial, reflecting the seriousness of ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft and the safety of those on board.