COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Cessna 210 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 210/33 Auto Pilot System - Disabling
and Modification
6/78
Applicability: Models 210M, T210M and P210 with S/Nos. 21061574 to 21062583 and P2100001 to P2100010 incorporating ARC Model 400B Auto Pilot installations.
Requirement: 1. On aircraft not modified in accordance with Cessna SLAV78-6 dated 31 March 1978 or later revision, disable the Model 400B autopilot by disconnecting the connectors at the roll and pitch actuators and securing these connectors to prevent them from interfering with the flight controls.
2. Install a placard in plain view of the pilot indicating: “AUTO PILOT INOPERATIVE”.
3. Upon accomplishment of the electrical autopilot actuator modification set forth in Cessna SL No. AV78-6, the autopilot may be returned to service and the “AUTO PILOT INOPERATIVE” placard removed.
Compliance: Before further flight using auto pilot. With autopilot disengaged the aircraft may be flown to a place where the maintenance required by paras. 1 and 2 may be carried out if such a flight has been authorised by the issue of a permit to fly pursuant to ANR 108A.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia to ensure the safe operation of civil aircraft within Australian airspace. This particular legislative instrument, issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, addresses a specific safety concern regarding the auto pilot systems of certain Cessna 210 Series aeroplanes. The problem it was introduced to address involves the disabling of the Model 400B autopilot on specified models and serial numbers to prevent potential flight control interference, thereby enhancing flight safety. The policy objective, as outlined in the legislation, is to mandate the disabling of the auto pilot system on non-modified aircraft and to ensure compliance with safety directives before the auto pilot can be returned to service.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to the Cessna 210 series aeroplanes, more precisely to the models 210M, T210M, and P210 within certain serial number ranges. This legislation mandates the disabling of the Model 400B autopilot system for these specified aircraft models, requiring the disconnection and securing of connectors at the roll and pitch actuators to prevent interference with flight controls. It also mandates the installation of a placard indicating "AUTO PILOT INOPERATIVE" for the pilot's awareness. Compliance with these directives is mandatory before further flights using the autopilot, with the option to fly the aircraft to a maintenance location with prior authorisation through a permit under ANR 108A. If the electrical autopilot actuator modification set forth in Cessna Service Letter AV78-6 is completed, the autopilot may be returned to service, and the placard removed. This regulation applies across the Commonwealth of Australia, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, and no specific exclusions or exemptions are noted within this directive.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105 and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, detail critical safety requirements for certain Cessna 210 Series aeroplanes. One such directive is AD/CESSNA 210/33, which pertains to the disabling and modification of the auto pilot system (section 1). This directive applies to models 210M, T210M, and P210 with specific serial numbers and those incorporating ARC Model 400B Auto Pilot installations (section 2). The directive mandates that on aircraft not modified according to Cessna Service Letter AV78-6 dated 31 March 1978 or later revisions, the Model 400B autopilot must be disabled by disconnecting the connectors at the roll and pitch actuators and securing these connectors to prevent interference with the flight controls (section 1). Additionally, a placard must be installed in plain view of the pilot indicating "AUTO PILOT INOPERATIVE" (section 2). Once the electrical autopilot actuator modification set forth in Cessna Service Letter AV78-6 has been completed, the autopilot may be returned to service, and the "AUTO PILOT INOPERATIVE" placard can be removed (section 3).
Entities governed by this directive must ensure compliance before further flight using the autopilot system. The directive specifies that if the aircraft has not yet been modified, it may be flown to a place where the required maintenance can be carried out if such a flight has been authorised by the issue of a permit to fly pursuant to ANR 108A (section 4). This compliance ensures that any flight using the autopilot system is carried out under the conditions specified in the directive, thereby maintaining safety standards.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this airworthiness directive may result in severe consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations outline potential offences and penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. While the specific penalties are not detailed in this directive, non-compliance with airworthiness requirements generally can lead to severe civil or criminal penalties. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, penalties for non-compliance can include substantial fines and, in some cases, imprisonment. The exact penalties may vary depending on the severity of the breach and are determined by the relevant authorities. Ensuring compliance with the AD/CESSNA 210/33 directive is therefore crucial to avoid these potential legal repercussions.