AD/CESSNA 210/39 - Pre-Certification Requirements - Modifications

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, was enacted to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating in Australia. The regulation addresses the pre-certification requirements for modifications on certain aircraft models, such as the Cessna 210 Series Aeroplanes, to enhance safety measures. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) introduced this regulation to address gaps in safety standards by mandating specific modifications, such as the installation of protective inner transparencies and witness windows for cabin door lock pins, to ensure that these aircraft meet the safety standards set by the Australian National Aviation Orders (ANO). The policy objective of this regulation is to mitigate risks associated with the operation of these aircraft by enforcing safety measures that were previously lacking, thereby safeguarding passengers and crew.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, governs the safety directives applicable to aircraft operating within Australia, including the Cessna 210 Series Aeroplanes. This legislative instrument mandates modifications to ensure the airworthiness of the aircraft, as outlined in the Airworthiness Directives (AD). For Cessna 210 models, these directives require the installation of protective inner transparencies for passenger cabin windows and the provision of witness windows for cabin door lock pins to allow for the visual confirmation of latch engagement. Compliance with these modifications is mandatory before the issuance of an Australian Certificate of Airworthiness, reflecting the Commonwealth’s commitment to stringent safety standards across the aviation industry. The regulations apply to all models P210 and are enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, with modifications to be carried out in accordance with the applicable Australian National Standards and approved by the Secretary.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 105, includes the Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/CESSNA 210/39, which sets out pre-certification requirements for modifications to Cessna 210 Series aeroplanes. This directive, issued on 9th July 1979, applies to all models P210 and mandates specific modifications to ensure the aircraft's airworthiness. These modifications include installing protective inner transparencies to the passenger cabin windows to enhance safety, and providing witness windows to at least three cabin door lock pins. The purpose of these witness windows is to allow direct visual inspection to confirm the correct engagement of the latches, thereby ensuring the cabin doors are securely locked before flight. Under this directive, the key obligation imposed on aircraft owners, operators, and manufacturers is to implement the specified modifications before the aircraft is issued an Australian Certificate of Airworthiness. This means that any Cessna 210 Series aeroplanes must comply with these modifications to meet the standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The requirement to install protective inner transparencies and witness windows is non-negotiable and must be adhered to strictly to ensure compliance with the Australian civil aviation safety regulations. Failure to comply with the AD/CESSNA 210/39 may result in serious consequences. The regulations do not explicitly state specific penalties or consequences for non-compliance within the text provided, but non-compliance with airworthiness directives generally can lead to severe repercussions. Such consequences may include the refusal to issue or the suspension/revocation of the aircraft's Certificate of Airworthiness, which effectively renders the aircraft inoperable for commercial or private flight until the required modifications are made. Additionally, CASA has the authority to take legal action against individuals or entities that fail to comply with airworthiness directives, which could result in fines, sanctions, or other legal penalties as deemed appropriate under the applicable aviation laws.