AD/CESSNA 210/49 - King Autopilot Roll Axis Bridle Clamp - Inspection and Rectification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, provide comprehensive regulatory frameworks for aviation safety across the country. One significant aspect of these regulations is the establishment of airworthiness directives, aimed at addressing specific safety concerns within the aviation industry. These directives are issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure that all aircraft meet the necessary safety standards. The directive AD/CESSNA 210/49 pertains specifically to the King autopilot roll axis bridle clamp on certain Cessna 210 series aeroplanes, requiring inspections and rectifications to prevent potential safety hazards. This directive was introduced to address the identified issue of potentially improper installation of the King Radio autopilot roll axis bridle cable, which could compromise roll axis flight control if not corrected. CASA’s policy objective is to maintain and enhance the safety of civil aviation by mandating these specific safety measures.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under PART 39 - 105, specifically address the airworthiness directives concerning the Cessna 210 series aeroplanes, focusing on the King Autopilot Roll Axis Bridle Clamp Inspection and Rectification. This legislation applies to all models 210K, 210L, 210M, 210N, T210K, T210L, T210M, T210N, and P210N equipped with King Radio Model KFC 200 Autopilots installed in accordance with specified Supplemental Type Certificates (STC’s) and having the roll axis servo actuator mounted in the right outboard wing. The directive mandates a thorough inspection and, if necessary, rectification of the autopilot bridle cable to ensure it is securely fastened with a cotter pin, or appropriate replacement of parts, to prevent any loss of roll axis flight control, which could compromise safety. Compliance with these directives must be achieved within 10 hours of the aeroplane's time in service after the directive's issuance on 16 October 1980. The directives extend to all operators of the specified aircraft models within Australian jurisdiction, ensuring adherence to stringent safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105, mandate specific actions for the maintenance and safety of Cessna 210 Series Aeroplanes, particularly those equipped with King Radio Model KFC 200 Autopilots. Section 11/80 outlines the necessity for inspecting and rectifying the King Autopilot Roll Axis Bridle Clamp. This involves accessing the right wing aileron bellcrank, visually inspecting the clevis bolt and nut that secures the autopilot bridle cable and the aileron cable, and ensuring that a cotter pin is installed to secure the nut. If a cotter pin is missing, further inspection and appropriate corrective action must be taken, such as installing a new bolt or cotter pin, as specified in the Cessna service manual (Section 11/80). The directive mandates compliance within 10 hours of service after October 16, 1980, to mitigate the risk of losing roll axis flight control. The obligations under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 require operators of the specified Cessna models to adhere to the outlined inspection and rectification procedures. This includes accessing the aileron bellcrank and verifying the presence of the cotter pin, which is critical for securing the autopilot bridle cable and the aileron cable. If the inspection reveals the absence of a cotter pin or the bolt is not cross-drilled for one, the operator must replace the clevis bolt with an appropriate one and reinstall the cover plate after securing the nut and cotter pin. Additionally, operators must submit a defect report (MDR) if an incorrect clevis bolt is found or if a cotter pin is missing (Section 11/80). Failure to comply with the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly the provisions under Section 11/80, can result in serious safety hazards. The potential loss of roll axis flight control due to an improperly installed King Autopilot Roll Axis Bridle Clamp can lead to significant operational risks. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) enforces compliance, and non-compliance may result in penalties, which could include fines and other civil or criminal consequences. The exact penalties are not specified within the text but generally align with the severity of the breach and its impact on aviation safety.