Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended through the instrument F2006B08103, address a critical safety concern for Cessna 210 series aeroplanes, specifically focusing on the wing main spar attachment fittings. Enacted by the Australian Government, these regulations are designed to mitigate the risk of cracking in the wing attachment lugs, particularly the lower centre lugs, which could compromise the structural integrity of the aircraft. The objective of this legislation is to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the affected aircraft models by mandating regular inspections of the wing attachment fittings. Compliance with the regulations is crucial, requiring inspections at specific intervals for aircraft that have reached 4000 hours of time in service, with subsequent inspections occurring at intervals not exceeding 100 hours. The legislation was enacted to safeguard the aviation industry and public safety by addressing a known vulnerability in the specified Cessna models.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39, include an Airworthiness Directive aimed at ensuring the safety of Cessna 210 Series aeroplanes. This directive applies to all model 210/T210 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 21058819 to 21058968 and T210-0198 to T210-0338. The directive mandates inspections of the wing main spar attachment fittings for cracking, particularly in the lower centre lugs, which have been identified as critical points where such issues could occur. Compliance with this directive requires that inspections be conducted at the next 100-hourly inspection following the fittings reaching 4000 hours of time in service, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 100 hours. This regulation extends across the Commonwealth of Australia, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, to ensure that all relevant aircraft meet these safety standards. The scope of this Airworthiness Directive is specifically tailored to address a safety concern within a defined subset of Cessna 210 Series aeroplanes. It does not extend to other aircraft models or serial numbers outside the specified range. The directive's application is national, reflecting the federal oversight of civil aviation safety in Australia. There are no exclusions or exemptions noted within the directive itself, although subordinate instruments may further clarify or extend its application. This ensures that all affected aircraft are subject to rigorous inspection protocols to mitigate potential safety risks.

Key Provisions

The primary sections of this legislation, specifically AD/CESSNA 210/54, focus on the inspection requirements for Cessna 210 Series Aeroplanes, particularly those with specific serial numbers. Section 1 of the directive outlines the applicability, specifying that it applies to all model 210/T210 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 21058819 through 21058968, and T210-0198 through T210-0338. Section 2 provides the compliance requirements, stipulating that fittings achieving 4000 hours of time in service (TIS) must be inspected at the next 100-hourly inspection and then at intervals not exceeding 100 hours TIS thereafter. The obligations imposed by this legislation are clear and direct. Operators of affected aircraft must ensure that the specified wing main spar attachments are inspected according to the outlined intervals. This requirement aims to prevent potential cracking in the wing attachment lugs, particularly the lower centre lugs, which could compromise the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. The inspections must be conducted by qualified personnel following the detailed procedures provided in the referenced document, Cessna S.I.L. No. SE 83-28. Failure to comply with these inspection requirements can result in significant consequences. Section 3 of the directive implies that non-compliance with the Airworthiness Directives could lead to civil or criminal penalties, including fines and potential grounding of the aircraft. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the excerpt, it is clear that adherence to the mandated inspection schedule is critical. Non-compliance not only risks the safety of the aircraft and its occupants but also subjects the operator to regulatory action under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998.