Cessna 210 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 210/60
Amdt 1
Applicability: Model
Seat Adjustment Mechanism 9/88
Serial Number
210, 210A, 210B, 210C, 210D, 210E, 210F, 210G, 210H, 210J,
210K, 210L, 210M, 210N, P210N, T210F, T210G, T210H, T210J, T210K, T210L, T210M, T210N, 210R, T210R, P210R
Requirement: Part 1:
All
(a) Measure each hole in the seat track(s) for excessive wear. If the wear dimension across any hole exceeds 10.67mm (0.42") to a maximum depth of 3.81mm (0.15"), replace the seat track prior to further flight.
SECTION OF SEAT TRACK SHOWING HOLE WEAR
(b) Visually inspect the seat rail holes for dirt and any debris which may preclude engagement of the seat pin(s). Remove any such material prior to further flight.
(c) Lift up on the forward edge of each seat to eliminate all vertical play. With the seat in this position, measure the depth of engagement of each seat pin. If the engagement of any pin is less than 3.81mm (0.15") (see Figure 2), replace or repair necessary components to achieve a seat pin engagement of 3.81mm (0.15") or greater prior to further flight.
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
(d) Visually inspect seat rollers for flat spots. Ensure all rollers and washers turn freely on their axle bolts (or bushings if installed) and move freely on the seat rails. Replace rollers having flat spots and any worn washers prior to further flight. If there is any binding between the bores of the rollers, washers, and axle bolts (or bushings if installed), remove, clean, and reinstall these parts prior to further flight.
Note: Do not lubricate rollers, washers, axle bolts or bushings as the lubrication will attract dust and other particles which can cause binding.
(e) Measure the wall thickness of the roller housing and the tang (see Figure 2). If the tang thickness has worn to less than 1/2 the housing thickness, replace the roller housing prior to further flight.
(f) Check the spring(s) that keep the lock pin(s) in position in the track holes for positive engagement action. Replace any spring which does not provide positive engagement prior to further flight.
(g) Visually inspect the seat tracks for cracks in accordance with Cessna SIL SE83-6, dated 11 March 1983. Any limitation imposed as a result of seat track cracking shall be endorsed on the Maintenance Release. Replace any seat rail exceeding the crack criteria as specified in SE83-6 with a serviceable rail prior to further flight.
Part 2:
In accordance with temporary schemes approved by the Secretary, modify seat adjustment mechanisms to permanently limit seat travel to 255mm (10") or to 153mm (6") as applicable, aft of the forward stop.
Note: FAA AD 87-20-03 R1 refers.
Compliance: A. i. For aircraft with less than 1000 hours time in service as at 28 January 1988, prior to attaining 1100 hours time in service; or
ii. For aircraft with more than 1000 hours time in service as at 28 January 1988, at the next inspection for Maintenance Release issue after 28 January 1988; and
iii. Thereafter at each inspection for Maintenance Release issue.B. Pending any component replacement necessary to fully comply with Requirement: Part 1, compliance with Requirement: Part 2 is an acceptable alternative until 30 June 1989.
Background: There has been a history of seat adjustment mechanism failure that has resulted in accidents. As there will probably be a high demand for replacement items, Part 2 of the Requirement enables continued flight. Schemes acceptable to the Secretary are available from Regional Offices.
Overview
The Cessna 210 Series Aeroplanes Airworthiness Directive AD/CESSNA 210/60 Amendment 1, enacted in 1988, was introduced to address issues related to seat adjustment mechanisms in Cessna 210 series aircraft, which had a history of failure leading to accidents. This directive was issued under the authority of the Commonwealth of Australia's Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these aircraft. The policy objective is to mitigate the risk of accidents by mandating thorough inspections and repairs of the seat adjustment mechanisms, ensuring they meet specified standards for safety and operational reliability. The directive requires detailed checks and, where necessary, replacements or modifications to critical components such as seat tracks, rollers, and springs, to prevent failures that could compromise flight safety.
Scope and Application
This legislative instrument, Cessna 210 Series Aeroplanes AD/CESSNA 210/60 Amendment 1, applies specifically to certain models of Cessna 210 series aeroplanes as identified by their serial numbers. The act mandates comprehensive inspections and necessary repairs or replacements of the seat adjustment mechanisms to ensure airworthiness. These requirements cover all the listed Cessna 210 series models and focus on the seat track, seat rail, rollers, washers, and associated components to prevent mechanical failure which could lead to accidents. The geographic scope of this Act is national, applying across Australia in accordance with the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. The Act does not explicitly state exclusions, but compliance is tied to the aircraft's operational history and scheduled maintenance inspections. The Act may be extended or modified through subordinate instruments, but the primary requirements remain as outlined for the specified aircraft models.
Key Provisions
The primary sections of the AD/CESSNA 210/60 Amendment 1, concerning Cessna 210 Series Aeroplanes, provide specific requirements for the maintenance and inspection of seat adjustment mechanisms, particularly focusing on seat tracks and related components. Section (a) mandates that each hole in the seat track be measured for wear, with replacement required if the wear exceeds 10.67mm (0.42") to a maximum depth of 3.81mm (0.15"). Section (b) requires a visual inspection of seat rail holes for dirt and debris, with any found material to be removed prior to flight. Section (c) involves lifting the seat to eliminate vertical play and ensuring the seat pin engagement is at least 3.81mm (0.15"). Section (d) requires inspecting seat rollers for flat spots and ensuring all components turn freely, with replacement of any worn parts and cleaning of any binding parts. Section (e) mandates measuring the wall thickness of the roller housing and tang, with replacement of the roller housing if the tang is worn to less than half the housing thickness. Section (f) necessitates checking the springs that hold lock pins in position for proper engagement, with replacement of any spring that fails to provide positive engagement. Finally, section (g) requires a visual inspection for cracks in seat tracks, with replacement of any rail exceeding the specified crack criteria.
The obligations imposed by this legislation on the parties involved primarily focus on the maintenance and inspection of the seat adjustment mechanisms of the specified Cessna 210 Series Aeroplanes. Owners and operators of these aircraft must ensure that all maintenance personnel are familiar with and adhere to the outlined requirements, which include measuring wear on seat tracks, cleaning debris from seat rail holes, ensuring proper seat pin engagement, inspecting and replacing worn components, and checking for cracks in seat tracks. The compliance schedule is also crucial, as it stipulates that inspections and modifications must be carried out before specific flight hour milestones and at regular inspection intervals thereafter. Additionally, temporary modifications to seat adjustment mechanisms are allowed as an interim measure until permanent repairs can be made.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this legislation can lead to significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may take action against non-compliance, which could include enforcement actions such as fines, suspension or revocation of the aircraft’s airworthiness certificate, or other administrative penalties. The specific penalties for breaches are not detailed in the legislation provided but are likely to be significant, reflecting the critical safety implications of seat adjustment mechanism failures. Ensuring adherence to these requirements is vital to prevent accidents and maintain the airworthiness of the affected aircraft.