AD/CESSNA 210/7 - Elevator Tab Actuator - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Government, form the backbone of the regulatory framework governing civil aviation within Australia. This comprehensive legislation aims to ensure the safety and efficiency of the aviation industry, addressing various aspects such as airworthiness, licensing, and operational standards. One particular legislative instrument, F2006B08119, targets a specific issue with the Cessna 210 Series Aeroplanes, particularly focusing on the elevator tab actuator. This instrument, issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, aims to enhance the safety of these aircraft by mandating modifications to the elevator tab actuator for certain models with serial numbers prior to 21058715. The policy objective here is to mitigate potential risks associated with the actuator, ensuring compliance before the specified date of 1 September 1971, as referenced in Cessna Service Letter 65-76.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, apply to any individual or entity involved in the operation of Cessna 210 series aeroplanes with serial numbers prior to 21058715. This includes aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance providers within Australia and its territories, establishing a regulatory framework aimed at ensuring the safety and airworthiness of these aircraft. The regulation mandates specific modifications to the elevator tab actuator, referencing the document Cessna SL 65-76, and requires compliance with these directives by a specified date, 1 September 1971. This regulation underscores the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority's commitment to stringent safety standards in the aviation industry, thereby ensuring that any operational risks associated with the elevator tab actuator are mitigated. The regulation does not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, suggesting that all applicable aircraft must adhere to the specified directives to maintain their airworthiness certification.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105 concerning the Cessna 210 Series Aeroplanes and specifically AD/CESSNA 210/7, mandate the modification of the elevator tab actuator on all models with serial numbers (S/Nos.) prior to 21058715. This directive is documented in Cessna SL 65-76, and compliance is required before 1 September 1971. These regulations focus on ensuring that the elevator tab actuator is modified to meet certain safety standards, which are critical for the safe operation of the aircraft. The Act imposes several obligations and requirements on the parties or entities it governs. Primarily, it mandates that all owners or operators of Cessna 210 Series Aeroplanes with specified serial numbers must ensure that the elevator tab actuator is modified according to the specifications provided in Cessna SL 65-76. This includes conducting a thorough inspection and, if necessary, performing the required modifications to meet the safety standards outlined in the directive. Additionally, operators must keep detailed records of any modifications made to comply with the Act, ensuring that all changes are properly documented and verified by an authorised person. Failure to comply with these directives can result in various civil and criminal consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive can lead to significant penalties. For an individual, the maximum penalty for each offence may include fines up to $16,500, and for a body corporate, the maximum penalty can be much higher, reaching up to $82,500. Moreover, in severe cases, non-compliance may result in the suspension or revocation of the aircraft’s certificate of airworthiness, which can have serious operational implications for the owner or operator. Additionally, there may be civil liability for any accidents or incidents resulting from non-compliance, which can lead to costly legal proceedings and damages.