Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR 1998) to address a safety issue concerning the Cessna 210 Series aeroplanes. AD/CESSNA 210/73, effective from 23 December 2004, pertains specifically to the upper shoulder harness adjusters within the mentioned models. The directive was issued in response to a potential safety hazard where a small wire spring might have been inadvertently installed on the belt friction pin of some shoulder harness adjusters. This could lead to slippage of the shoulder harness, resulting in improper belt length adjustment and tension, potentially compromising safety during flight. Compliance with this directive involves inspecting the upper shoulder harness adjuster for the presence of a retainer spring, and taking appropriate action based on the findings, to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the affected aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under subregulation 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 applies specifically to certain models of Cessna 210 Series aeroplanes, including 210, 210-5, 210A, 210B, 210C, 210D, 210E, 210F, 210G, 210H, 210J, 210K, T210F, T210G, T210H, T210J, and T210K, with serial numbers detailed in Cessna Single Engine Service Bulletin (SB) SEB86-8 Revision 1 dated 28 July 2003. The AD mandates that an inspection of the upper shoulder harness adjuster, part number 443030-401, be conducted to check for the presence of a retainer spring. If such a spring is found, it must be removed by cutting each side and the -401 identification number must be stamped out. If no retainer spring is found, an entry must be made in the aircraft log book showing compliance with this Directive. Furthermore, only Cessna Accessory Kits that have been identified, inspected, and modified in accordance with the requirement document can be incorporated. The compliance period for these actions is within the next 25 hours of time in service or at the next annual inspection after 23 December 2004, whichever occurs first. The AD becomes effective on 23 December 2004, and CASA’s delegate, David Villiers, signed the directive on 12 November 2004.

Key Provisions

The Airworthiness Directive AD/CESSNA 210/73 is issued under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR) by the delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This directive applies to specific models of Cessna 210 Series Aeroplanes, as outlined in the applicability section. The directive mandates that the specified action be taken in the circumstances and according to the instructions provided in the requirement section, and that this action be completed within the timeframe set out in the compliance section. This directive came into effect on 23 December 2004. The key requirement of the AD is that operators of the specified aircraft models must inspect the upper shoulder harness adjuster (part number 443030-401) for the presence of a retainer spring. If a retainer spring is found during this inspection, it must be removed by cutting each side and stamping out the -401 identification number before further flight, as per the instructions in Service Bulletin SEB86-8 Revision 1. If no retainer spring is found, an entry must be made in the aircraft logbook indicating compliance with this directive before further flight. Additionally, only Cessna Accessory Kits that have been identified, inspected, and modified in accordance with the requirement document are to be incorporated. Operators of the specified Cessna 210 Series Aeroplanes are required to comply with this AD by inspecting the upper shoulder harness adjuster within the next 25 hours of time in service or at the next annual inspection after 23 December 2004, whichever occurs first. This inspection must be carried out in accordance with Service Bulletin SEB86-8 Revision 1, and any necessary actions taken as a result of the inspection. Compliance with Service Bulletin SEB86-8 original issue, dated 21 November 1986, constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this directive if the shoulder harness adjuster part number 443030-401 was used. Failure to comply with the requirements of this AD may result in civil or criminal consequences. While the legislation does not explicitly state the maximum penalties, it is understood that non-compliance with ADs can result in significant fines and legal action. The CASA delegate has the authority to enforce compliance with the AD, and operators who fail to comply may face enforcement action, including potential grounding of the affected aircraft until the required actions have been taken.