COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Cessna 310 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 310/21
Amdt 1
Turbocharger 9/87
Applicability: All models T310P and T310Q fitted with Continental model TSIO-520-B engines.
Requirement: Remove the turbosupercharger turbine insulation blanket or stainless steel heat shields and visually inspect the complete surface of the TCM turbosupercharger assembly P/N 632729 (AID P/N 406610) for cracks, bulges, or burnt areas.
Note: Turbine housings exhibiting any cracks, bulges, or burnt areas shall be replaced before further flight.
Compliance: Prior to accumulating 425 hours total time in service and thereafter at each issue of a new Maintenance Release.
Background: This Airworthiness Directive was originally raised to reflect the requirement of FAA AD 70-3-4, effective 31 January 1970. This Amendment is raised to clarify the Requirement, and include reference to stainless steel heat shields, that were fitted beginning with 1972 models.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, is an integral piece of Australian legislation that governs the safety standards and operational protocols for civil aviation within the country. Enacted by the Parliament of Australia, this regulation was introduced to ensure that all civil aviation activities comply with stringent safety standards, thereby addressing potential gaps in aircraft maintenance and operational safety. The policy objective behind this legislation is to protect public safety by maintaining the highest standards of aircraft airworthiness and operational reliability. One specific example of this regulation in action is the Airworthiness Directive concerning Cessna 310 Series Aeroplanes, which was issued to mandate regular inspections of turbocharger components to prevent potential failures that could compromise flight safety. This directive, like others within the regulations, aims to preemptively address issues that could lead to accidents or compromised safety in civil aviation.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, apply to the specific models of Cessna 310 Series Aeroplanes, namely the T310P and T310Q, which are equipped with Continental model TSIO-520-B engines. The regulation mandates a thorough inspection of the turbosupercharger turbine insulation blanket and the stainless steel heat shields for any visible signs of damage such as cracks, bulges, or burnt areas. The inspection is required prior to the aircraft accumulating 425 hours of total time in service and must be repeated at each issue of a new Maintenance Release. This requirement ensures the airworthiness of the aircraft by preventing the operation of any turbosupercharger assembly exhibiting defects, which could potentially lead to in-flight issues. The regulation extends across the Commonwealth of Australia, encompassing all relevant aircraft within its jurisdiction, and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. This legislative instrument does not explicitly mention any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds but relies on the overarching provisions of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 for any applicable exceptions.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, detail the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes AD/CESSNA 310/21 Amendment 1. This directive applies to all models of the Cessna 310 series, specifically the T310P and T310Q variants that are fitted with Continental model TSIO-520-B engines. The primary requirement outlined in this directive is the removal of the turbosupercharger turbine insulation blanket or the stainless steel heat shields, followed by a thorough visual inspection of the turbosupercharger assembly (P/N 632729, AID P/N 406610) for any signs of cracks, bulges, or burnt areas. Any turbine housings that exhibit such defects must be replaced before the aircraft is permitted to fly again.
The obligations under this directive require aircraft operators and maintenance personnel to ensure that the turbosupercharger assemblies of the affected Cessna 310 models are inspected according to the specified schedule. This includes removing the turbine insulation blanket or stainless steel heat shields and conducting a detailed visual inspection of the turbosupercharger assembly. If any defects are found, the turbine housing must be replaced before further flights are undertaken. Compliance with this directive is mandated before the aircraft accumulates 425 hours of total time in service, and subsequently, at each issuance of a new Maintenance Release.
Failure to comply with the requirements of this Airworthiness Directive can lead to serious consequences. The regulations do not specify penalties explicitly within the text, but non-compliance could result in significant civil or criminal liabilities under broader aviation safety laws. For instance, operating an aircraft that does not meet airworthiness standards can lead to fines, aircraft grounding, and potential criminal charges against the operator or maintenance personnel responsible for ensuring compliance. These potential consequences underscore the importance of adhering to the directive's requirements to maintain the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.