AD/CESSNA 310/28 - Main Landing Gear Upper Strut - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, addresses the issue of ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft through the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs). The legislation was enacted to establish a framework for maintaining the safety and operational standards of aircraft within Australian airspace, ensuring that all aircraft meet the required safety criteria before they can be certified as airworthy. This was achieved by the Australian Parliament, with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) as the enacting body, aiming to protect the public by ensuring that all aircraft meet stringent safety standards. One such AD, AD/CESSNA 310/28, pertains to the inspection of the main landing gear upper strut for Cessna 310 series aeroplanes, specifying the action required in accordance with Cessna Service Letter ME71-28, which must be completed before a Certificate of Airworthiness can be issued.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, governs the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which applies to all relevant entities and individuals involved in the operation of civil aircraft within Australia. This Act applies to the Cessna 310 series aeroplanes, targeting the specific models listed with serial numbers outlined in the Requirement Document. The directive mandates that a detailed inspection of the main landing gear upper strut must be carried out in accordance with Cessna Service Letter ME71-28. This action must be completed prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Airworthiness, ensuring that these aircraft meet the necessary safety standards before they can be certified fit for flight. The geographical reach of these regulations is national, applying across all states and territories within Australia, and they are enforced by CASA, the Commonwealth authority responsible for civil aviation safety. The Act does not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds beyond the models and serial numbers listed in the requirement document. Subordinate instruments may further detail the procedures and specific compliance criteria to ensure thorough application of the safety directive.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, pertain to the Airworthiness Directives (ADs) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Section 105 of the regulations outlines the requirements for airworthiness directives, which are legally enforceable rules relating to the design, production, maintenance, and operation of aircraft. In the case of the Cessna 310 Series Aeroplanes, AD/CESSNA 310/28 focuses on the main landing gear upper strut inspection (Section 3/72). This directive applies to all models of the Cessna 310 series with specific serial numbers listed in the Requirement Document. The action required for compliance is in accordance with Cessna Service Letter ME71-28, which provides detailed instructions on how to conduct the necessary inspection. The obligations and requirements imposed by this AD are stringent to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. Operators of the affected Cessna 310 aeroplanes must adhere to the inspection procedure outlined in Service Letter ME71-28. This includes thoroughly examining the main landing gear upper strut for any signs of wear, damage, or other issues that could compromise the structural integrity of the landing gear. The inspection must be completed and any necessary repairs or replacements must be made before a Certificate of Airworthiness can be issued or renewed. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in the aircraft being grounded, thus preventing any flight operations until the issues are resolved. Breaches of these airworthiness directives can lead to significant civil and criminal consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with an AD can result in fines and penalties. Specifically, CASA has the authority to issue infringement notices for breaches of regulations, with maximum penalties that can be substantial. For more serious violations, CASA may refer the matter to the Australian Federal Police, leading to criminal charges that could result in fines of up to $210,000 for individuals and $1,050,000 for corporations, as well as potential imprisonment. These severe penalties underscore the importance of strict adherence to airworthiness directives and the critical role they play in ensuring the safety of civil aviation.