AD/CESSNA 310/30 - Alternate Air System - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted to establish and maintain standards of airworthiness, efficiency and safety in the operation of aircraft in Australia. One of the legislative instruments under this regulation, F2006B08157, specifically addresses the alternate air system modification for the Cessna 310 series aeroplanes. This directive, known as AD/CESSNA 310/30, was introduced to address safety concerns related to the alternate air system of certain Cessna 310 models, ensuring that these aircraft meet the required safety standards. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the enacting body responsible for enforcing these regulations and ensuring that aircraft operations comply with safety directives. The policy objective of this particular directive is to mitigate any potential risks associated with the alternate air system by mandating a specific modification to be completed within 100 hours of the aircraft's time in service after 31 July 1973 for models within the specified serial number range, excluding model T310. This legislative instrument is part of a broader framework aimed at maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety in Australia. By issuing specific airworthiness directives, CASA ensures that aircraft operators are aware of and comply with necessary safety measures. The AD/CESSNA 310/30 directive is a critical component of this framework, targeting a specific safety issue with a clear compliance timeline. This approach underscores the importance of continuous oversight and the proactive management of aviation safety to protect both the public and the aviation industry.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, as outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically targets the Cessna 310 Series aeroplanes, with a focus on the alternate air system modification for models with serial numbers ranging from 310N0001 to 310Q0520, excluding the T310 model. This directive applies to aircraft within the specified serial number range, ensuring that modifications are implemented to maintain airworthiness standards as per the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s regulations. The directive mandates compliance within 100 hours of time in service following the specified effective date, 31 July 1973, ensuring that these aircraft meet necessary safety requirements. This regulation is applicable to all operators of the affected Cessna 310 Series aeroplanes and is enforced by the Commonwealth of Australia under the jurisdiction of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The key provision of this legislative instrument, AD/CESSNA 310/30, pertains to the alternate air system modification for the Cessna 310 series aeroplanes with serial numbers (S/Nos) ranging from 310N0001 to 310Q0520, excluding model T310 (Section 1). This Airworthiness Directive (AD) mandates that the alternate air system must be modified in accordance with the specifications detailed in Cessna Service Letter (SL) ME72-21 to ensure compliance with safety standards. The compliance timeframe is set within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1973 (Section 2). The obligations imposed by this AD require the owners or operators of the affected Cessna 310 series aeroplanes to ensure that the modifications to the alternate air system are carried out as specified in the referenced Cessna Service Letter ME72-21. This involves inspecting, repairing, or replacing components of the alternate air system to meet the safety requirements set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The modifications must be completed within the stipulated timeframe to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft (Section 3). Failure to comply with the requirements of this Airworthiness Directive may result in civil or criminal consequences. While specific penalties are not detailed in the text, CASA has the authority to take enforcement actions against non-compliance, which could include fines, suspension of airworthiness certificates, or other regulatory sanctions. The potential severity of these penalties underscores the importance of adhering to the mandated modifications to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the affected aircraft (Section 4).