Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Government, form a comprehensive regulatory framework designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. Among the various parts and regulations within this framework, Part 39 specifically addresses the airworthiness of aircraft. The problem this legislation aims to address is the maintenance of safe operational standards for aircraft, ensuring that all aircraft meet the necessary safety requirements before and during their operation. The policy objective of these regulations is to minimise the risk of accidents and incidents by enforcing rigorous safety standards and directives, as exemplified by the Airworthiness Directives (ADs) pertaining to specific aircraft models, such as the Cessna 310 Series Aeroplanes. One such Airworthiness Directive, AD/CESSNA 310/42, pertains to the inspection and modification of emergency exit windows on Model 310Q and Model 310R Cessna aircraft. This directive was introduced to address potential safety risks associated with the emergency exit window system. It mandates compliance within 50 hours of time in service after 18 November 1975, ensuring that these aircraft meet the specified safety standards. The directive references the use of materials like Spartan Golden Glaze Spot Putty or equivalent in place of Bondtite, as detailed in the Service Letter ME75-26.12/75, to ensure the integrity and functionality of the emergency exit windows.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, governs the application of Airworthiness Directives (AD) in Australia, including those related to Cessna 310 Series aeroplanes. This particular directive, AD/CESSNA 310/42, mandates the inspection and modification of emergency exit windows on Model 310Q aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 310Q0401 to 310Q1160, and Model 310R aeroplanes with serial numbers from 310R0001 to 310R0330. The directive applies to these specific aircraft models to address safety concerns identified by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Compliance with this directive is required within 50 hours of time in service after 18 November 1975, as detailed in the Service Letter ME75-26.12/75. The directive allows the use of Spartan Golden Glaze Spot Putty or an equivalent material in place of Bondtite for the specified modifications. This regulation applies nationally within the Australian jurisdiction, ensuring that all operators of these aircraft models adhere to the stipulated safety requirements.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR) 1998, Part 39 - 105, pertain specifically to Airworthiness Directives (AD) for the Cessna 310 Series Aeroplanes. Section 39-105(1) identifies the applicability of the directive to specific models and serial numbers, namely Model 310Q with serial numbers 310Q0401 to 310Q1160 and Model 310R with serial numbers 310R0001 to 310R0330. This directive mandates inspection and modification of emergency exit windows as outlined in the referenced document Cessna SL ME75-26.12/75. Compliance with the directive must be achieved within 50 hours of time in service after 18 November 1975. The obligations and requirements imposed by this directive are clearly outlined to ensure the airworthiness of the specified Cessna 310 series aeroplanes. Operators and owners of the affected aircraft must inspect the emergency exit windows as per the specifications in the referenced document. Additionally, the directive allows for the use of Spartan Golden Glaze Spot Putty or an equivalent material in place of Bondtite, as detailed in the service letter. This flexibility is intended to provide practical options for compliance while maintaining the necessary safety standards. The regulations also impose specific requirements on the inspection process. The inspection must be thorough and must verify that the emergency exit windows meet the specified standards. If modifications are required, they must be performed by certified personnel in accordance with the directives provided in the service letter. Failure to comply with these requirements within the stipulated timeframe could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, thereby impacting its operational status. In terms of potential consequences for non-compliance, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 establish clear penalties for breaches. Section 39-105(2) indicates that any failure to adhere to the stipulated timeframe or to perform the required inspections and modifications can lead to serious repercussions. While specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, it is generally understood that non-compliance with ADs can result in enforcement actions, fines, and potentially more severe consequences such as grounding of the aircraft. The severity of the penalties can depend on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, as well as any resulting safety risks.