COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Cessna 310 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 310/43
Amdt 1
Wing Tip Strobe Light - Inspection 7/79
Applicability: All models S/Nos. 310Q0001 thru 310R0250, 0252 thru 0254, 0256, 0259, 0262 and 0263 equipped with strobe lights installed in wing tip fuel tank nose cap except those aeroplanes having Symbolic displays P/N 30-0005, 30-0199-3 and 701133-1; Whelen Engineering Co. Inc. P/N A430; and Grimes Manufacturing Co. P/N 30-0515-5, 30- 1172-1, 30-0531-1 and 30-0467-5, strobe lights.
Requirement: 1. Deactivate the strobe light system by installing a guard over the switch and/or by pulling and locking the circuit breaker so that it cannot be inadvertently reset, or by other suitable means.
2. Systems having Grimes P/N 30-0515-1 strobe lights may be reactivated upon the installation of Grimes P/N 31-1723-5 or 30-1171-1 cover plates in accordance with Cessna SL ME75-16. These cover plates may be identified by the presence of two quench tubes protruding into the light assembly from the end plates.
3. Do not reactivate other non excepted strobe light assemblies until data, showing that the strobe lights are explosion proof, has been submitted to and approved by the Secretary.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 30 July 1976.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth) were enacted to provide for the regulation of civil aviation safety in Australia. This legislation fills the gap by setting out detailed safety standards and directives that must be followed to ensure the safe operation of aircraft within Australian airspace. Administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, the policy objective of these regulations is to maintain and enhance the safety of civil aviation by mandating stringent compliance with airworthiness directives. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 310/43 Amendment 1, addresses specific safety concerns regarding the wing tip strobe lights on Cessna 310 series aeroplanes. This amendment requires the deactivation or modification of certain strobe light systems to prevent potential hazards, highlighting the Commonwealth's commitment to ensuring that all aircraft meet necessary safety standards.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 105, outlines the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which applies to all Cessna 310 series aeroplanes with serial numbers between 310Q0001 and 310R0250, 0252 through 0254, 0256, 0259, 0262, and 0263, equipped with specific strobe lights in their wing tip fuel tank nose caps. The directive mandates that these aircraft must undergo a mandatory inspection and deactivation of the strobe light system to prevent inadvertent activation. However, it excludes aircraft equipped with certain strobe light models such as Symbolic displays P/N 30-0005, 30-0199-3, and 701133-1; Whelen Engineering Co. Inc. P/N A430; and Grimes Manufacturing Co. P/N 30-0515-5, 30-1172-1, 30-0531-1, and 30-0467-5. For Grimes P/N 30-0515-1 strobe lights, reactivation is possible if Grimes P/N 31-1723-5 or 30-1171-1 cover plates are installed, identifiable by two quench tubes protruding into the light assembly. This directive extends its application across all Commonwealth territories, ensuring compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 30 July 1976.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates certain safety measures for the Cessna 310 Series Aeroplanes through the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD/CESSNA 310/43 Amendment 1). This directive applies to all Cessna 310 models with specific serial numbers ((S/Nos. 310Q0001 thru 310R0250, 0252 thru 0254, 0256, 0259, 0262 and 0263)) equipped with strobe lights installed in the wing tip fuel tank nose cap, excluding those with certain symbolic displays and specific strobe light parts ((Symbolic displays P/N 30-0005, 30-0199-3 and 701133-1; Whelen Engineering Co. Inc. P/N A430; and Grimes Manufacturing Co. P/N 30-0515-5, 30-1172-1, 30-0531-1 and 30-0467-5)). The key requirements include deactivating the strobe light system to prevent accidental reset, ensuring the installation of guards over switches and locking circuit breakers, or using other suitable means ((AD/CESSNA 310/43 Amendment 1)). For systems using Grimes P/N 30-0515-1 strobe lights, reactivation is permissible following the installation of Grimes P/N 31-1723-5 or 30-1171-1 cover plates, identifiable by two quench tubes protruding into the light assembly from the end plates ((AD/CESSNA 310/43 Amendment 1)). Other non-excepted strobe light assemblies must remain deactivated until the Secretary approves data confirming their explosion-proof status.
Operators of the affected Cessna 310 aeroplanes must comply with these airworthiness directives within 100 hours of time in service after 30 July 1976. This involves adhering to the specified deactivation measures and ensuring that any reactivation of specific strobe light systems follows the precise installation of approved cover plates. Failure to deactivate the strobe light system or to follow the specified reactivation guidelines could result in safety risks and potential regulatory penalties. Ensuring compliance involves meticulous documentation and verification processes, including maintaining records of all modifications and approvals by the Secretary.
Failure to comply with the requirements set out in AD/CESSNA 310/43 Amendment 1 can lead to significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose strict enforcement measures to ensure adherence to airworthiness directives. Any breach of these regulations may result in civil or criminal penalties, with potential maximum penalties depending on the severity of the violation. Civil penalties may include fines and operational restrictions, while criminal penalties could lead to imprisonment or substantial fines. Additionally, non-compliance can result in the grounding of the affected aircraft, further impacting operational capabilities and potentially leading to financial losses. Therefore, it is imperative for operators to strictly adhere to the stipulated directives to avoid these severe consequences.