AD/CESSNA 310/45 - Main Landing Gear Down Lock Pin and Set Screw - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, address the specific issue of maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft through the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs). Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were established to ensure the safety of civil aviation by imposing stringent regulations and standards on all aspects of aircraft operation and maintenance. One such regulation is the AD concerning the Cessna 310 Series Aeroplanes, specifically AD/CESSNA 310/45, which mandates the inspection of the main landing gear down lock pin and set screw. This directive was introduced to mitigate the risk of landing gear malfunctions, thereby enhancing the overall safety of aircraft operations. The policy objective behind these regulations is to maintain the highest safety standards in civil aviation, ensuring the protection of passengers, crew, and the general public.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and specifically within Part 39 - 105, pertain to the airworthiness directives for particular aircraft models, including the Cessna 310 Series Aeroplanes. This legislation applies to all models of Cessna 310 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 310L0001 to 310R0253, 0255 to 0278, 0280 to 0308, 0310, 0311, 0313, 0314, 0315, 0317, 0318, 0320, 0322, 0325, and 0326. The directive focuses on the main landing gear down lock pin and set screw, stipulating that an inspection must be performed within 100 hours of time in service after 31 August 1976, as per the specified document Cessna SL ME76-4. The legislation applies nationwide across Australia and is applicable to any entity or individual operating within the Commonwealth of Australia, including commercial and private operators of the specified Cessna 310 aeroplanes. This directive is a critical safety measure ensuring compliance with airworthiness standards and is enforceable by CASA. The scope of this legislation is explicitly defined and does not extend beyond the specified serial numbers or the outlined inspection requirements.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically AD/CESSNA 310/45, mandate that all models of the Cessna 310 Series aeroplanes with specified serial numbers must undergo an inspection of the main landing gear down lock pin and set screw. This directive applies to aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 310L0001 to 310R0253, 0255 to 0278, 0280 to 0308, and including 0310, 0311, 0313, 0314, 0315, 0317, 0318, 0320, 0322, 0325, 0326 (section 39-105). The inspection must be conducted within 100 hours of the aircraft being in service after 31 August 1976. This Act imposes specific obligations on aircraft owners and operators to ensure that the Cessna 310 Series aeroplanes comply with the airworthiness directive. The directive mandates that the main landing gear down lock pin and set screw be inspected by qualified personnel. Owners and operators must maintain records of the inspections and any necessary repairs to ensure that the aircraft remains airworthy and safe for operation. Failure to comply with this directive could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy and subject to grounding until the required inspections and repairs are completed. Breaches of this airworthiness directive can lead to serious civil and criminal consequences. If an aircraft is found to be non-compliant, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may issue a Notice of Unauthorized Operation, effectively grounding the aircraft until the necessary actions are taken. Furthermore, the owner or operator of the aircraft could face penalties, including fines and potential prosecution. The maximum penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives can include substantial fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity and intent of the breach. It is crucial for aircraft owners and operators to adhere to these regulations to ensure the safety of all persons onboard and to avoid the severe repercussions of non-compliance.