AD/CESSNA 310/56 Amdt 1 - Main Landing Gear Wheel Bay Wing Rib and Wing Skin

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, addresses the safety of civil aviation through the issuance of Airworthiness Directives. This regulatory framework is overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and aims to ensure that all aircraft meet specific safety standards. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 310/56 Amendment 1, pertains to the inspection and maintenance of Cessna 310 series aeroplanes, targeting the critical areas of the main landing gear, wheel bay, wing rib, and wing skin. This directive was enacted to address a safety concern related to reported instances of cracking in these components, which could potentially compromise the structural integrity and safety of the aircraft. The objective is to mandate regular inspections and necessary repairs to prevent failures that could result in catastrophic outcomes. The AD/CESSNA 310/56 Amendment 1 requires that inspections of the main landing gear side brace upper support attach bolts be conducted for proper torque, with visual inspections of the main landing gear wheel well ribs and wing upper surface skin to detect any signs of cracking. The directive mandates initial inspections to occur within specific timeframes post-relevant dates and subsequent inspections at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of service. Installation of a specific service kit or approved repairs can terminate the requirement of this directive. This legislative measure was introduced in response to documented cases of structural failures in Australian-registered Cessna 310 aircraft, aiming to mitigate the risk of such incidents by enforcing stringent maintenance protocols.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addressing safety concerns related to specific aircraft models. In this instance, the regulation targets the Cessna 310 series aeroplanes and mandates inspections and maintenance actions to ensure airworthiness. The directive applies to all models of Cessna 310 aircraft. It requires the inspection of the main landing gear side brace upper support attach bolts for correct torque, as well as cleaning and close visual inspections of the main landing gear wheel bay, the wing ribs, and the wing skin in the overwing baggage locker for signs of cracking. This is to address reports of structural integrity issues that could compromise the aircraft's safety. The directive necessitates an initial inspection before 100 hours of time in service after 20 July 1995 or before 25 hours of time in service after 14 September 1995, with subsequent inspections occurring at intervals not exceeding 100 hours. Compliance can be achieved through the installation of a specified service kit or through repairs that meet CASA’s approval. This amendment, effective from 14 September 1995, ensures that the safety directives are clearly communicated and adhered to by operators of Cessna 310 aircraft within Australian jurisdiction.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, address specific safety directives for the Cessna 310 Series Aeroplanes through Amendment 1. Section AD/CESSNA 310/56 outlines the requirement for all models of Cessna 310 aircraft to inspect the main landing gear side brace upper support attach bolts to ensure they are correctly torqued. Furthermore, a thorough cleaning and close visual inspection of the main landing gear wheel well ribs is mandated, as per Cessna Service Letter (SL) ME76-2. Additionally, the upper surface skin of the wing in the overwing baggage locker must be visually inspected for any signs of cracking, with particular attention given to the inboard side of the locker. The obligations imposed by this regulation are clear and require compliance from aircraft operators and maintenance personnel. The initial inspection must be conducted before the aircraft accumulates 100 hours of time in service after 20 July 1995, or before 25 hours of time in service after 14 September 1995, whichever is later. Subsequent inspections must occur at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. Furthermore, the installation of Cessna Service Kit SK414-8E or repairs that meet the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) standards can serve as acceptable termination actions for this directive. This amendment has been effective since 14 September 1995. The legislation also outlines the consequences for non-compliance. While the specific penalties for breaches are not detailed within the provided text, it is understood that failure to adhere to the safety directives could result in significant civil or criminal consequences. Non-compliance may lead to grounding of the aircraft, fines, or other penalties as prescribed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The overarching aim is to ensure the safety of the aircraft and its passengers by preventing structural failures such as the cracking of the main landing gear wheel well ribs and wing upper surface skin, which could potentially lead to catastrophic outcomes.