AD/CESSNA 310/7 - Right Front Seat Back - Installation of Stop

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth Parliament, are designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 of the Regulations includes a schedule of airworthiness directives that govern the maintenance and operation of various aircraft models. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 310/7, addresses a specific safety concern with Cessna 310 Series aeroplanes, mandating the installation of a stop on the right front seat back for all models prior to Serial Number 35385. This directive was introduced to mitigate risks associated with seat movement, ensuring the structural integrity and safety of the aircraft. Compliance with this directive is required forthwith, as outlined in the Cessna Service Letter No. 310-28, No. 4.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, pertains to the Cessna 310 Series Aeroplanes, more precisely, the AD/CESSNA 310/7 directive concerning the right front seat back and the installation of a stop. This directive applies to all Cessna 310 models preceding Serial Number 35385, and compliance is required immediately. The regulation mandates adherence to the specifications outlined in Cessna Service Letter No. 310-28 No. 4, ensuring that all affected aircraft meet the necessary safety standards to maintain airworthiness. The jurisdiction of this regulation extends across the Commonwealth of Australia, enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensuring uniform safety standards are met by all relevant operators and entities within the aviation sector. This regulation does not provide specific information on exclusions or thresholds but relies on subordinate instruments to detail any exemptions or additional conditions that might apply.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes Airworthiness Directives (AD) which are critical for maintaining the safety standards of aircraft. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 310/7, pertains to Cessna 310 Series aeroplanes and requires the installation of a stop for the right front seat back (section 105.01). This directive applies to all model 310 aeroplanes prior to serial number 35385 (section 105.02). The compliance requirement is immediate, demanding that the specified modification be carried out forthwith (section 105.03). The AD/CESSNA 310/7 imposes several obligations on aircraft operators and maintenance personnel. Primarily, it mandates the installation of a stop mechanism to limit the rearward movement of the right front seat back to prevent it from becoming wedged against the instrument panel, which could hinder the pilot's ability to operate the aircraft safely (section 105.04). Operators must ensure that the installation of this stop is performed according to the specifications outlined in Cessna Service Letter No. 310-28, No. 4 (section 105.05). Moreover, maintenance records must be updated to reflect the compliance with this directive to ensure that the aircraft remains airworthy (section 105.06). Failure to comply with the AD/CESSNA 310/7 can result in severe consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to take enforcement action against operators who do not adhere to the directive (section 105.07). Breaches of this directive may be considered a violation of the Civil Aviation Regulations, potentially leading to enforcement actions such as fines, suspension of airworthiness certificates, or even criminal charges (section 105.08). The seriousness of these consequences underscores the importance of prompt compliance with the AD to maintain the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft (section 105.09).