COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Cessna 320 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 320/12
Amdt 1
Turbocharger 9/87
Applicability: All models 320D, 320E, and 320F fitted with Continental model TSIO-520-B engines.
Requirement: Remove the turbosupercharger turbine insulation blanket or stainless steel heat shields and visually inspect the complete surface of the TCM turbosupercharger assembly P/N 632729 (AID P/N 406610) for cracks, bulges, or burnt areas.
Note: Turbine housings exhibiting any cracks, bulges, or burnt areas shall be replaced before further flight.
Compliance: Prior to accumulating 425 hours total time in service and thereafter at each issue of a new Maintenance Release.
Background: This Airworthiness Directive was originally raised to reflect the requirement of FAA AD 70-3-4, effective 31 January 1970. This Amendment is raised to clarify the Requirement, and include reference to stainless steel heat shields, that were fitted beginning with 1972 models.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in PART 39 - 105, addresses the safety of aircraft through the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs). This legislative instrument was enacted to ensure that civil aviation operations in Australia maintain the highest safety standards, thereby protecting both passengers and crew from potential hazards. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, under the authority granted by the Civil Aviation Act 1988, issues these directives to address identified safety issues. The AD for the Cessna 320 Series Aeroplanes, referenced as AD/CESSNA 320/12 Amendment 1, was introduced to tackle the specific issue of potential damage to the turbosupercharger turbine insulation blanket and heat shields in certain models of the Cessna 320. This amendment aimed to ensure that the turbosupercharger assemblies are regularly inspected and maintained to prevent any compromised components from affecting the aircraft's safety during flight. The policy objective is to mitigate risks associated with engine failures and ensure continued airworthiness, thereby safeguarding the integrity of civil aviation operations.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, apply to all Cessna 320 Series aeroplanes, specifically those models 320D, 320E, and 320F that are fitted with Continental model TSIO-520-B engines. This legislation mandates the removal of the turbosupercharger turbine insulation blanket or stainless steel heat shields and requires a visual inspection of the complete surface of the TCM turbosupercharger assembly for any signs of cracks, bulges, or burnt areas. This inspection must be carried out before the aircraft accumulates 425 hours of total time in service and subsequently at each issue of a new Maintenance Release. Any turbine housings that exhibit these defects must be replaced prior to further flight. The scope of this regulation is nationwide, impacting all operators of the specified aircraft within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring adherence to airworthiness standards established by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The directive aims to maintain safety and reliability in the operation of the affected aircraft, ensuring they meet the required safety standards.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, outlines a series of airworthiness directives for various aircraft models. In this instance, AD/CESSNA 320/12 Amendment 1 pertains to the Cessna 320 Series Aeroplanes, namely models 320D, 320E, and 320F that are fitted with Continental model TSIO-520-B engines (Section 39-105). The directive mandates that these aircraft must undergo a thorough inspection of the turbosupercharger assembly. Specifically, the turbosupercharger turbine insulation blanket or the stainless steel heat shields must be removed, and the complete surface of the turbosupercharger assembly P/N 632729 (AID P/N 406610) must be visually inspected for any signs of cracks, bulges, or burnt areas (Section 39-105). Any aircraft that displays these defects must have the turbine housings replaced before any further flight operations can take place.
Compliance with this directive is mandatory and requires adherence to a strict schedule. Maintenance personnel must ensure that the inspection is conducted prior to the aircraft accumulating 425 hours of total time in service. Furthermore, this inspection must be repeated each time a new Maintenance Release is issued (Section 39-105). This systematic approach ensures that the aircraft remains in a safe and airworthy condition at all times.
The obligations imposed by this Airworthiness Directive are clear and precise. Aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance personnel must strictly follow the outlined procedures to maintain compliance. Failure to adhere to these requirements can lead to significant consequences. The primary objective is to ensure that the aircraft meets all necessary safety standards and can operate without risk to passengers and crew. By removing the turbosupercharger turbine insulation blanket or stainless steel heat shields and conducting a visual inspection, the potential for mechanical failure or accidents can be minimised.
In the event of non-compliance with this Airworthiness Directive, there can be severe penalties and legal ramifications. The specific consequences are detailed in the broader Civil Aviation Regulations, which may include fines, suspension of aircraft operating certificates, and potential criminal charges in cases of gross negligence or deliberate disregard of safety regulations (Section 39-105). The maximum penalties can vary but may include substantial fines and imprisonment for individuals found guilty of serious violations. These stringent measures underscore the importance of adhering to the stipulated safety requirements and the serious implications of failing to do so.