AD/CESSNA 320/2 - Fin Spar Attachment Bolts - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, form the backbone of aviation safety regulations within the country. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives, ensuring that aircraft meet the required safety standards. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 320/2, targets the inspection of fin spar attachment bolts on Cessna 320 Series aeroplanes. This directive applies to all model 320E aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 320E0021 to 320E0101, as specified in Cessna Service Letter No. 67-45. The compliance period mandates that inspections must be conducted within 100 hours of the aircraft's time in service from 30 November 1967, underscoring the urgency and importance of maintaining these safety standards to safeguard aviation operations. The policy objective behind these regulations is to ensure the highest level of safety in civil aviation by imposing stringent maintenance and inspection requirements.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, encompasses the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for various aircraft, including the Cessna 320 Series Aeroplanes. This particular directive, AD/CESSNA 320/2, pertains to the inspection of fin spar attachment bolts on model 320E aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 320E0021 to 320E0101. The directive is applicable to all aircraft within this specified range and mandates compliance within 100 hours of time in service from 30 November 1967. This regulation applies to the operators and owners of the affected aircraft and is enforced by CASA, which has jurisdiction over civil aviation safety in the Commonwealth of Australia. The directive does not explicitly state exclusions or exemptions, but compliance with the CASA-approved inspection process outlined in Cessna Service Letter No. 67-45 is mandatory for the specified aircraft. Further details or extensions of the application may be found in subordinate instruments issued by CASA.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39, mandate that all model 320E Cessna aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 320E0021 to 320E0101 must adhere to certain airworthiness directives. According to section 39-105, these aircraft are required to undergo an inspection of the fin spar attachment bolts (section 11/67). This inspection must be carried out within 100 hours of the aircraft being in service, starting from 30 November 1967, as outlined in Cessna Service Letter No. 67-45. The obligations imposed by this regulation are clear and specific. Aircraft operators must ensure that the fin spar attachment bolts of the applicable Cessna 320 Series aeroplanes are inspected by a certified technician within the stipulated timeframe. This is to verify that the bolts meet the safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Failure to comply with this directive could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, potentially leading to grounding and other regulatory actions. In terms of consequences for non-compliance, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 outline that failure to adhere to these airworthiness directives can result in significant penalties. While the exact penalties are not specified in the legislative instrument provided, it is understood that non-compliance with safety directives can lead to civil and criminal penalties. These can include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the breach and its impact on aviation safety. The specific penalties are typically detailed in other sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations or in related legislative instruments.