AD/CESSNA 320/24 - Exhaust Tailpipe Support Kit - Installation

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, serve to regulate and ensure the safety of civil aviation within Australia. Part 39, specifically addressing airworthiness directives, includes detailed regulations aimed at maintaining the highest safety standards in aviation operations. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 320/24, pertains to the installation of an exhaust tailpipe support kit on turbocharged model 320 Cessna aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 320D0001 to 320F0045. This directive was introduced to address specific safety concerns related to the structural integrity of the exhaust tailpipe, ensuring compliance before 1 January 1976 as specified in document Cessna SL ME75-17, Category No. III. The overarching policy objective of these regulations is to safeguard the aviation industry by mandating stringent safety measures and compliance protocols.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, focusing on the Cessna 320 Series Aeroplanes. This legislation applies to all turbocharged model 320 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 320D0001 to 320F0045, necessitating compliance with AD/CESSNA 320/24 regarding the installation of an exhaust tailpipe support kit. The regulation is enforced across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that the specified aircraft meet certain safety standards before operating on or after 1 January 1976. The directive is detailed in the document Cessna SL ME75-17, Category No. III, which outlines the necessary compliance measures. While the regulation sets out specific mandates for certain aircraft, it is subject to extensions or restrictions via subordinate instruments as determined by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR) under Part 39, specifically section 39-105, includes an Airworthiness Directive (AD) pertaining to the Cessna 320 series aeroplanes (section 39-105(1)). This AD mandates the installation of an Exhaust Tailpipe Support Kit for all turbocharged model 320 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 320D0001 to 320F0045. The directive outlines that compliance is required before 1 January 1976, as detailed in the document Cessna SL ME75-17, Category No. III (section 39-105(2)). This requirement is intended to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of these aircraft by addressing a specific structural issue with the exhaust tailpipe support. The AD imposes clear obligations on the operators and owners of the affected Cessna 320 series aircraft. Specifically, these parties must ensure that the Exhaust Tailpipe Support Kit is installed in accordance with the specifications and guidelines provided in the referenced document, Cessna SL ME75-17 (section 39-105(3)). This involves thorough inspection, modification, or replacement of the exhaust tailpipe support structure to meet the safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Failure to comply with this directive may result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which could lead to grounding and other regulatory actions. Breach of the requirements set out in this AD can result in significant consequences. According to the CAR, violations may lead to enforcement actions under section 39-105(5), which can include both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties may include fines up to a specified amount, while criminal penalties can include imprisonment. The exact penalties are determined by the severity of the breach and are subject to the broader provisions of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and associated regulations. Non-compliance not only risks the safety of the aircraft and its occupants but also subjects the operator or owner to legal action by CASA.