AD/CESSNA 320/32 Amdt 1 - Main Landing Gear Wheel Bay Wing Rib and Wing Skin

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, was enacted to ensure the safety and regulation of civil aviation within Australia. This legislation, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, addresses various aspects of aircraft operations, maintenance, and airworthiness. One such regulation is the Airworthiness Directive concerning Cessna 320 Series Aeroplanes, which was introduced to mitigate risks associated with specific structural components of these aircraft. This directive, effective from 14 September 1995, was prompted by reports of cracking in the main landing gear wheel well ribs and the wing upper surface skin in the overwing baggage locker, which posed potential safety hazards. The policy objective behind this directive is to enhance the structural integrity and safety of Australian registered Cessna 320 aircraft by mandating regular inspections and repairs as necessary. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were established by the Australian Parliament to provide a comprehensive framework for civil aviation safety. The specific Airworthiness Directive for the Cessna 320 Series Aeroplanes was introduced to address the problem of structural cracking in critical areas of the aircraft. This regulation requires detailed inspections of the main landing gear wheel bay, wing ribs, and wing skin to prevent potential catastrophic failures. By enforcing these inspections and repairs, the directive aims to ensure that all affected aircraft meet the required safety standards, thereby protecting both the operators and the general public.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives, applies to all Cessna 320 series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 320-0001 to 320F0045. The directive mandates inspections and repairs to specific parts of the aircraft to ensure airworthiness and safety, focusing on the main landing gear side brace upper support attach bolts, the main landing gear wheel bay wing ribs, and the wing skin in the overwing baggage locker. The directive applies to all such aircraft operating within Australia and requires compliance from operators, including airlines and private owners, by conducting the specified inspections at set intervals and performing necessary repairs or replacements. The directive's applicability is nationwide and extends to all registered Cessna 320 aircraft within the designated serial number range, with no specified exclusions or exemptions. The regulations are enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, and compliance is mandatory for the safety of all flights operating under Australian jurisdiction.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, details the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Cessna 320 Series Aeroplanes. The directive AD/CESSNA 320/32 Amendment 1 pertains to the main landing gear wheel bay wing rib and wing skin (10/95). The directive applies to Cessna 320 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 320-0001 to 320F0045. Section (1) of the directive requires operators to inspect the main landing gear side brace upper support attach bolts for correct torque, a crucial step to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the landing gear. Additionally, the main landing gear wheel well ribs must be cleaned and closely inspected in accordance with Cessna Service Letter (SL) ME76-2, which provides detailed inspection procedures to identify any potential issues such as cracks. The wing upper surface skin in the overwing baggage locker must also be visually inspected for any signs of cracking, with a particular focus on the inboard side of the locker. The regulations impose several obligations on the operators of the specified aircraft. The initial inspection must be conducted before 100 hours of time in service after 20 July 1995, or before further flight after 14 September 1995, whichever occurs later. Subsequent inspections must be performed at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. The installation of Cessna Service Kit SK414-8E, or a repair scheme acceptable to CASA, can satisfy the requirements of this directive. This amendment has been in effect since 14 September 1995, underscoring the importance of adhering to the specified inspection and repair protocols to maintain airworthiness. Failure to comply with the provisions of the AD/CESSNA 320/32 Amendment 1 can lead to significant legal and safety consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations provide for both civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance. Civil penalties may include fines, while criminal penalties can result in imprisonment, reflecting the seriousness of neglecting safety directives. The maximum penalties for breaches are determined by the severity of the violation and the impact on aviation safety. It is imperative for operators to adhere strictly to the inspection and repair requirements to avoid these consequences and ensure the continued airworthiness of the aircraft.