Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, constitute a comprehensive set of rules and regulations governing civil aviation within the country. One particular part of these regulations, Part 39 - 105, includes the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives which addresses various safety concerns pertaining to specific aircraft models. One such directive is AD/CESSNA 337/11, which was introduced to address safety issues related to the Cessna 337 Series Aeroplanes, specifically those fitted with certain models of Mitchell Automatic Pilots. This directive was necessitated by the need to ensure that such aircraft conform to stringent safety standards, thus enhancing the overall safety of civil aviation in Australia. The objective of this directive is to mandate inspections and modifications to ensure compliance with safety standards as outlined in relevant service bulletins and directives.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as specified in Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, mandates specific requirements for the airworthiness of Cessna 337 series aeroplanes fitted with Mitchell Automatic Pilot models AK155, AK155E or 2/72AK155E-3 that have not been modified in accordance with Edo-Aire Mitchell Service Letter ML 32. This legislation applies to any person or entity that owns or operates such aircraft within Australia, ensuring compliance with the stipulated safety measures. The directive is geographically applicable across the entire Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The requirements necessitate an inspection of the aileron control tube and the removal of the automatic pilot roll servo as outlined in Edo-Aire Mitchell Service Bulletin MB6 or FAA AD 72-2-6, to be performed within 25 hours of the aircraft’s time in service after 25 February 1972. This legislation does not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, meaning that all applicable aircraft must adhere to the specified safety directives. The scope of the Act may be extended or further clarified through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically AD/CESSNA 337/11, concern the inspection of the aileron control tube and the removal of the automatic pilot roll servo for certain Cessna 337 series aeroplanes. This directive applies to Model 337 aircraft fitted with specific Mitchell Automatic Pilot models (AK155, AK155E, or 2/72AK155E-3) that have not been modified in accordance with Edo-Aire Mitchell Service Letter ML 32. Compliance must be achieved within 25 hours time in service after 25 February 1972. The compliance requirements are detailed in either Edo-Aire Mitchell Service Bulletin MB6 or FAA AD 72-2-6. The obligations imposed by this Act on the operators and owners of the specified Cessna 337 series aeroplanes include conducting a thorough inspection of the aileron control tube and removing the automatic pilot roll servo if the aircraft is equipped with the mentioned automatic pilot models and has not undergone the required modifications. Operators must ensure that these actions are completed within the stipulated timeframe to remain compliant with aviation safety standards. The directives are designed to mitigate potential risks associated with the specified components, thereby enhancing the overall safety of the aircraft. Failure to comply with these directives may result in significant legal and safety consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance could lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The potential penalties for not adhering to these safety directives may include fines, suspension, or revocation of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness. The specific penalties depend on the severity of the non-compliance and any resulting safety risks. Therefore, it is crucial for operators and owners to strictly adhere to these provisions to avoid any adverse legal or safety outcomes.