AD/CESSNA 337/19 - Bench Seat Back Emergency Operation and Placard

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. This legislation is overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and forms part of a broader regulatory framework designed to manage the inherent risks associated with aviation activities. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 aim to establish minimum safety standards and operational requirements for aircraft and personnel within the Australian civil aviation sector, thereby addressing gaps in safety and operational protocols. Specifically, the AD/CESSNA 337/19 Airworthiness Directive pertains to Cessna 337 Series Aeroplanes, particularly the T337G model, focusing on modifications to the bench seat backrest locking mechanism and the installation of an emergency operation placard. This directive seeks to enhance emergency procedures and safety by ensuring that rear seat occupants can easily push the backrests forward in an emergency, thereby improving evacuation efficiency and overall safety.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which includes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to all Cessna 337 series aeroplanes, particularly the model T337G. This regulation sets forth safety requirements that must be adhered to by the operators of these aircraft. The primary requirement of AD/CESSNA 337/19 is to modify the bench seat backrest locking pawl P/No. 1514217-1 to allow the backrest to be pushed forward by the occupant of the rear seat with a specified force range of 18 lb. to 22 lb. applied at the top of the backrest, following a scheme approved by the Secretary. Modifications as per Rex Aviation Ltd. Drawing No. RA-A-1390 are recognised as an acceptable means of compliance. Additionally, an emergency placard must be installed at the rear of the right-hand (RH) backrest, clearly visible to the occupant of the fifth seat, with specific lettering and background requirements to ensure visibility and clarity. Compliance with these directives is mandatory before the issuance of a Certificate of Airworthiness. The scope of this regulation is limited to the specified Cessna 337 series aeroplanes, specifically the model T337G, and does not extend to other aircraft types. It applies across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that all operators within the country comply with the stipulated airworthiness directives to maintain safety standards. No specific exclusions or exemptions are mentioned within the text, and the regulation's requirements are to be strictly followed without any deviation. The authority to issue subordinate instruments may exist to provide further guidance or clarification, but these are not detailed in the provided excerpt.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105 concerning Airworthiness Directives for the Cessna 337 series aeroplanes, mandates certain modifications to ensure the safety of aircraft occupants (Section 12/74). The key provision requires modifications to the bench seat backrest locking pawl P/No. 1514217-1 to allow the backrest to be pushed forward by the occupant of the rear seat when applying a force of 18 lb. to 22 lb. at the top of the backrest (Section 12/74(1)). Compliance can be achieved through modifications as per Rex Aviation Ltd. Drawing No. RA-A-1390, which is approved by the Secretary. Additionally, a placard must be installed at the rear of the right-hand backrest, clearly visible to the occupant of the fifth seat, with the words "IN EMERGENCY PUSH CENTRE SEAT BACKRESTS FORWARD" in white lettering on a black background (Section 12/74(2)). The lettering specifications require the underlined part to be at least 6 mm (1/4") high, and other lettering at least 3 mm (1/8") high. Entities governed by this Act, particularly those operating model T337G aircraft, are required to ensure that the modifications to the bench seat backrest locking mechanism and the installation of the emergency placard are carried out before issuing a Certificate of Airworthiness. This involves either directly modifying the locking pawl as specified or using the approved drawing from Rex Aviation Ltd. Furthermore, the installation of the placard must adhere to the stipulated dimensions and visibility requirements to ensure it is effective in emergency situations. Failure to comply with these provisions can lead to significant consequences. While the regulations do not explicitly detail the penalties for non-compliance, general aviation regulations often include civil penalties for violations, which can include fines or other administrative actions. Additionally, non-compliance may result in the denial of a Certificate of Airworthiness, which is critical for the legal operation of the aircraft. Therefore, adherence to these directives is essential to ensure the safety of aircraft occupants and compliance with aviation safety standards.