AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CASR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
Cessna 337 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 337/29 Upper Shoulder Harness Adjuster Spring
13/2004
Applicability: Model 337, 337A, 337B, 337C, 337D, 337E, T337B, T337C, T337D, and T337E
aircraft, with serial numbers listed in Cessna Multi-Engine Service Bulletin (SB) MEB86-22 Revision 1, dated 28 July 2003.
Requirement: 1. Inspect only the upper shoulder harness adjuster (part number 443030-401) for the presence of a retainer spring, in accordance with SB MEB86-22 Revision 1.
If a retainer spring is found during the above inspection of the upper shoulder harness adjuster (part number 443030-401), before further flight, remove the spring by cutting each side, and stamp out the -401 identification number; in accordance with SB MEB86-22 Revision 1.
If a retainer spring is not found during the above inspection of the upper shoulder harness adjuster (part number 443030-401), before further flight, make an entry in the aircraft log book showing compliance with this Directive.
2. Only incorporate Cessna Accessory Kits that have been identified, inspected, and modified in accordance with the Requirement document.
Note: FAA AD 2004-19-01 Amdt 39-13795 refers.
Compliance: 1. Within the next 25 hours time in service or at the next annual inspection after 23 December 2004, whichever occurs first.
2. As of the effective date of this Directive.
Note: Compliance with SB MEB86-22 original issue, dated 21 November 1986, constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this Directive, if shoulder harness adjuster part number 443030-401 was used.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 23 December 2004.
Cessna 337 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 337/29 (continued)
Background: The manufacturer determined that some of the shoulder harness belt adjusters included in the affected shoulder harness accessory kits may have had a small wire spring inadvertently installed on the belt friction pin. The actions required by this Directive are intended to prevent slippage of the pilot/co-pilot shoulder harness, which could result in failure of the shoulder harness to maintain proper belt length adjustment and tension.
David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 12 November 2004
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 1 December 2004.
Overview
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in 2004 under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR) 1998, pertains to the Cessna 337 series aeroplanes. This legislation, specifically AD/CESSNA 337/29, was introduced to address an identified safety concern with the shoulder harness adjusters of the Cessna 337 aircraft series. The directive mandates particular actions to be taken to rectify the potential unsafe condition related to the inadvertent installation of a small wire spring on the belt friction pin of the shoulder harness adjusters, which could compromise the integrity of the harness during flight. The directive was designed to ensure that the unsafe condition is corrected in accordance with the instructions provided, and aims to maintain the airworthiness of the affected aircraft by preventing potential slippage of the shoulder harness, which could result in improper belt length adjustment and tension. The policy objective of the directive is to enhance the safety of aircraft operations by mitigating risks associated with faulty components.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive AD/CESSNA 337/29 issued under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 applies to specific models of Cessna 337 series aeroplanes, as listed in the directive, and identified by serial numbers detailed in the Cessna Multi-Engine Service Bulletin MEB86-22 Revision 1. This legislation mandates actions necessary to rectify an unsafe condition concerning the upper shoulder harness adjuster spring, aimed at preventing slippage of the shoulder harness, which could lead to inadequate adjustment and tension. The requirement entails inspecting the upper shoulder harness adjuster for the presence of a retainer spring and taking appropriate action based on the inspection result, as well as incorporating only specified Cessna Accessory Kits. Compliance with this directive must occur within 25 hours of time in service or at the next annual inspection after 23 December 2004, whichever is earlier, and the directive is effective from 23 December 2004. Notably, compliance with the original SB MEB86-22, issued on 21 November 1986, can be considered as fulfilling the requirements of this directive if the specified shoulder harness adjuster part number was used.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive AD/CESSNA 337/29, issued under subregulation 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, pertains specifically to certain models of Cessna 337 Series aeroplanes, including 337, 337A, 337B, 337C, 337D, 337E, T337B, T337C, T337D, and T337E, with serial numbers listed in Cessna Multi-Engine Service Bulletin (SB) MEB86-22 Revision 1, dated 28 July 2003. The directive mandates that an inspection of the upper shoulder harness adjuster (part number 443030-401) be conducted to determine the presence of a retainer spring. If a retainer spring is detected, it must be removed by cutting each side and the -401 identification number must be stamped out, in accordance with SB MEB86-22 Revision 1. Conversely, if no retainer spring is found, a compliance entry must be made in the aircraft log book. Additionally, only Cessna Accessory Kits that have been identified, inspected, and modified in accordance with the requirement document may be incorporated.
This Airworthiness Directive imposes specific obligations on the owners and operators of the affected aircraft. They must ensure that the inspection and any necessary corrective action are carried out within the next 25 hours of time in service or at the next annual inspection after 23 December 2004, whichever comes first. The requirement to incorporate only those accessory kits that have been identified, inspected, and modified according to the requirement document further underscores the directive's aim to maintain the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. Compliance with SB MEB86-22 original issue, dated 21 November 1986, constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this Directive if the shoulder harness adjuster part number 443030-401 was used.
Failure to comply with this Airworthiness Directive could result in significant safety risks, as the directive is designed to prevent slippage of the pilot/co-pilot shoulder harness, which could lead to the failure of the shoulder harness to maintain proper belt length adjustment and tension. The directive does not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance, but it is understood that non-compliance with ADs can lead to serious consequences, including potential enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These actions could include fines, grounding of the aircraft, or other regulatory measures to ensure compliance with aviation safety standards.