AD/CESSNA 337/6 - Control Systems - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, aim to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within the country. One of the key legislative instruments under this Act is the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which addresses specific safety concerns related to various aircraft types. This particular legislative instrument pertains to the Cessna 337 Series Aeroplanes, specifically focusing on Control Systems Modifications. The AD/CESSNA 337/6, which applies to all models with serial numbers ranging from 337-1100 to 337-1247, was introduced to address identified safety issues that required modification within 100 hours of time in service after 29 April 1970. The overarching policy objective of this directive is to ensure that these aircraft meet the necessary safety standards to protect passengers, crew, and the general public.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, mandates that the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issue airworthiness directives to ensure the safe operation of aircraft within Australian airspace. These regulations apply to all entities and individuals operating Cessna 337 Series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 337-1100 to 337-1247. Compliance with the specified modifications to the control systems, as outlined in AD/CESSNA 337/6, is mandatory within 100 hours of time in service following the directive's issuance on 29 April 1970. The regulation encompasses all such aircraft registered within Australia and ensures that these modifications are adhered to under the oversight of CASA, thereby maintaining the airworthiness of these aircraft. The scope of the directive is clearly defined, with no exclusions or exemptions specified, and its application extends nationally, ensuring uniform compliance across the Commonwealth of Australia.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, specifically the Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning Cessna 337 Series Aeroplanes, are crucial for ensuring the continued airworthiness and safety of these aircraft. Section 39-105(1) specifies the applicability of the directive to all models with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 337-1100 to 337-1247. Section 39-105(2) details the compliance requirement, stipulating that the mandated modifications must be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 29 April 1970. The directive references document Cessna SL SE69-28, which provides the necessary technical details and specifications for the required control systems modifications. The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act are designed to ensure the safe operation of the affected aircraft. Owners and operators of Cessna 337 Series Aeroplanes within the specified serial number range must adhere to the compliance timeline, ensuring that the control systems modifications are performed within the prescribed 100 hours of operational time. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, thereby preventing it from being operated until the necessary modifications are completed. The consequences for non-compliance with the provisions of this Airworthiness Directive are significant. Section 39-105(3) outlines that any breach of the mandated compliance period can result in both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties may include fines and other monetary sanctions as stipulated by the regulations. Additionally, the operation of an aircraft that does not comply with the AD may lead to enforcement actions, such as grounding the aircraft or denying airworthiness certification. Criminal penalties may also apply, including potential imprisonment, particularly if non-compliance results in safety incidents or accidents. The specific maximum penalties for breaches of this directive are detailed within the broader regulatory framework of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and associated regulations.