AD/CESSNA 340/12 - Main Landing Gear Fork-Bolt - Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by Legislative Instrument F2006B08258, were introduced to address safety concerns associated with the Cessna 340 Series aeroplanes, specifically targeting issues with the main landing gear fork-bolt. This legislative instrument was enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia to ensure the safety and reliability of civil aviation within the country. The policy objective of this regulation is to mandate the replacement of the main landing gear fork-bolt as per the specified requirement documents, namely the Cessna SL ME75-23 or the FAA AD 76-13-07. This directive aims to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft by preventing potential failures that could compromise flight safety. By implementing these measures, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority seeks to uphold stringent safety standards in the aviation industry.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the legislative instrument F2006B08258, apply to all Cessna 340 series aeroplanes. This regulation is a part of the broader Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) framework, enforcing airworthiness directives that ensure the safety of aircraft in Australian airspace. Specifically, AD/CESSNA 340/12 pertains to the replacement of the main landing gear fork-bolt, as detailed in either document 1, the Cessna SL ME75-23, or document 2, the FAA AD 76-13-07. Compliance with these directives is mandatory for all operators of Cessna 340 series aeroplanes within Australia. This regulation extends to all models of the Cessna 340 series aeroplanes, irrespective of the operator's location within the Commonwealth of Australia. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the directive, meaning that all such aircraft must meet the specified compliance requirements. The regulation's application is enforced through the subordinate instruments of CASA, ensuring adherence to the outlined safety standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), specifically Part 39, Section 105, outlines the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for the Cessna 340 Series Aeroplanes, including the directive AD/CESSNA 340/12. This directive concerns the replacement of the main landing gear fork-bolt and applies to all models of the Cessna 340 Series. The compliance requirement for this directive is detailed in the specified documents: either the Cessna SL ME75-23 or the FAA AD 76-13-07. These documents provide the specific instructions and criteria that must be met to ensure the airworthiness of the aircraft. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and straightforward. Operators of Cessna 340 Series aeroplanes must ensure that the main landing gear fork-bolt is replaced according to the instructions provided in the referenced documents. This includes conducting thorough inspections, making necessary replacements, and documenting all actions taken in accordance with the specified procedures. The directive ensures that all aircraft maintain the required safety standards and are fit for operation. Failure to comply with the provisions of this directive may result in significant consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cth), non-compliance can lead to various penalties. For individuals, the maximum penalty can include fines of up to $20,000 and/or imprisonment for up to one year. For corporations, the maximum penalties can be much higher, reaching up to $1,050,000 for serious offences. Additionally, CASA has the authority to take enforcement actions, such as grounding the aircraft or suspending the pilot's licence, which can have serious operational and legal repercussions. It is imperative for operators to adhere to these directives to avoid these severe consequences and ensure the continued safety and airworthiness of their aircraft.