AD/CESSNA 340/13 - Main Landing Gear Down Lock Pin and Set Screw - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, were enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. This particular legislative instrument, AD/CESSNA 340/13, was introduced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address specific safety concerns related to the Cessna 340 series aeroplanes. The regulation aims to ensure the airworthiness of these aircraft by mandating an inspection of the main landing gear down lock pin and set screw. The policy objective is to prevent potential mechanical failures that could compromise the safety of the aircraft during landing, thereby protecting passengers, crew, and ground personnel. The regulation applies to all Cessna 340 series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 340-0001 to 340-0370. Operators are required to comply with the inspection requirements within 100 hours of time in service after 31 August 1976, as outlined in the Cessna SL ME76-4 document. This legislative measure underscores CASA’s commitment to maintaining high safety standards and ensuring that all civil aviation operations within Australia adhere to stringent safety protocols.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, under Part 39 - 105, impose specific airworthiness directives on the operation of civil aircraft within Australia, including the Cessna 340 Series Aeroplanes. This legislation applies to all models with serial numbers ranging from 340-0001 to 340-0370. The directive mandates that a specific inspection of the main landing gear down lock pin and set screw must be conducted within 100 hours of time in service following the implementation date of 31 August 1976. This requirement is documented in Cessna SL ME76-4, ensuring adherence to safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The application of these regulations extends across all jurisdictions within Australia, ensuring uniformity in the enforcement of aviation safety standards. No exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds are stated within this directive; however, the scope of application may be further extended or restricted through subordinate instruments as necessary.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly AD/CESSNA 340/13, mandate that all Cessna 340 Series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 340-0001 to 340-0370 must undergo a mandatory inspection of the main landing gear down lock pin and set screw (section 39-105). This inspection must be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 31 August 1976, as documented in Cessna SL ME76-4. This directive ensures that these critical components are regularly assessed to maintain the airworthiness and safety of the aircraft. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) imposes several obligations on the operators and maintenance personnel of the affected Cessna 340 Series aeroplanes. Primarily, it mandates that these aircraft must be inspected according to the specified schedule, with particular attention to the main landing gear down lock pin and set screw. Operators are required to ensure that these components are examined by qualified personnel and that any necessary repairs or replacements are performed in accordance with the guidelines provided in the relevant documentation, specifically Cessna SL ME76-4. This ensures that the aircraft's landing gear system remains reliable and safe for operation. Failure to comply with the inspection requirements outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 could result in significant civil and criminal consequences. Under section 97 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to penalties. The maximum penalty for an individual who breaches these regulations is a fine of up to $165,000, while for a body corporate, the penalty can reach up to $825,000. Additionally, CASA may take enforcement actions such as grounding the aircraft, imposing operational restrictions, or pursuing legal action against the responsible parties. These stringent measures underscore the importance of adhering to the prescribed inspection schedules and maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft.