COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Cessna 340 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 340/29 Seat Back Reinforcing Strap 4/93
Applicability: S/N 340-0001 to 340A1817.
Requirement: Action in accordance with Cessna MEB 89-3. Compliance: Prior to 30 June 1993.
Background: In Australia there is a history of seat back failure in the aircraft referred to in the MEB. The most recent being a total failure in IMC conditions, which in normal single pilot operation would have resulted in total loss of control near the ground.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, contain various safety directives aimed at maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft operating in Australia. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 340/29, targets the Cessna 340 Series Aeroplanes and specifically addresses the issue of seat back failure. This directive was introduced to mitigate the risks associated with seat back failure in these aircraft, which had previously led to hazardous situations, including a total failure in instrument meteorological conditions that could have resulted in a loss of control near the ground. The policy objective behind this directive is to ensure that the seat back reinforcing straps are installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions to enhance flight safety.
The Cessna 340 Series Aeroplanes covered by this directive, with serial numbers ranging from 340-0001 to 340A1817, must comply with the requirements specified in Cessna MEB 89-3 before 30 June 1993. This directive underscores the commitment to addressing known safety issues and ensuring that aircraft operating within Australia meet stringent safety standards.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority's regulation, specifically under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, targets the maintenance and safety of the Cessna 340 series aeroplanes, as detailed in Part 39 - 105 and the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. This directive applies to all aircraft within the specified serial numbers, from 340-0001 to 340A1817. The requirement mandates that action be taken in accordance with Cessna's Maintenance Engineering Bulletin (MEB) 89-3 to reinforce the seat backs, addressing a documented history of seat back failure that has posed serious safety risks, including a recent incident leading to potential loss of control. Compliance with these directives is mandatory and must be completed prior to 30 June 1993, ensuring that all affected aircraft meet the necessary safety standards to mitigate the risk of seat back failure during flight. The regulation applies nationwide within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that all operators and owners of the specified aircraft adhere to these safety measures.
The regulation’s scope is national, applying to all entities and individuals operating Cessna 340 series aeroplanes within Australia. It is designed to ensure that aircraft maintenance adheres to strict safety standards, thereby protecting the safety of passengers and crew. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the directive, meaning that all affected aircraft must comply with the requirements. The application of these regulations can be further defined or extended through subordinate instruments, which may include additional technical specifications or procedural requirements for compliance. The overarching aim of these regulations is to enhance aviation safety by addressing specific mechanical issues identified in the Cessna 340 series.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes AD/CESSNA 340/29 concerning Cessna 340 Series Aeroplanes (sections 39-105.01 to 39-105.06). This directive pertains to the seat back reinforcing strap and applies to aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 340-0001 to 340A1817. The requirement is that the action must be in accordance with Cessna Maintenance Engineering Bulletin (MEB) 89-3, and compliance must be ensured prior to 30 June 1993. The directive addresses a history of seat back failures in these aircraft, with a notable incident where total failure occurred in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), potentially leading to a total loss of control near the ground in single pilot operations.
The Cessna 340/29 directive imposes specific obligations on aircraft owners and operators. They must ensure that all applicable aircraft are inspected and modified as per the instructions in the MEB 89-3. This includes verifying that the seat back reinforcing strap is correctly installed and functioning, to mitigate the risk of failure. Failure to comply with this directive could render the aircraft non-airworthy, potentially leading to enforcement actions by CASA.
There are serious consequences for non-compliance with the AD/CESSNA 340/29 directive. Firstly, any aircraft that does not meet the compliance requirements may be grounded, and its airworthiness certificate could be suspended or revoked. This means the aircraft cannot legally operate until the required modifications are made. Furthermore, operators found in breach of the directive may face civil penalties, which can include fines. In more severe cases, criminal charges could be pursued, particularly if non-compliance results in an accident or endangers flight safety. The exact penalties would depend on the severity of the breach and the resulting impact on aviation safety.