AD/CESSNA 340/31 Amdt 1 - Main Landing Gear Wheel Bay Wing Rib and Wing Skin

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, outlines directives to ensure the airworthiness of aircraft, with a focus on the Cessna 340 Series Aeroplanes through Amendment 31. Enacted by the Australian Government, this legislative instrument aims to address safety concerns identified in the Cessna 340 series, particularly regarding structural integrity issues in the main landing gear and wing areas. The policy objective is to enhance aviation safety by mandating regular inspections and repairs to prevent structural failures that could compromise the aircraft's operational safety. The directive was introduced to rectify a gap in the existing regulations by providing specific, actionable steps to address reported instances of cracking in critical components of the aircraft, thereby ensuring compliance with safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, includes detailed airworthiness directives that govern the maintenance and safety of aircraft within Australia. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 340/31 Amendment 1, applies to the Cessna 340 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 340-0001 to 340A0002. This amendment mandates the inspection of certain critical components to ensure airworthiness. It requires a thorough examination of the main landing gear side brace upper support attach bolts for correct torque, a close visual inspection of the main landing gear wheel bay wing rib, and a visual inspection of the wing upper surface skin, particularly in the overwing baggage locker, for any signs of cracking. The directive specifies that these inspections must be conducted initially before 100 hours of time in service after 20 July 1995 or before further flight after 14 September 1995, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. Compliance with this directive is critical to prevent structural failures that could potentially compromise the safety of the aircraft. This regulation underscores the importance of adhering to specific maintenance procedures to ensure the safety of Australian airspace.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, contain a schedule of airworthiness directives which includes Amendment 1 for Cessna 340 Series Aeroplanes (AD/CESSNA 340/31). This directive applies to Cessna 340 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 340-0001 to 340A0002. Section 10/95 of this directive mandates that the main landing gear side brace upper support attach bolts be inspected for correct torque, and that the main landing gear wheel bay and wing skin be subject to a close visual inspection. Specifically, the main landing gear wheel well ribs must be cleaned and inspected following Cessna Service Letter (SL) ME76-2, and the wing upper surface skin in the overwing baggage locker must be inspected for any signs of cracking, with particular attention to the inboard side of the locker. The compliance requirements under this directive are stringent. Initially, the inspections must be conducted before the aircraft accumulates 100 hours of time in service after 20 July 1995 or before it is flown again after 14 September 1995. Following the initial inspection, these checks must be repeated at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. The installation of Cessna Service Kit SK414-8E, or a repair scheme acceptable to the Authority, will satisfy the requirements of this directive. This Amendment became effective on 14 September 1995. Breaching the requirements of this airworthiness directive can result in serious consequences. Failure to conduct the necessary inspections and corrective actions can lead to structural failure of the aircraft, posing significant risks to flight safety. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to impose penalties for non-compliance with these directives, which can include fines, suspension of the aircraft's airworthiness certificate, or other regulatory actions. The exact penalties can vary based on the severity and frequency of the non-compliance, but they are designed to ensure that all aircraft remain in a safe and airworthy condition at all times.