AD/CESSNA 400/13 - Propeller De-Ice Bolts - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) introduced the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which were enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia to provide comprehensive regulations for civil aviation safety. This legislation, including the specific Part 39 concerning airworthiness directives, was designed to address safety concerns and ensure that aircraft meet the necessary standards to operate safely within Australian airspace. The policy objective of these regulations is to maintain the highest possible safety standards for all civil aviation activities. One particular airworthiness directive, AD/CESSNA 400/13, focuses on the inspection of propeller de-ice bolts for Cessna 400 series aeroplanes, specifically models 411, 411A, and 421 that are equipped with a propeller de-ice system and fitted with McCauley "K" series or later propellers. This directive mandates inspections within 10 hours of time in service after 16 February 1970 and on each occasion the propeller, spinner bulkhead, or de-icing slip ring is reinstalled or replaced. The purpose is to ensure that these components are in proper working condition to prevent potential failures that could compromise the safety of the aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/CESSNA 400/13, applies to all Cessna 400 series aeroplanes, including models 411, 411A and 421, which are equipped with a propeller de-ice system and fitted with McCauley “K” series or later propellers. This directive is a crucial regulatory requirement under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enforced by the Commonwealth of Australia to ensure the ongoing airworthiness of these aircraft. The directive mandates that an inspection of the propeller de-ice bolts must be conducted within 10 hours of time in service after 16 February 1970, and subsequently, whenever the propeller, spinner bulkhead, or de-icing slip ring is reinstalled or replaced. This ensures the safety and reliability of these aircraft, maintaining high standards in civil aviation. The application of this directive is comprehensive and mandatory for the specified aircraft, with no exclusions or exemptions detailed within the primary text of the directive, though subordinate instruments may provide further clarification or exceptions.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Cessna 400 Series Aeroplanes AD/CESSNA 400/13 pertain to the inspection of propeller de-ice bolts (Section 2/70). This directive applies to all models 411, 411A, and 421 that are equipped with a propeller de-ice system and fitted with McCauley "K" series or later propellers. The requirement is for the inspection of these bolts within 10 hours time in service after the specified date of 16 February 1970, and subsequently each time the propeller, spinner bulkhead, or de-icing slip ring is reinstalled or replaced. The documentation required for compliance is specified as Cessna SL ME69-37. The obligations imposed by this Act on the parties or entities it governs include ensuring that the inspection of propeller de-ice bolts is conducted meticulously and in accordance with the specified schedule. This is to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft and to adhere to the safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Operators must document all inspections and any actions taken as a result of these inspections, in line with the guidance provided in Cessna SL ME69-37. The maintenance of such records is crucial for ensuring compliance and traceability. Failure to comply with these airworthiness directives can result in serious consequences. While the specific text does not detail offences or penalties, non-compliance with CASA directives generally can lead to enforcement actions, which may include fines, suspension or revocation of aircraft certificates of airworthiness, and potentially criminal charges. These consequences underscore the importance of adhering to the stipulated inspection schedules and documentation requirements. The severity of the penalties reflects the critical nature of ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft in question.