AD/CESSNA 400/16 - Elevator Control Bob Weight Arm - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, serve as a comprehensive regulatory framework for civil aviation safety. This legislation was introduced to address the need for a robust regulatory system to ensure the safety of air travel and the operational integrity of aircraft within Australian airspace. Among the many components of these regulations, Part 39 - 105 specifically pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes directives like AD/CESSNA 400/16. This directive mandates specific inspections on Cessna 400 Series aeroplanes, particularly focusing on the elevator control bob weight arm to prevent potential cracking near the weld. The policy objective is to maintain and enhance the safety standards of civil aviation through stringent and regular compliance checks.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, governs the applicability of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives concerning the Cessna 400 series aeroplanes. The directive AD/CESSNA 400/16 pertains to the elevator control bob weight arm, applicable to all models that have exceeded 1500 hours in service unless they have been modified to meet the Secretary's satisfaction. The requirement necessitates an inspection of the elevator control bob weight arm, part number 5091500-1, to check for any cracking near the weld. Compliance with this directive mandates that inspections must be conducted at intervals not exceeding 100 hours in service following 1 September 1971. The regulation applies nationally, overseen by CASA, and is integral to ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the specified aircraft within Australian airspace.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, mandate specific maintenance requirements for Cessna 400 Series Aeroplanes, particularly focusing on the elevator control bob weight arm. Section 3/70 specifies that all models of the Cessna 400 Series which have surpassed 1500 hours of time in service must undergo an inspection of the elevator control bob weight arm P/N 5091500-1, unless they have been modified to the satisfaction of the Secretary (Section 3/70). This inspection is essential to check for any cracking in the vicinity of the weld on the bob weight arm. The regulations impose several obligations on the operators and owners of the Cessna 400 Series Aeroplanes. Firstly, they must ensure that the aircraft meet the time in service threshold of 1500 hours before the inspection requirement becomes applicable. Once this threshold is reached, the inspection of the elevator control bob weight arm must be conducted at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. These inspections are mandatory and must be performed in accordance with the guidelines set out by the Secretary, ensuring that any identified issues, such as cracking near the weld, are addressed promptly to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. Non-compliance with the inspection requirements outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations can lead to severe consequences. If an operator or owner fails to conduct the required inspection of the elevator control bob weight arm, they may face regulatory action. The specific offences and penalties for such breaches are detailed in other sections of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. In general, violations of these regulations can result in enforcement actions, which may include fines, the grounding of the aircraft, or even criminal charges in cases of gross negligence or willful disregard of safety directives. The exact penalties depend on the severity of the breach and the specific provisions of the Act and Regulations.