AD/CESSNA 400/25 - Elevator Torque Tube Fitting - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, aim to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation operations within the country. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 of the regulations addresses the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives, which are mandatory orders for the repair, replacement, or modification of aircraft to maintain airworthiness. The enactment of these regulations was crucial in addressing the need for comprehensive and consistent oversight of aircraft safety standards across the nation. The policy objective behind these regulations is to ensure that all civil aircraft in Australia meet specific safety standards, thereby protecting the public and maintaining the integrity of the aviation industry. One particular directive, AD/CESSNA 400/25, pertains to the inspection of the elevator torque tube fitting in certain Cessna 400 series aeroplanes. This directive applies to specific models and serial numbers of Cessna 401, 402, and 411 series aeroplanes and requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 30 June 1971. This directive is part of a broader effort by CASA to address specific safety concerns and ensure that all aircraft meet necessary safety standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, mandate adherence to the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for certain Cessna 400 Series Aeroplanes. This legislation applies to all Cessna 401 series with serial numbers prior to 401B0119, all 402 series with serial numbers prior to 402B0122, and all 411 series with serial numbers prior to 411-0301. The regulation aims to ensure the safety of these aircraft by requiring inspections of the elevator torque tube fitting. Compliance is mandatory within 100 hours of time in service after 30 June 1971, as specified in the document Cessna SL ME71-8. This directive is applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensuring a uniform standard of airworthiness throughout the national airspace.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, contains provisions for maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft, with AD/CESSNA 400/25 focusing on Cessna 400 Series Aeroplanes (section 5/71). This directive mandates the inspection of the elevator torque tube fitting for certain models of Cessna 400 Series aircraft. The applicability of this directive is to all 401 series with serial numbers (S/Nos.) prior to 401B0119, all 402 series with S/Nos. prior to 402B0122, and all 411 series with S/Nos. prior to 411-0301. The directive references document Cessna SL ME71-8 for compliance guidelines. The obligations imposed by AD/CESSNA 400/25 require aircraft operators or owners to ensure that the elevator torque tube fitting is inspected within 100 hours of time in service after 30 June 1971. This inspection is mandatory to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft and to comply with safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Operators must document the inspection and any necessary repairs or replacements in accordance with the instructions provided in the referenced document, Cessna SL ME71-8. Failure to comply with the requirements outlined in AD/CESSNA 400/25 can result in serious consequences. Civil penalties can be imposed for non-compliance, and the aircraft may be grounded until the required inspections and repairs are completed. Additionally, there could be criminal consequences for individuals responsible for the oversight of the aircraft if it is found to be operating without the necessary compliance. The maximum penalties for such offences are not specified in the text but can include fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach and the discretion of the court.