COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Cessna 400 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 400/35 Inner Wing Electrical Wiring - Inspection 4/73
Applicability: All models 401 and 402 with S/Nos. 401-0001 up to but not including 401A-0001 and 402-0001 up to but not including 402A-0001.
Requirement: 1. Inspect the electrical wiring inboard of each engine where it passes through the leading edge of the wing rib at wing station 57.50 for signs of chafing.
Note: Access can be gained through inspection plate No. 40.
2. Inspect to ensure that the two stainless steel plates (P/Nos. LHS1095-5 and RHS1095-7) and the two grommets (P/Nos. LH NAS557-10A, RH NAS557-14A and NAS557-8A used on both sides) which are mounted on the engine side of the rib at Wing Station 57.50, are in fact fitted and in a serviceable condition.
Replace any missing or unserviceable plates, grommets, wiring and insulating material.
Note: Grommet and plate assemblies are shown in Cessna 401/402 Parts Catalogue dated November 1969, page 2-124.
Compliance: Within 25 hours time in service after 9 April 1973.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, aim to ensure the safety of civil aviation through comprehensive regulations. Specifically, Part 39 - 105, titled "Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives," addresses the maintenance and safety standards for various aircraft models. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 400/35, pertains to the inspection of the inner wing electrical wiring of Cessna 400 Series aeroplanes, models 401 and 402, to prevent potential chafing issues that could compromise safety. This directive mandates inspections and necessary replacements within a specified timeframe to ensure compliance with safety standards. The policy objective is to mitigate risks associated with electrical wiring degradation, thereby enhancing the overall safety of air travel.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, mandates the inspection of the inner wing electrical wiring of Cessna 400 Series aeroplanes, including models 401 and 402 with serial numbers ranging from 401-0001 up to but not including 401A-0001 and 402-0001 up to but not including 402A-0001. The directive, AD/CESSNA 400/35, is pertinent to the aviation industry and all aircraft operators who possess and operate the specified models of Cessna aeroplanes within the Commonwealth of Australia. The geographical and jurisdictional reach of this legislation is nationwide, applying to all aircraft registered in Australia and operated under Australian jurisdiction. The regulation specifies that inspections must be conducted within 25 hours of time in service after 9 April 1973, and any deficiencies in the electrical wiring, including missing or unserviceable plates, grommets, and insulating materials, must be addressed promptly. The directive does not explicitly mention exclusions or exemptions but implies that any aircraft falling outside the specified serial number range is not subject to this directive. The regulations may be extended or further detailed through subordinate instruments, but this specific directive focuses on ensuring the safety of the electrical wiring in the specified Cessna models.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, specifically address the airworthiness directives for the Cessna 400 Series aeroplanes through AD/CESSNA 400/35. This directive mandates a thorough inspection of the inner wing electrical wiring on models 401 and 402, with serial numbers ranging from 401-0001 up to but not including 401A-0001 and 402-0001 up to but not including 402A-0001 (s.1). The primary requirement is to inspect the electrical wiring inboard of each engine where it passes through the leading edge of the wing rib at wing station 57.50 for any signs of chafing (s.1). This inspection is to be conducted within 25 hours of time in service following 9 April 1973.
The regulation also stipulates that the two stainless steel plates (P/Nos. LHS1095-5 and RHS1095-7) and the two grommets (P/Nos. LH NAS557-10A, RH NAS557-14A and NAS557-8A used on both sides), which are mounted on the engine side of the rib at Wing Station 57.50, must be fitted and in a serviceable condition (s.1). If any of these components are missing or unserviceable, they must be replaced immediately. The necessary grommet and plate assemblies are detailed in the Cessna 401/402 Parts Catalogue dated November 1969, on page 2-124.
The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and specific. Operators and owners of the specified Cessna 400 Series aeroplanes must ensure that the inspections and replacements are carried out as prescribed. This includes accessing the area via inspection plate No. 40, ensuring all components are correctly fitted, and replacing any unserviceable parts with those specified in the parts catalogue. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to significant safety risks and potential legal consequences.
In terms of enforcement, breaches of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can result in civil or criminal penalties. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives can include fines up to $33,000 for individuals and significantly higher amounts for corporations. Additionally, non-compliance could lead to the grounding of the aircraft, which would prevent it from being operated until the necessary inspections and repairs are completed. Such penalties underscore the importance of adhering to these regulations to maintain the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.