AD/CESSNA 400/45 - Exhaust Tailpipe Support Kit - Installation

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by the Legislative Instrument F2006B08331, were enacted to address gaps in the regulation of civil aviation safety, ensuring that all aircraft meet stringent airworthiness standards. This legislative instrument specifically targets the installation of an exhaust tailpipe support kit for certain Cessna 400 series aeroplanes to mitigate safety risks associated with the tailpipe support structure. The enactment by the Commonwealth of Australia under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 aims to ensure that these aircraft continue to operate safely and comply with international safety standards. The policy objective is to enhance the structural integrity and safety of these specific aircraft models by mandating the installation of an exhaust tailpipe support kit, thereby reducing the likelihood of in-flight structural failures.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 applies this legislation to specific models of Cessna 400 Series aeroplanes, specifically the 401, 402, 414, and 421 with serial numbers falling within specified ranges. The scope of this regulation is directed towards ensuring the airworthiness of these aircraft by mandating the installation of an exhaust tailpipe support kit. This applies to all aircraft within the specified serial number ranges, irrespective of the operator, owner, or the country where the aircraft is registered, as long as it is operating within Australia's jurisdiction. This regulation extends its reach across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring compliance with safety standards for these aircraft models. The regulation is explicit in its application to the identified Cessna 400 Series aeroplanes and does not extend to other aircraft models or types. The regulation’s application is not subject to any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, as it is a mandatory safety directive. Subordinate instruments may further detail the compliance requirements and enforcement mechanisms for these airworthiness directives.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth) under Part 39 - 105, in conjunction with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, mandate specific requirements for the installation of an exhaust tailpipe support kit on certain Cessna 400 series aeroplanes. This directive, identified as AD/CESSNA 400/45, applies to specific models and serial numbers of the Cessna 400 series, including Models 401, 402, 414, and 421 (sections 10/75 and Applicability). The directive requires that the specified models must comply with the installation of the exhaust tailpipe support kit as outlined in Cessna SL ME75-17, Category No. 111, before 1 January 1976 (section Compliance). These provisions impose clear obligations on the owners and operators of the affected aircraft. The primary requirement is the installation of the exhaust tailpipe support kit in accordance with the specified document, Cessna SL ME75-17, Category No. 111, for the specified models and serial numbers. This installation must be completed prior to 1 January 1976 to ensure compliance with the directive. The directive is specific in identifying the models and serial numbers that must adhere to this installation, which means that any aircraft owner or operator within the specified range must ensure that their aircraft meets these requirements. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive can result in significant legal and safety consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth) establish penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. Under these regulations, non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions by CASA, which may include the grounding of the aircraft until compliance is achieved. In severe cases, persistent non-compliance can result in fines or other civil penalties. Additionally, there can be criminal consequences for operators who knowingly allow an aircraft to operate in a non-compliant state, potentially leading to prosecution and imprisonment. The exact penalties and consequences will depend on the severity and frequency of the non-compliance, but the overarching aim is to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft in question.