AD/CESSNA 400/47 - Main Landing Gear Fork-Bolt - Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, established through the enactment of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, has issued a legislative instrument (F2006B08333) as part of its commitment to ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating in Australian airspace. This particular legislative instrument pertains to the Cessna 400 Series Aeroplanes, specifically addressing the replacement of the main landing gear fork-bolt. The instrument was introduced to mitigate risks associated with potential structural failures in the landing gear system, which could compromise the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. By mandating compliance with the detailed requirements outlined in documents such as the Cessna SL ME75-23 and the FAA AD 76-13-07, CASA aims to uphold stringent safety standards and maintain the operational integrity of the affected aircraft within the Australian civil aviation environment.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all Cessna 400 Series aeroplanes with serial numbers as listed in the requirement documents. The Airworthiness Directives mandate the replacement of main landing gear fork-bolts on these aircraft to ensure compliance with airworthiness standards. This legislation applies to the entities and individuals operating these specific models within the Commonwealth of Australia, covering both state and territory jurisdictions. The directive extends its reach to enforce adherence to the stipulated safety standards across the national airspace. No exclusions or exemptions are explicitly stated within the provided text, though it is likely that compliance with subordinate instruments, such as requirement documents Cessna SL ME75-23 or FAA AD 76-13-07, is necessary to achieve conformity. The regulations do not specify thresholds but focus on the necessity of replacing the main landing gear fork-bolts to maintain airworthiness.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives, details the requirements for maintaining the airworthiness of Cessna 400 Series aeroplanes, particularly focusing on the main landing gear fork-bolt replacement (section AD/CESSNA 400/47). This regulation applies to all models of Cessna 400 Series aeroplanes with serial numbers as listed in the requirement document, which can be either Cessna SL ME75-23 or FAA AD 76-13-07. The directive mandates compliance as specified in these requirement documents, ensuring the safety and operational integrity of the aircraft. The obligations imposed by these regulations require operators of Cessna 400 Series aeroplanes to adhere strictly to the airworthiness directives outlined. This includes conducting thorough inspections and, if necessary, replacing the main landing gear fork-bolt as per the detailed instructions provided in the requirement documents. The compliance process involves meticulous record-keeping and ensuring that all maintenance and repair activities are performed by appropriately certified personnel. Operators must also maintain detailed logs of all actions taken to comply with these directives, which must be readily available for inspection by CASA or other authorised aviation authorities. Failure to comply with these airworthiness directives can result in serious civil and criminal consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with CASA directives can lead to enforcement actions, including fines and potential prosecution. The maximum penalties for breaching these regulations can be substantial, reflecting the critical importance of adhering to airworthiness standards. Specifically, operators found in breach of these directives may face fines up to $330,000 for a corporation and $66,000 for an individual, underscoring the gravity of ensuring compliance with these safety mandates.