AD/CESSNA 400/55 - Passenger Seat Installation - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, form the regulatory framework governing civil aviation in Australia. Part 39, particularly within the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, pertains to the specific requirements for maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 400/55, mandates the inspection of passenger seats on certain Cessna 400 Series aeroplanes. Enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, this regulation aims to ensure the safety and reliability of aircraft operations by addressing specific maintenance issues identified with the passenger seat installations in the listed Cessna models. The directive was introduced to mitigate potential risks associated with these installations, ensuring compliance with safety standards within a specified timeframe. The objective is to maintain the high standards of aviation safety in Australia by enforcing regular inspections and necessary repairs on these aircraft models.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, mandate compliance for certain Cessna 400 series aeroplanes, including models 402B, 404, 414, 414A, 421, 421A, 421B, and 421C, within specified serial number ranges. This directive applies to all aircraft within these categories, requiring an inspection of passenger seat installations within 100 hours of time in service after 30 September 1978. The regulation is designed to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft by enforcing mandatory checks on passenger seats, as per the requirements outlined in the FAA AD 78-13-05 Amendment 39-3250, which refers to document Cessna SL ME78-17. The application of these regulations extends across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring consistent standards are upheld across all jurisdictions. The scope is precise, targeting specific models and serial numbers, with no stated exclusions or exemptions within the parameters of this directive.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, PART 39 - 105, pertain specifically to the Cessna 400 Series Aeroplanes. Section 39-105(9/78) applies to a range of models, including the 402B, 404, 414, 414A, 421, 421A, 421B, and 421C, with specific serial number ranges outlined. The regulation mandates an inspection of the passenger seat installation for these models. The inspection must be carried out within 100 hours of time in service after 30 September 1978. This requirement ensures that the passenger seats meet specific safety standards and are fit for use. The obligations imposed by these regulations are quite clear. Operators of the specified Cessna models must ensure that the passenger seat installations are inspected within the prescribed timeframe. This inspection is not optional but a mandatory requirement to ensure airworthiness and compliance with safety standards. Operators must also maintain records of these inspections to demonstrate compliance with the regulations. This record-keeping is crucial for both regulatory oversight and operational safety. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in significant consequences. Civil penalties may be imposed for non-compliance, including fines and other financial penalties. Additionally, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to take enforcement actions, which may include grounding the aircraft until the required inspections are completed. In severe cases, criminal charges could be brought against individuals or companies responsible for non-compliance, leading to more severe penalties including imprisonment. The exact penalties can vary based on the severity and frequency of non-compliance, but the regulations make it clear that non-compliance will not be tolerated.