COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Cessna 400 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 400/59 Fuselage Tailcone Structure - Modification 11/78
Applicability: All 401 and 411 series.
All model 402 with S/Nos. 402-0001 to 402B1361; All model 404 with S/Nos. 404-0001 to 404-0233; All model 414 with S/Nos. 414-0001 to 414A0071; All model 421 with S/Nos. 421-0001 to 421C0511; All model 441 with S/Nos. 441-0001 to 441-0059.
Document: Cessna SL ME78-24.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 30 November 1978.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), were enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. A particular legislative instrument within this framework, AD/CESSNA 400/59, addresses specific airworthiness concerns related to the fuselage tailcone structure of Cessna 400 series aeroplanes. This directive applies to certain models and serial numbers of the 401, 402, 404, 411, 414, 421, and 441 series, requiring modifications to be carried out within 100 hours of time in service following 30 November 1978. The overarching policy objective is to enhance the safety of civil aviation by mandating necessary structural modifications to prevent potential safety hazards. The detailed compliance requirements are outlined in the referenced document, Cessna SL ME78-24.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, establish the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes specific regulations pertinent to various aircraft types. For the Cessna 400 series aeroplanes, the legislation mandates compliance with AD/CESSNA 400/59, which concerns fuselage tailcone structure modifications. This directive applies to all 401 and 411 series aircraft, as well as specific models and serial numbers of 402, 404, 414, 421, and 441 series Cessna aeroplanes. The compliance requirement mandates that these modifications be implemented within 100 hours of time in service after 30 November 1978, ensuring that the specified aircraft meet the required safety standards. This legislation extends to the entire Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced by CASA, ensuring that the aircraft meet airworthiness criteria to maintain safety standards across the national airspace.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (C1998L00834), specifically under Part 39 - 105, provide detailed safety directives for various aircraft, including the Cessna 400 Series Aeroplanes. The most pertinent section for these aircraft is AD/CESSNA 400/59, which mandates a modification to the fuselage tailcone structure (Section 11/78). This directive applies to all 401 and 411 series Cessna aircraft, as well as certain models of the 402, 404, 414, 421, and 441 series, identified by their specific serial numbers. Compliance with these modifications is crucial to ensure the airworthiness of the affected aircraft.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) sets forth several obligations under this directive. Operators of the specified Cessna aircraft must ensure that the modifications outlined in the Cessna SL ME78-24 document are completed within 100 hours of time in service following the directive's effective date of 30 November 1978. This requirement is non-negotiable and must be strictly adhered to for the continued certification and operation of these aircraft. Failure to comply with the specified modifications could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, thereby preventing its operation.
Violators of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically concerning the AD/CESSNA 400/59 directive, may face significant consequences. Under Section 44 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance can result in civil penalties, including fines and potential prosecution. The maximum financial penalty for failing to adhere to airworthiness directives can reach up to $275,000 for corporations and $55,000 for individuals. Furthermore, continued operation of a non-compliant aircraft can lead to criminal charges, with potential imprisonment for up to five years. These stringent measures underscore the importance of timely compliance with CASA directives to ensure the safety and legality of aircraft operations.