Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, were introduced to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. One specific legislative instrument, F2006B08358, pertains to Airworthiness Directives for Cessna 400 Series Aeroplanes, particularly addressing models 404 with specific serial numbers. This directive aims to rectify safety concerns related to the horizontal stabiliser leading edge assembly and the elevator trim tab actuator, which were previously subject to RPM limitations and recurring maintenance issues. By requiring the replacement of these components in accordance with specific Cessna service kits, the legislation seeks to mitigate potential risks associated with these parts, thereby enhancing overall aircraft safety. The enactment of this directive by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 reflects a clear policy objective to maintain high safety standards in civil aviation. The specified modifications for Cessna 400 Series Aeroplanes are intended to eliminate operational limitations and reduce the need for frequent maintenance, ultimately contributing to safer flight operations. Compliance with these directives is mandatory, with a stipulated deadline of 1 March 1981 for the necessary modifications to be completed, ensuring that all affected aircraft meet the required safety standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, applies to all Cessna 404 models with serial numbers ranging from 404-0001 to 404-0637. The regulation mandates the replacement of the horizontal stabiliser leading edge assembly and the elevator trim tab actuator to ensure the airworthiness of these aircraft. Compliance with these directives is mandatory, requiring that the specified modifications be completed before 1 March 1981, or if not already done, before the same date. This directive is instrumental in addressing issues such as RPM limitations and the frequent replacement of trim tab actuator screws, as outlined in Cessna SIL ME80-2, Revision 2. The legislation is applicable on a national level across Australia, and its enforcement ensures the safety and reliability of the specified Cessna 404 models within the Commonwealth's jurisdiction.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the AD/CESSNA 400/75 require specific modifications to the Cessna 404 models with serial numbers ranging from 404-0001 to 404-0637. These modifications involve replacing the horizontal stabiliser’s leading edge assembly and the elevator trim tab actuator, as outlined in Cessna Service Kit SK404-31, revised on 23 June 1980 (sections 1 and 2). The changes are mandated to ensure compliance with safety standards, specifically eliminating the RPM limitation and the necessity for frequent trim tab actuator screw replacements as stated in Cessna SIL ME80-2, Revision 2. The modifications must be completed before 1 March 1981 for all applicable aircraft, and if not already performed, the changes must be made before this date (section 10). The obligations imposed by the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 under this Airworthiness Directive include ensuring that the specified modifications are carried out on the affected Cessna 404 models. Owners and operators of these aircraft are required to follow the instructions in the referenced Cessna Service Kit to make the necessary replacements to the horizontal stabiliser and the elevator trim system (section 1 and 2). The directive stipulates that these modifications must be completed before the specified deadline to maintain airworthiness and compliance with civil aviation safety standards. Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/CESSNA 400/75 could result in various consequences. Although the specific penalties are not detailed within the text, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations can generally lead to enforcement actions, including fines, legal penalties, or grounding of the aircraft until the necessary modifications are made. Operators and owners who fail to adhere to these safety directives risk compromising the safety and airworthiness of their aircraft, potentially leading to more severe legal and operational repercussions.