COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Cessna 400 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 400/79 Cabin Overhead Bulkhead - Inspection 3/81
Applicability: All models 441 with S/Nos. 441-0001 to 441-0139. Document: Cessna Customer Care SIL No. PJ80-13.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 31 March 1981.
Background: Excessive material may have been removed from the cabin overhead bulkheads at FS
185.37 and FS 212.10 to allow installation of air ducts.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, was enacted to ensure the safe operation of aircraft within Australian airspace. This particular legislative instrument, AD/CESSNA 400/79, was introduced to address a specific safety concern identified in Cessna 400 Series aeroplanes, particularly models 441 with serial numbers ranging from 441-0001 to 441-0139. The issue at hand involved the potential removal of excessive material from the cabin overhead bulkheads at specific fuselage stations, FS185.37 and FS 212.10, which could compromise the structural integrity of the aircraft during flight. This directive was issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, a body established under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, with the policy objective of maintaining and enhancing the safety standards of civil aviation in Australia.
The legislation mandates that an inspection of the cabin overhead bulkheads be conducted within 100 hours of time in service after 31 March 1981, as outlined in the Cessna Customer Care SIL No. PJ80-13. This directive ensures that any potential structural issues are identified and rectified promptly, thereby maintaining the airworthiness of the affected aircraft and safeguarding passenger safety.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 applies specific airworthiness directives to ensure the safety of civil aircraft, including the Cessna 400 Series Aeroplanes, particularly the 441 model. This directive, AD/CESSNA 400/79, applies to all Cessna 441 models with serial numbers ranging from 441-0001 to 441-0139. The requirement is to inspect the cabin overhead bulkheads at specified locations (FS185.37 and FS212.10) for any excessive material removal that could compromise structural integrity. Compliance with this directive must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 31 March 1981. This regulatory requirement underscores CASA’s commitment to maintaining stringent safety standards for aircraft operating within Australian airspace, thereby ensuring that all regulated aircraft meet specific safety criteria to mitigate potential hazards.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR) (Part 39 - 105) include a specific Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning Cessna 400 series aeroplanes, particularly model 441 with serial numbers 441-0001 to 441-0139. This AD, known as AD/CESSNA 400/79, mandates an inspection of the cabin overhead bulkhead to address potential issues that may have arisen from the installation of air ducts. The directive specifies that this inspection is required within 100 hours of time in service after 31 March 1981. The compliance document referenced is Cessna Customer Care SIL No. PJ80-13, which provides further details on the inspection process.
The AD imposes certain obligations on the owners and operators of affected Cessna 400 series aeroplanes. They must ensure that the inspection of the cabin overhead bulkhead is performed by a licensed and qualified technician as outlined in the AD. This inspection is essential to verify that no excessive material has been removed from the bulkhead at specified locations, FS185.37 and FS 212.10, which could compromise the structural integrity of the aircraft. Operators must maintain records of the inspection and any corrective actions taken, ensuring that the aircraft remains airworthy.
Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/CESSNA 400/79 can result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) can impose penalties for non-compliance, which can include fines or other enforcement actions. In the event of an accident or incident caused by failure to adhere to this AD, the operator may face additional civil or criminal liability. While specific penalties are not detailed in the AD, non-compliance with CASA regulations can lead to significant financial and legal repercussions, including potential grounding of the aircraft and suspension of operations until the compliance issues are resolved.
In summary, AD/CESSNA 400/79 requires an inspection of the cabin overhead bulkhead of certain Cessna 400 series aeroplanes within a specified timeframe. Operators must ensure that this inspection is conducted and documented properly. Failure to comply with this directive can lead to enforcement actions by CASA, as well as potential civil or criminal liability in the event of an incident.