Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, serve as a crucial regulatory framework governing aviation safety and operations within the country. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s schedule of airworthiness directives, ensuring that aircraft maintain their airworthiness and safety standards. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 400/80, addresses a specific issue with Cessna 400 Series aeroplanes, particularly models 404 with serial numbers 404-0638 to 404-0663. The problem identified is the potential use of incorrect length screws for attaching the elevator trim tab actuator chain guard, which could compromise the structural integrity and safety of the aircraft. The directive aims to mandate an inspection within 100 hours of time in service after 31 March 1981 to rectify this issue, ensuring compliance with established safety standards as per the referenced Cessna Customer Care SIL No. ME80-44. The enactment of this directive by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority reflects a policy objective to maintain and enhance the safety of civil aviation by proactively addressing potential mechanical failures and ensuring that all aircraft meet stringent safety criteria. This directive is a part of the overarching regulatory measures designed to prevent accidents and incidents arising from mechanical deficiencies, thereby safeguarding both passengers and crew on board.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically targeting Cessna 400 series aeroplanes to ensure safety compliance. This AD, AD/CESSNA 400/80, applies to all model 404 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 404-0638 to 404-0663. It mandates an inspection of the elevator trim tab actuator chain guard to ensure that it is correctly attached with the appropriate length screws, as there is a risk of incorrect length screws being used, potentially leading to safety issues. Compliance with this directive is required within 100 hours of time in service after 31 March 1981, as outlined in Cessna Customer Care SIL No. ME80-44. The directive applies specifically to the mentioned model and serial number range of Cessna 400 aircraft within the Australian jurisdiction, ensuring that only these particular aircraft are subject to this safety measure.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate the compliance with Airworthiness Directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). One such directive, AD/CESSNA 400/80, pertains to the elevator trim tab actuator chain guard of the Cessna 400 series aeroplanes, specifically models 404 with serial numbers ranging from 404-0638 to 404-0663. This directive requires an inspection to ensure the chain guard is correctly attached to the trim tab actuator using screws of the appropriate length. This directive is applicable to aircraft that have accumulated 100 hours of time in service after 31 March 1981, as outlined in the Cessna Customer Care SIL No. ME80-44 document. Entities and individuals governed by these regulations must comply with the specified inspection requirements to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. This involves ensuring that the elevator trim tab actuator chain guard is securely attached using screws of the correct length, as improper attachment may compromise the safety and functionality of the aircraft's control surfaces. The directive emphasises the need for adherence to the provided compliance timeline to mitigate any potential risks associated with incorrect screw lengths. Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in AD/CESSNA 400/80 could lead to serious safety concerns and potential regulatory breaches. While the specific penalties are not detailed within this particular directive, non-compliance with CASA directives generally can result in enforcement actions, including fines, aircraft grounding, and potential criminal charges for individuals or entities responsible for the oversight of the aircraft. The seriousness of these consequences underscores the importance of adhering to the specified inspection and compliance timelines.