AD/CESSNA 500/10 - Throttle Control Lock - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, play a critical role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. The Regulations address the need for comprehensive safety standards, procedures, and requirements that must be adhered to by all aviation operators and aircraft. This particular legislative instrument, F2006B08384, focuses on issuing specific airworthiness directives, such as AD/CESSNA 500/10 for the Cessna 500 (Citation) Series Aeroplanes. The directive aims to enhance safety by mandating modifications to the throttle control lock within a specified timeframe, ensuring that all applicable aircraft meet stringent safety standards. The policy objective is to mitigate potential safety risks associated with the throttle control system of these aircraft, thereby protecting passengers, crew, and the general public. The enforcement of such airworthiness directives under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 is overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which is responsible for ensuring compliance with safety regulations. By setting forth specific requirements and timeframes for compliance, the legislation ensures that identified safety issues are addressed promptly and effectively. The directive for the Cessna 500 series, for example, mandates that the throttle control lock be modified within 100 hours of time in service after 31 January 1975 for aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 500-0001 to 500-0117, as outlined in Cessna Citation SB 76-3. This targeted approach helps maintain high safety standards and promotes the overall reliability of civil aviation operations in Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates that the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) enforces Airworthiness Directives (AD) to ensure the safety of aircraft operations within Australia. The regulation applies directly to the operators of Model 500 Cessna 500 (Citation) Series Aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 500-0001 to 500-0117. Compliance with the AD/CESSNA 500/10 concerning the throttle control lock modification is required within 100 hours of the aircraft's time in service after 31 January 1975. This regulation underscores the importance of maintaining specified safety standards to ensure the operational safety of these aircraft within Australia's airspace. The directive extends its reach to all relevant entities operating within the jurisdiction of CASA, ensuring a uniform approach to safety across the industry.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes an Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning the Cessna 500 (Citation) Series Aeroplanes. AD/CESSNA 500/10 pertains to the throttle control lock modification, applicable to Model 500 with serial numbers 500-0001 to 500-0117 (section 1/75). This directive requires a modification to the throttle control lock to comply with safety standards as outlined in the referenced document, Cessna Citation Service Bulletin 76-3. The main requirement of this directive is that the throttle control lock modification must be completed within 100 hours of the aircraft's time in service following 31 January 1975. This ensures that any aircraft within the specified serial number range must undergo this modification to meet safety standards. Compliance with this directive is crucial to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft and to ensure the safety of all persons on board. Entities and individuals governed by this directive, such as aircraft operators and maintenance organisations, have specific obligations to adhere to. They must ensure that the throttle control lock modification is carried out as specified within the compliance period. This involves scheduling the necessary maintenance, sourcing the required parts, and ensuring that certified personnel perform the modification in accordance with the CASA standards. Failure to comply with this directive can lead to significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations provide for potential enforcement actions against non-compliance, which may include fines, suspension, or revocation of an operator's certificate. The penalties for non-compliance can be severe, reflecting the importance of adhering to safety directives. Specifically, the maximum penalties for breaches of these regulations can include substantial fines and potential imprisonment, underscoring the seriousness with which CASA treats non-compliance with airworthiness directives.