AD/CESSNA 500/2 - Centre Flap Aft Bearing - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, were introduced to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. This comprehensive legislation addresses various aspects of civil aviation, including airworthiness, pilot licensing, and operational standards. The Regulations are intended to maintain the highest safety standards and ensure the orderly development of civil aviation in Australia. One specific provision within these Regulations, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, focuses on ensuring that aircraft remain in a safe condition for operation. This particular legislation mandates modifications to the centre flap aft bearing for Cessna 500 (Citation) Series aeroplanes with serial numbers 500-0001 to 500-0069, as outlined in Cessna Citation Service Bulletin 57-3. Compliance with these directives is required before the issuance of a certificate of airworthiness, underscoring the commitment to prioritising safety in civil aviation operations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, governs the implementation of Airworthiness Directives that are critical for maintaining the safety standards of aircraft in Australia. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 500/2, mandates a modification to the centre flap aft bearing for Cessna 500 (Citation) Series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 500-0001 to 500-0069. This regulation applies to all entities and persons involved in the operation, maintenance, and certification of these specific aircraft models, ensuring that they adhere to the specified safety requirements. The directive is enforceable by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) across the Commonwealth of Australia, thereby establishing a national standard for the airworthiness of these aircraft. The directive requires compliance before the issuance of a certificate of airworthiness, highlighting its importance in maintaining operational safety.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, contains provisions for various aircraft models, including the Cessna 500 (Citation) Series Aeroplanes. For the Cessna 500 series, Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/CESSNA 500/2 pertains to the centre flap aft bearing modification (Section 5/73). This directive applies to all models with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 500-0001 to 500-0069 (Section 5/73). The compliance requirement stipulates that this modification must be carried out before the aircraft is issued a certificate of airworthiness (Section 5/73). Under these regulations, the primary obligations imposed on the parties and entities governed by this directive include ensuring that the specified modification to the centre flap aft bearing is completed as per the guidelines outlined in Cessna Citation Service Bulletin (SB) 57-3. This requirement is critical to maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft, ensuring it meets the safety standards set by CASA. Operators and maintenance personnel must adhere to these directives to ensure compliance with the regulatory framework governing civil aviation in Australia. Failure to comply with the AD/CESSNA 500/2 can result in severe consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. These can include both civil and criminal penalties, depending on the severity of the breach. In some cases, operators may face fines, suspension of their operating certificates, or even criminal charges. The maximum penalties can vary but are designed to enforce strict adherence to safety regulations. Such measures underscore the importance of timely and accurate compliance with CASA directives to prevent any risk to flight safety.