Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR 1998) were enacted to establish a comprehensive framework for ensuring the safety of civil aviation in Australia. As part of this framework, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is empowered to issue Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to address identified safety issues. Specifically, the AD/CESSNA 500/28 issued in July 2004 targets Cessna 500 (Citation) Series Aeroplanes, serial numbers 0001 through 0689, that are equipped with certain BFGoodrich brake assembly parts. The directive mandates an inspection of the brake stator discs to prevent potential wheel lock-ups due to cracked or broken stator discs, which can lead to compromised directional control or braking performance during landing. This Airworthiness Directive aims to rectify the unsafe condition identified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and aligns with CASA's policy objective to maintain and enhance aviation safety standards.

Scope and Application

This Airworthiness Directive, issued under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) delegate, pertains specifically to Model 500 and 501 aircraft of the Cessna 500 series, serial numbers ranging from 0001 to 0689, that are equipped with BFGoodrich brake assembly parts numbered 2-1528-6 or 2-1530-4. The directive mandates an inspection of the BFGoodrich brake stator discs to ascertain their modification level and to address any issues that might cause wheel lock-ups, thereby preventing reduced directional control or braking performance during landing. This requirement applies across the Commonwealth of Australia and mandates compliance within 50 landings or 90 days from the directive's effective date of 8 July 2004, whichever occurs first. The inspection protocol is in line with FAA AD 2004-09-05 Amdt 39-13594 and references specific BFGoodrich and Goodrich service bulletins. The directive also stipulates that existing markings on the piston housing of certain brake assemblies should be removed. The AD is applicable nationwide, covering all relevant aircraft within the specified serial number range and equipment type within Australia's jurisdiction.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, contains an Airworthiness Directive (AD) aimed at ensuring the safety of certain Cessna 500 series aircraft (sections 1 and 2). The AD applies to Model 500 and 501 aircraft with serial numbers 0001 through 0689, equipped with particular BFGoodrich brake assembly parts (section 3). This directive mandates an inspection of the brake stator discs in accordance with the FAA AD 2004-09-05 Amdt 39-13594, as well as the elimination of existing markings on the piston housing of certain brake assemblies (section 4). The AD requires the inspection to be completed within 50 landings or 90 days following the directive’s effective date of 8 July 2004, whichever comes first, and adheres to subsequent inspection times specified in the requirement document (section 5). The obligations imposed by this AD include the mandatory inspection of the specified brake components to ascertain their modification level and the removal of specific markings on the brake assemblies. Owners and operators of the affected aircraft must ensure that these actions are performed by qualified personnel and in compliance with the detailed instructions provided in the requirement section (section 4). Failure to adhere to these directives could result in compromised safety and potential regulatory penalties. Failure to comply with this AD could lead to serious safety issues, including wheel lock-ups, which might cause reduced directional control or braking performance during landing. Such non-compliance could also result in civil or criminal consequences, although the specific penalties are not detailed in the AD itself. Typically, under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations, penalties for non-compliance can include substantial fines and potential imprisonment, depending on the severity and impact of the breach (section 6). The exact penalties would be determined by the relevant authority following an investigation into the breach.