AD/CESSNA 500/7 - Landing Gear Unlock Actuator and Control System

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, serve as the primary legislation governing civil aviation within the country. Among its various parts, Part 39 - 105 includes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which aims to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating in Australia. Specifically, the legislation addresses identified safety concerns and compliance requirements through directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 500/7, pertains to the Cessna 500 (Citation) Series Aeroplanes, focusing on the landing gear unlock actuator and control system. This directive was introduced to address a specific safety issue and ensure that aircraft meet the necessary safety standards. Compliance with these airworthiness directives is mandatory, with a clear policy objective of enhancing the overall safety of civil aviation operations in Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, applies to all Cessna 500 (Citation) Series Aeroplanes with specific serial numbers, namely those from 500-0001 to 500-0142 and 500-0144 to 500-0156 and 500-0158. This regulation mandates compliance with the Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning the Landing Gear Unlock Actuator and Control System, as outlined in Cessna citation SB 32-17. Compliance with this directive must be achieved within 50 hours of time in service after 14 June 1974 or before 31 July 1974, whichever comes first. This regulation extends across the Commonwealth of Australia, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), ensuring that all specified aircraft meet the prescribed safety standards. The legislation does not explicitly mention any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, thus implying that all affected aircraft must comply with the directive without exception. The scope of this regulation is specifically targeted at enhancing the safety and airworthiness of the specified Cessna models within the Australian aviation industry.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/CESSNA 500/7, address the landing gear unlock actuator and control system for the Cessna 500 (Citation) series aeroplanes. The directive applies to all models with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 500-0001 to 500-0142, 500-0144 to 500-0156, and 500-0158 (paragraph 1). This directive is intended to ensure the safety and proper functioning of the landing gear system, which is critical for the safe operation of the aircraft. Compliance with the directive must be achieved within 50 hours of time in service after 14 June 1974 or before 31 July 1974, whichever comes first (paragraph 2). The obligations imposed by this directive on the parties and entities it governs primarily revolve around ensuring that the specified modifications or inspections are completed within the prescribed timeframe. Owners and operators of the affected Cessna 500 series aircraft must ensure that the landing gear unlock actuator and control system is inspected and, if necessary, repaired or replaced in accordance with the directive. This involves following the instructions provided in the Cessna Citation Service Bulletin (SB) 32-17, which details the specific actions required to achieve compliance (paragraph 3). Failure to comply with these obligations can result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, which could lead to grounding and potential legal consequences. The consequences for non-compliance with AD/CESSNA 500/7 are significant. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, failure to adhere to an Airworthiness Directive can result in civil penalties, including fines. Additionally, operating an aircraft that does not comply with such directives can lead to criminal charges. The maximum penalties for these offences vary, but can include substantial fines and imprisonment, reflecting the seriousness of the safety implications involved (paragraph 4). These penalties underscore the importance of strict adherence to the provisions set forth in the directive to maintain the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.