COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Cessna 550 (Citation II) Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 550/4
Amdt 1
Main Gear Actuator to Strut Attach Stud - Inspection
1/84
Applicability: All model 550 with unit numbers 0002 thru 0479. Document: Cessna citation service letter SLA 550-32-32 Rev.1.
Compliance: 1. Before further flight after 7th October, 1983 and prior to each flight thereafter.
Visually inspect each main landing gear actuator attach stud (taper pin) retaining nut and cotter pin (aft side of cylinder boss) for security.
2. Within 25 hours or 30 days time in service after 7th October 1983 whichever occurs first, perform one of the following:
(a) If Service Bulletin SB550-32-9 is available comply with that service bulletin. or
(b) If Service Bulletin SB550-32-9 is not available: perform the inspection detailed in the requirement document.
3. Within 90 days after 10th October 1983 - Comply with Service Bulletin SB550-32-9 if not already accomplished.
Note 1: Compliance with SB550-32-9 results in discontinuance of the inspection requirements.
Note 2: For aircraft maintained in accordance with ANO 100.5.1 the inspection detailed at Para.1 above shall be entered on the maintenance release as maintenance required. That inspection may be performed by the pilot in command, in which case certification is not required. In all other cases certification may be made on the maintenance release. This inspection may also be performed and certified by any Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer.
Note 3: Compliance with the previous issue of this directive constitutes compliance with this amendment.
Background: Reports have been received of failure of the main gear attach stud P/No. 6541204-3 at the thread relief on the small end. Failure can result in loss of the attach stud from the main gear trunnion which could result in gear collapse. This directive is raised in issue to include additional aircraft detailed in reference document at Rev.1 which also introduced minor changes to accomplishment instructions.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, address the safety concerns related to the Cessna 550 (Citation II) Series Aeroplanes through Airworthiness Directives. Enacted by the Australian Parliament, this legislation aims to ensure the safety of civil aviation by setting stringent requirements and standards that aircraft operators must follow. The AD/CESSNA 550/4 Amendment 1, which concerns the inspection of the main gear actuator to strut attach stud, was introduced to address the problem of potential failures in the main gear attach studs, which could lead to catastrophic consequences such as gear collapse. The directive mandates a thorough inspection process and provides a timeline for compliance, ensuring that all relevant aircraft are checked and maintained to the highest safety standards. This amendment reflects a commitment to enhancing aviation safety by responding to specific incidents and reinforcing the importance of regular maintenance checks.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate the inspection and compliance of certain maintenance directives for Cessna 550 (Citation II) series aeroplanes. This legislation applies to all Cessna model 550 aircraft with unit numbers ranging from 0002 to 0479, ensuring that these aircraft meet specific safety standards before further flight operations. The directive applies both nationally and in accordance with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations. Compliance involves a visual inspection of the main landing gear actuator attach stud (taper pin) retaining nut and cotter pin before further flight, as well as additional inspections within specified timeframes post a designated date. Exemptions and thresholds are detailed in the regulation, with compliance noted in the aircraft's maintenance records. This regulation also extends its application through subordinate instruments such as service bulletins, which provide additional guidance and instructions for maintaining airworthiness standards.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates that certain Cessna 550 (Citation II) series aeroplanes undergo specific maintenance checks to ensure airworthiness. Section AD/CESSNA 550/4 Amendment 1 pertains to the main gear actuator to strut attach stud. It applies to all model 550 aeroplanes with unit numbers ranging from 0002 to 0479. The directive, found in the Cessna Citation Service Letter SLA 550-32-32 Rev.1, requires a visual inspection of the main landing gear actuator attach stud (taper pin) retaining nut and cotter pin (aft side of cylinder boss) for security before further flight after 7 October 1983 and prior to each flight thereafter (section 1). Within 25 hours or 30 days of time in service after 7 October 1983, whichever occurs first, either Service Bulletin SB550-32-9 must be complied with if available, or the inspection detailed in the requirement document must be performed if the bulletin is not available (section 2). Finally, within 90 days after 10 October 1983, Service Bulletin SB550-32-9 must be complied with if not already done (section 3).
The legislation imposes several obligations on the parties involved. Operators of the affected aircraft must ensure compliance with the inspection requirements outlined in the directive. This may be done by the pilot in command if the aircraft is maintained in accordance with ANO 100.5.1, or it may be performed and certified by a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. The directive also stipulates that if Service Bulletin SB550-32-9 is complied with, the inspection requirements are discontinued. For aircraft maintained in accordance with ANO 100.5.1, the inspection must be entered on the maintenance release as maintenance required, even if performed by the pilot in command.
Failure to comply with the provisions of the directive could result in civil or criminal consequences. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the text, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations can generally lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These actions may include fines, suspension or revocation of aircraft operating certificates, and potential legal action against the operator or maintenance personnel. The precise penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as any relevant case law or regulatory guidelines.